Dodge Ram 50 Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Dodge Ram 50 Windows and Effective Repair Solutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 Dodge Ram 50 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 fail or operate intermittently.
  • 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 Dodge Ram 50 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.

Troubleshooting Power Window Issues in a Dodge Ram 50

When troubleshooting power window issues in your Dodge Ram 50, it's essential to adopt a diagnostic approach that begins with the most straightforward checks. Start by inspecting the power window motor to ensure it is receiving power; using a voltmeter can help you confirm this. Next, examine the fuse associated with the affected window, as a blown fuse is a common culprit for window malfunctions. If the window remains unresponsive, consider the condition of the window switch, particularly in models from 2009 to 2018, where switch failures are frequently reported. Should you find that the motor draws excessive amperage, it may indicate the need for lubrication of the glass run channels or even the replacement of the window regulator or motor assemblies. Additionally, if you suspect issues with the driver's side switch module, opening it up to touch up the solder connections on the window lock-out switch can often resolve the problem. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and address the power window issues in your Dodge Ram 50, potentially saving time and repair costs.

What to Check When the Window Won't Move in a Dodge Ram 50?

When faced with a window that won't move in your Dodge Ram 50, it's essential to consider several common problems that could be at play. Start by examining the power window motor; using a voltmeter can help determine if it’s receiving power, which is crucial for functionality. Next, inspect the fuse associated with the power windows, as a blown fuse can easily disrupt operation. If the window shows any signs of movement when you press the button, it may indicate resistance issues, possibly due to debris or a mechanical obstruction that triggers the safety system. In such cases, resetting the window by fully lowering it and then raising it while holding the button can sometimes resolve the issue. If all windows are unresponsive, the problem may lie within the fuse box or a faulty window relay, making it necessary to check these components for any signs of failure. By systematically addressing these common issues, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially fix the window problem in your Dodge Ram 50.

How to Fix a Non-Operating Window in a Dodge Ram 50?

When dealing with a non-operating window in your Dodge Ram 50, it’s crucial to act swiftly to avoid further complications. A malfunctioning window not only compromises your vehicle's security but can also lead to exposure to the elements, which may damage the interior and electrical components over time. Start by checking the power window motor with a voltmeter to ensure it’s receiving power; this is a fundamental step in diagnosing the issue. Next, inspect the related fuse, as a blown fuse can easily disrupt window functionality. If the window switch is unresponsive, it may indicate a common problem in models from 2009 to 2018, necessitating further investigation. Should you find that the window motor or regulator is broken, replacing these parts is essential for restoring operation. Additionally, if the window exhibits jerky movements, this could signal a fixable issue that should not be ignored. By addressing these symptoms promptly, you can prevent more significant damage and ensure your vehicle remains safe and functional.

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Dodge Ram 50 Window Won't Go Up Down - Fix & Repair