2012 Dodge Charger Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Common Causes of Window Malfunctions in Your 2012 Dodge Charger and How to Fix Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
36% chance it's the
Fuse, Relay or Electrical System
0%
20% chance it's the
Window Motor
0%
24% chance it's the
Window Regulator
0%
20% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2012 Dodge Charger window won't go up or down are window's electrical system such as a fuse or relay, a broken window motor, or a broken window regulator.
  • Fuse, Relay or Electrical System: A blown fuse or a faulty relay can disrupt the electrical circuit, causing components to malfunction or not operate at all.
  • Window Motor: A faulty window motor or a broken window regulator can prevent the window from moving up or down properly.
  • Window Regulator: A faulty window regulator can cause the window to become stuck or operate erratically due to worn gears or a broken cable.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2012 Dodge Charger window won't go up or down?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

If the door window motor fails, the window may not open or close, or it may operate intermittently. Traditionally, problems with power windows were caused by faulty switches or electrical wiring - especially the wires running between the door and the vehicle body that are subjected to repeated flexing. In these cases, the window might operate intermittently when the door is opened and closed. While this may still be the case on newer cars, it is increasingly common to find window motor problems that originate with a control module. Still, the switches and wiring should be checked thoroughly before replacing a window motor.

If one of the windows in a vehicle will not open or close properly, a failing door window regulator might be the cause. A window that is moving intermittently, or one that gets stuck on the way up or down, could also indicate a broken regulator. Other symptoms might include a clicking, chattering, or grinding noise when the window moves. In some cases a severely damaged window regulator could cause the window to drop inside the door.

When a switch can not make contact and close the circuit, the window cannot be raised and lowered. If the switch on the driver's door will not raise or lower the window in question, but the switch on the corresponding door works just fine, this is a good indication that there is a switch failure. This works the other way around, as well. If the switch on the door does not cause the window to function, but the driver's switch does, that is an indication of a passenger door window switch failure.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

How urgent is it to address the issue of a non-operational window in a 2012 Dodge Charger?

Addressing a non-operational window in a 2012 Dodge Charger is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. The inability to operate a window can severely compromise your visibility while driving, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, a malfunctioning window can leave your vehicle vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access, posing a significant security threat. Delaying repairs can exacerbate the issue, potentially leading to more extensive damage to critical components like the window motor or regulator, which could result in higher repair costs down the line. Furthermore, a non-operational window can create discomfort during extreme weather conditions, making it essential to restore functionality for both safety and convenience. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue promptly to maintain the safety, security, and overall performance of your Dodge Charger.

What are the steps to diagnose a non-functioning window in a 2012 Dodge Charger?

When diagnosing a non-functioning window in a 2012 Dodge Charger, it's essential to adopt a systematic approach that prioritizes simpler solutions before delving into more complex issues. Start by checking the fuse and relay associated with the window system, as these are common culprits for electrical failures. If the electrical components are intact, proceed to test the window motor to ensure it is receiving power and operating correctly; a malfunctioning motor may require replacement. Next, inspect the window regulator for any visible damage or signs of wear, as this component is crucial for the window's movement. If the window features an express-up or express-down function, resetting this module can sometimes resolve the issue. Additionally, calibrating the window by positioning it correctly and following the calibration process can restore its functionality. If these steps do not yield results, consulting a professional mechanic or visiting a Dodge dealership is advisable for a thorough diagnosis and repair. This methodical approach not only helps in identifying the problem efficiently but also saves time and resources in the DIY repair process.

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2012 Dodge Charger Window Troubleshooting & Repair Costs