2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Common Causes of Window Malfunctions in Your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and How to Fix Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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.

What are the steps to diagnose a window that won't operate in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

To effectively diagnose a window that won't operate in your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex issues. Begin by testing the power window switch; a malfunctioning switch is often the culprit. Next, inspect the fuses associated with the window system, as a blown fuse can easily disrupt functionality. Ensure that the window is free from any obstructions that might hinder its movement, as debris or foreign objects can cause it to jam. Additionally, check the window lock-out switch to confirm it hasn't been activated, which would prevent the window from operating. Finally, if the window remains unresponsive, try lowering the door glass fully using the switch, holding it in the second detent position until it reaches the bottom. This process can sometimes reset the system and restore functionality. By following these steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the issue with your window, making it a manageable DIY project.

What are the common problems that could cause the windows to stop working in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

When dealing with non-functioning windows in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's essential to understand the common problems that may be at play. One of the primary culprits is a faulty window regulator, which is crucial for the mechanical movement of the window. If this component fails, it can prevent the window from operating correctly, necessitating a replacement. Another frequent issue is a defective window switch located on the door panel; wear and tear can lead to its malfunction, inhibiting the window's response to commands. Additionally, a blown fuse in the vehicle's fuse box can disrupt the power supply to the windows, making it a simple yet often overlooked fix. The window motor, responsible for powering the regulator, can also fail, resulting in the window being stuck or inoperative. Lastly, electrical issues, such as wiring problems or a malfunctioning control module, can complicate matters further. By systematically addressing these potential issues, you can effectively troubleshoot and restore functionality to the windows of your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How urgent is it to address the malfunctioning window in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Addressing a malfunctioning window in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is of utmost importance due to the immediate safety and security risks it poses. A window that fails to operate correctly can obstruct the driver's view, increasing the likelihood of accidents by limiting visibility of surrounding vehicles and obstacles. Additionally, a compromised window can leave the vehicle vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access, putting your belongings at risk. Beyond these pressing concerns, delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage to the window's mechanism or electrical systems, resulting in higher repair costs down the line. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the repair of a malfunctioning window to maintain the vehicle's safety, security, and overall functionality.

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