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Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004: How to Replace Power Window Regulator

Has your power window regular decided that it no longer wants to work, leaving you with an open window on a rainy day? We'll show you how to get your window rolling smoothly again.

By Brett Foote - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).

The window regulators in your Jeep regulate the electric motors' charge and distribute it to the motorized track that the glass sits on. When the regulator kicks the bucket, the power windows will simply stop working. The regulator is the most common source of stuck windows in a powered system. If your power windows are stuck, it might be time to replace the regulators. Read on for the DIY to get it done.

Materials Needed

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • T25 Torx driver
  • Putty knife or door panel clip tool
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Painters tape
  • 10mm socket and ratchet

Step 1 – Remove the door panel

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws in the A pillar, door handle cup, and behind the door handle. Work around and behind the door panel with a putty knife or door panel clip tool to pry the panel off of the clips holding it in place. Pull the door panel off the door and remove the linkage as well as wiring harness connected to it. Remove the four screws holding the speaker in place, disconnect the wiring harness connected to the speaker, and remove the speaker. Remove the water shield behind the door panel by using a putty knife and peeling it off. Be careful and take your time when doing this so you don't damage the shield.

Figure 1. Remove the door panel to gain access to the window regulator.

Step 2 – Remove the window regulator

Remove the two clips holding the window glass in place as shown in Figure 2. Raise the window up by hand and use painters tape to hold it in place. Remove the two bolts holding the window track in place and loosen the three bolts below it that hold the regulator in place. Reach inside the door and pull the window track out of the way. Reach behind and remove the window regulator, then remove the harness connected to it.

Figure 2. Remove the two clips (as shown) to free the window glass.

Step 3 – Install new window regulator

Slide the new regulator in place and feed the wiring harness into place carefully. Tighten up the three bolts to secure the regulator in place. Plug the harness in. Slide the window track back into place and tighten the two bolts. Remove the painters tape on the window and carefully lower it back into place. Replace the two clips that hold the window glass to the track. Plug the wiring harness back into the door panel and reconnect the linkage. Push the door panel back into place by hand, working your way around and securing it into the clips. Replace the three screws holding the door panel in place.

Figure 3. Slide the new window regulator into place.

Featured Video: How to Replace Window Regulator

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