Replace the Window Regulator in a Jeep Cherokee

by josh

80K2013

Intro: Replace the Window Regulator in a Jeep Cherokee

Last week the window on my Jeep started making a horrible noise! A violent grinding sound that would make the most callous of people cringe! Here's how to fix it!

STEP 1: Start Removing the Door Panel

Undo all the screws

STEP 2: Pop the Panel Free

be careful! don't pry too hard, you don't want to break the little plastic clips that hold the panel to the door.

STEP 3: Undo the Connecty Bits

undo the electrical connections and the door handle rods so you can pull the panel free

STEP 4: Pull Back the Vapor Barrier Carefully!

This is a very important piece. Don't tear it... if you do, it is easy to repair with duct tape.

STEP 5: Pull Off the Sweeper

pull of the felt sweeper that is on the inside of the window. doing this will make removing the window easier.

STEP 6: Unplug the Window Regulator Motor

These little clips are frigging annoying but they work well at keeping plugs plugged...

STEP 7: Unbolt the Window Regulator From the Door and the Window.

you should now be able to slide the glass up through the top of the door and out of the frame.

STEP 8: Glass! Don't Break It

set the glass out of the way in a safe place while you swap out the regulator assemblies.

STEP 9: New and Old

I made sure I had the correct regulator before I continued any further. I also wanted to inspect my old assembly to see what had gone awry. 

STEP 10: Plug the Plug

do it now before you forget!

STEP 11: Install the Regulator!

tighten all the hardware that attaches the regulator to the door and the window to the regulator.

STEP 12: Test

I loose fit all the fasteners before re-installing the door panel so as to make sure the window would not bind in the channel.
then I tightened all the bolts and started reassebly

STEP 13: Plug All the Plugs, Clip All the Clips and Re-install All the Screws!

if you forget to clip or plug something now you'll just have to pull the panel off again... double check!

STEP 14: Done!

Feel a sense of accomplishment and be happy that you no longer have to hear that horrible noise!

11 Comments

Wilson67 5 years ago

1994 cherokee.
Window lift motor doesnt work. Regulator is fine. Can i replace the motor without pulling the entire regulator out?

josh 1 year ago

Um not really. It’s one assembly

josh 5 years ago

I think it might be kinda tough to get only the motor out to replace it. I think the pre-HO cherokees have a different mechanism though so I couldn’t tell you 100%

doitzion 4 years ago

Hello, the noise you were experiencing, was it caused by the window auto function not stopping when you are rolling down the window? My window works just fine, however, it refuses to stop falling down it makes a horrible grinding sound until I manipulate the switch. Thank you for your time

josh 1 year ago

Yes, this will fix your problem.

Jack3366 1 year ago

How do I connect the short cable to the left hand track rail?

josh 1 year ago

I can’t remember it’s been so long. Sorry!

CrazySurvivalSt 6 years ago

If you have a Fiat Panda you might find interesting having a look on this video "Power window regulator replace in Fiat Panda 1.2 (169). Save up to 120€!! How to fix" : https://youtu.be/dirk1cFyPLk

josh 5 years ago

thanks for the tip!

mikeely 9 years ago

Nice write up. I just did it today! One suggestion would be to tape the window up in the door frame after unbolting it from the regulator. This eliminates taking out the sweeper and pulling the window. Thanks for the assistance so I didn't miss any steps. :)