Lincoln Navigator Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Common Causes of Window Malfunctions in Your Lincoln Navigator 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 Lincoln Navigator 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 Lincoln Navigator 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 Window Issues in a Lincoln Navigator

When troubleshooting window issues in your Lincoln Navigator, start with the simplest potential problems before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by inspecting the fuse related to the window operation, as a blown fuse is a common and easily fixable issue. If the fuse is intact, check the window switch for functionality; listen for a click when you engage it, which indicates that power is reaching the switch. Next, verify that the motor is receiving power by testing the green wire and the other two wires while operating the switch. If the motor is not receiving power, the issue may lie in the wiring or the relay. If the motor is receiving power but the window still does not move, inspect the motor itself for any signs of damage or wear, including checking the bushings, as crushed bushings can hinder movement. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve window issues without needing professional help, saving both time and money.

Troubleshooting Power Window Issues in a Lincoln Navigator

When dealing with power window issues in a Lincoln Navigator, it's essential to understand the common problems that can arise. One of the first areas to check is the electrical system, as a blown fuse or faulty relay can disrupt window functionality. If the electrical components are intact, the window motor may be the culprit; a malfunctioning motor can lead to intermittent operation or complete failure. Additionally, the window regulator plays a crucial role in the movement of the window, and if it is damaged, it can prevent the window from moving altogether. After any battery replacement, it's also important to note that you may need to hold the switch to reset the window's position. Wiring issues and faulty switches are other common problems that can hinder window operation, so inspecting these components is vital. For a thorough diagnosis, check the motor's bushings, as crushed bushings can cause the motor to run without moving the window. Lastly, reprogramming the window position sensors may be necessary for vehicles equipped with one-touch operation. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve power window issues in your Lincoln Navigator.

Why is the Window Not Functioning in a Lincoln Navigator?

When a window in your Lincoln Navigator fails to operate, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent potential safety hazards and further damage. Common culprits include electrical system failures, such as a blown fuse or a malfunctioning window motor, which can lead to intermittent operation or complete failure of the window. If you've recently replaced or disconnected the 12-volt battery, you might find that the power windows require you to hold the switch manually to operate fully. Additionally, inspecting the wire harness within the door can reveal broken wires that disrupt functionality. For rear windows, listen for a clicking sound when turning the key to the ACC position, as this may indicate a relay issue. Neglecting these symptoms not only compromises your vehicle's safety but can also lead to more extensive repairs down the line, making it essential to diagnose and resolve window issues as soon as they arise.

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