Power Window Motor - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear window motor on 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler models equipped with power rear windows.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar 68110501AA or equivalent
• Trim panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 5 — Mopar 6503598AA

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure rear window is in full UP position before beginning work
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Open rear liftgate or tailgate for access to interior trim panel
5. Photograph electrical connector orientation before disconnection for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using 10mm wrench, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from battery post and secure away from terminal to prevent accidental contact. Wait minimum 2 minutes before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove rear window interior trim panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the plastic trim panel covering the rear window motor access area on the interior side of the liftgate glass. Start at bottom corners and work around perimeter. There are typically 6-8 retaining clips securing this panel. Set panel and clips aside in safe location.
   ⚠Trim clips break easily - use proper trim tools and pry at clip locations only, not between clips
3. 3

   Access window motor mounting area
   Remove any additional interior trim pieces or weather sealing that obstruct access to the window motor assembly. On some models, a small access panel secured by T30 Torx screws must be removed. Keep all fasteners organized.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Secure window glass in UP position
   Use masking tape to secure the window glass to the liftgate frame in the full UP position. Apply tape from glass to surrounding bodywork on both sides. This prevents the glass from dropping when motor is disconnected from regulator.
   ⚠Failure to secure glass can result in sudden glass drop causing injury or glass damage
5. 5

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the window motor assembly. Press the connector lock tab and pull connector straight off motor terminals. If connector is corroded, spray with electrical contact cleaner and allow to penetrate before removal.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Using 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the window motor to the regulator mechanism and door frame. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️Motor assembly weighs approximately 2-3 lbs and may be in awkward position - support before removing final bolt
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate motor from regulator drive gear
   Carefully rotate and manipulate the motor assembly to disengage the motor drive gear from the regulator sector gear. The motor may need to be tilted at specific angle to clear mounting bracket. Remove motor assembly through access opening.
8. 8

   Inspect regulator mechanism
   With motor removed, inspect the regulator sector gear for worn teeth, debris, or damage. Check regulator slides and tracks for binding or obstruction. Clean any debris from gear teeth and mechanism. Apply small amount of white lithium grease to sector gear teeth if dry.
9. 9

   Install new window motor
   Position new motor assembly and align motor drive gear with regulator sector gear. Rotate motor as needed to mesh gears properly. Once gears are engaged, position motor against mounting surface ensuring proper alignment of all three bolt holes.
10. 10

    Install motor mounting bolts
    Thread in all three mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten mounting bolts to specification in star pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect motor electrical connector
    Reconnect electrical connector to motor terminals ensuring connector fully seats and locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug connector to verify secure connection.
12. 12

    Test window operation before final assembly
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten to specification. Test window operation through full UP and DOWN cycle to verify motor function and smooth operation. Window should move smoothly without binding or unusual noise. If operation is normal, disconnect battery again for final assembly.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall trim panels and seals
    Remove tape securing window glass. Reinstall any access panels with T30 Torx screws torqued to specification. Reinstall weather sealing and main interior trim panel, ensuring all retaining clips fully seat with audible click.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final battery connection and system test
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Perform complete window function test including auto-up feature if equipped. Test window switch from both front controls and rear switch if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim clips are properly seated before applying pressure to trim panels
2. Verify window operates smoothly through complete range before considering job complete
3. If auto-up feature does not work after motor replacement, window may need to be re-initialized per factory procedure (cycle full down, hold 2 seconds, cycle full up, hold 2 seconds)

Verification

• Test window operation from full DOWN to full UP position multiple times
• Verify window stops properly at both full UP and full DOWN positions without excessive motor run-on
• Check that auto-up function operates correctly if vehicle is equipped
• Confirm no unusual motor noise or binding throughout travel range
• Verify window seals properly against weatherstrip when in UP position
• Test operation from both driver controls and rear window switch if applicable

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle