Replace the rear power window regulator assembly on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine, including removal of the door panel and window glass.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear power window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar or equivalent for JK Wrangler rear door
• Door panel retaining clips × 5 — Have spares available as they often break during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental window operation
3. Roll rear window approximately halfway down before disconnecting battery (if functional)
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning
5. Have a clean workspace to lay the door panel without scratching

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Using a T30 Torx driver, remove the two screws at the bottom edge of the door panel. Remove the Phillips screw from the door handle bezel area. If equipped with manual locks, carefully pry off the lock knob by rotating and pulling upward.
2. 2

   Disconnect switch panel
   Use a trim removal tool to carefully pry the power window switch panel from the armrest. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Set switch panel aside.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Insert trim removal tools around the perimeter of the door panel to release the plastic retaining clips (approximately 8-10 clips). Work carefully to avoid breaking clips. Once all clips are released, lift the door panel upward to disengage it from the window sill, then pull away from door. Disconnect any remaining electrical connections for speakers or courtesy lights.
4. 4

   Remove water shield
   Carefully peel back the plastic water shield from the door frame. Work slowly to avoid tearing, as it should be reused. Only peel back enough to access the window regulator mechanism and mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Secure window glass
   Roll or manually position the window glass to approximately 3/4 up position. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame at the top, or use wire ties through the door frame holes to support the glass weight. Ensure glass is firmly secured and cannot drop.
   ⚠Glass must be fully secured before proceeding. Unsecured glass can fall and shatter during regulator removal.
6. 6

   Disconnect window from regulator
   Locate the two bolts securing the window glass to the regulator lift channel (accessible through the access holes in the door frame). Using a 10mm socket, remove these bolts. Carefully separate the window from the regulator channel.
7. 7

   Disconnect regulator motor
   Locate the window regulator motor electrical connector inside the door. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the wiring harness from the motor. Move the wiring out of the way.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Locate the regulator assembly mounting bolts (typically 3-4 bolts). Using a 10mm socket, remove all regulator mounting bolts from the door frame. Note the position and routing of the regulator cables through the door frame.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Extract regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly out through the large access opening in the door frame. You may need to angle and rotate the assembly to clear the door reinforcement structures. Work slowly to avoid damaging the regulator cables or motor.
10. 10

    Install new regulator
    Position the new regulator assembly and carefully insert it through the door frame access opening, routing cables in the same path as the original. Align the regulator mounting holes with the door frame. Thread in all mounting bolts hand-tight, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
    ℹ️Verify regulator cables are not twisted or kinked and move freely before fully tightening bolts.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect electrical and glass
    Connect the regulator motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. Remove the tape or ties securing the window glass. Lower the glass carefully onto the regulator lift channel and align the mounting holes. Install the two glass-to-regulator bolts hand-tight.
12. 12

    Test window operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal temporarily. Test window operation by using the switch panel to raise and lower the window through its full range of travel. Verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. If operation is satisfactory, disconnect battery again and tighten the glass-to-regulator bolts fully.
    ⚠If window binds or operates roughly, stop immediately and check regulator alignment and cable routing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall water shield and door panel
    Press the water shield back into position, ensuring complete adhesion around all edges to prevent water intrusion. Reconnect any door panel electrical connections (speakers, lights). Position the door panel onto the door, engaging the top edge over the window sill first, then pressing firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Install the T30 Torx screws at the bottom and the Phillips screw at the handle bezel.
14. 14

    Reinstall switch panel and final test
    Reconnect the power window switch electrical connector and snap the switch panel into the armrest opening. Reinstall lock knob if equipped. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Test complete window operation including auto-down and auto-up functions if equipped. Perform window re-initialization procedure if necessary per Jeep service manual.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated and panel is secure
2. Verify water shield is completely adhered to prevent moisture entry
3. Check that all electrical connections are secure and functioning
4. Confirm window operates smoothly through full range without noise or binding

Verification

• Test window operation in both up and down directions multiple times to confirm smooth, consistent movement
• Verify window seals properly against weatherstripping when fully closed
• Check that auto-up and auto-down features work correctly if equipped
• Confirm no rattles or loose components when opening and closing door
• Verify door panel is secure with no gaps or loose clips
• Test that window stops at correct upper and lower positions without overtravel

More procedures for this vehicle