Power Window Motor - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front power window motor on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, requiring door panel removal and window regulator access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front power window motor × 1 — Mopar 68059559AA or equivalent
• Door panel retaining clips (optional replacements) × 1 — Mopar clip assortment

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Roll window fully up if motor still functions, or manually position window in up position and secure with tape through door jamb
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel hardware
   Remove the two Phillips screws from the door pull/armrest area. Remove the T30 Torx screw behind the interior door handle trim. Carefully pry off the small triangular mirror trim cover at the front upper corner of the door panel.
2. 2

   Disconnect window and lock switches
   Press the release tab and disconnect the power window switch connector. If equipped with power locks, disconnect the lock switch connector as well. Remove the switch panel assembly from the door.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Using trim removal tools, carefully pry the door panel away from the door starting at the bottom rear corner. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing all retaining clips. Lift the panel up and away from the door once all clips are released. Set panel aside on a protected surface.
   ⚠Apply steady, even pressure when removing clips to avoid breaking them or cracking the door panel.
4. 4

   Remove vapor barrier access
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier enough to access the window regulator and motor assembly. You may need to cut or peel the adhesive sealant. Keep barrier intact for reinstallation - do not tear the plastic.
5. 5

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the wiring harness from the motor. Move wiring out of the work area.
6. 6

   Support window glass
   If window is not already secured, carefully support the window glass in the full up position using painter's tape across the top of the glass to the door frame exterior, or have an assistant hold it. The window must be prevented from dropping when the motor is removed.
   ⚠Failure to properly support the window glass will result in the glass dropping and potentially breaking when motor is removed.
7. 7

   Remove window motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three motor mounting bolts securing the window motor to the regulator assembly. These are typically 10mm bolts. Remove all three mounting bolts and retain them for reinstallation if reusing.
8. 8

   Remove window motor from door
   Carefully separate the motor from the regulator assembly. You may need to rotate or angle the motor to extract it through the access hole in the door frame. Remove the motor from the door cavity.
9. 9

   Install new window motor
   Position the new window motor against the regulator assembly, aligning the motor drive gear with the regulator mechanism. Ensure proper engagement before installing mounting bolts. Insert and hand-tighten all three mounting bolts.
10. 10

    Torque motor mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the three window motor mounting bolts to specification in a crossing pattern to ensure even mounting pressure and proper motor alignment.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical and test
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal to test window operation. Operate window through full up and down cycles to verify proper motor function and smooth operation before final reassembly.
    ℹ️Window may require re-initialization procedure: with ignition on, hold switch down until window is fully down, continue holding for 2 seconds. Then hold switch up until fully up, continue holding for 2 seconds.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall vapor barrier
    Once window operation is verified, disconnect battery again. Carefully reposition the vapor barrier against the door frame, ensuring all original adhesive areas are sealed. Add new butyl tape or weatherstrip adhesive if needed to maintain moisture seal.
13. 13

    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect the window and lock switch connectors. Position the door panel, engaging the top edge into the window seal first, then pressing firmly around all perimeter clip locations until all clips are fully seated. Reinstall all screws and trim pieces in reverse order of removal, torquing fasteners as specified.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated and panel is secure before torquing screws
2. Verify vapor barrier is properly sealed to prevent moisture intrusion into door cavity
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal and perform window auto-up/down initialization if equipped
4. Test all door functions including locks, windows, and mirror controls before completing job

Verification

• Test window operation through multiple full up and down cycles - motion should be smooth without binding or unusual noise
• Verify window auto-reverse function operates correctly (if equipped) by obstructing window path during closing
• Check that window seals properly at full up position with no gaps or misalignment
• Confirm door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips
• Verify all switch functions operate correctly and door panel screws are properly tightened

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