Why wont my Dodge Journey driver window roll up?
The driver’s power window on a Dodge Journey is usually halted by a blown fuse, a failing window motor or regulator, or a stuck switch or track. Start with the simplest checks (fuses and switches) before opening the door for a deeper inspection.
Common causes
Understanding the probable culprits helps focus your diagnostic effort. The most frequent reasons a Dodge Journey driver window won’t roll up are listed below:
- Blown fuse or faulty relay for the power-window circuit.
- Faulty window motor or worn window regulator.
- Damaged or misaligned window regulator cables or gears.
- Obstruction or debris in the window track or a glass jam.
- Faulty door switch or malfunctioning master window switch.
- Damaged wiring harness inside the door, or a broken door connector/strain point.
- Window lock or child-safety lock engaged, preventing operation from the driver switch.
If any of these issues match what you’re experiencing (no movement, a humming sound, or intermittent operation), they guide where to look next.
Troubleshooting steps
Follow these steps in order to identify the cause and decide on repair. This sequence helps you distinguish electrical problems from mechanical ones.
- Check the fuses and relays: Locate the fuse box and verify the Front Left Window (or Power Window) fuse is intact. Replace a blown fuse with one of the same amperage if needed.
- Test the door switch and the master window switch: Press the window switch on the driver door and the passenger door (if available) to compare responses. If only the driver switch fails, the switch or its wiring is a likely culprit.
- Listen and observe: With the up button pressed, does the motor buzz or click, or is there no sound at all? A buzzing sound often means a motor trying to move but failing (regulator or track issue); no sound typically points to power or switch problems.
- Inspect for track obstructions: Remove the door panel and check that the glass isn’t jammed or binding in the track. Clear debris and ensure the glass can move freely by hand with gentle support.
- Check the door wiring harness: Inspect the wiring where it enters the door jamb for cracked insulation, pinched wires, or corrosion. A damaged harness can cut power to the motor or switch.
- Compare with the passenger window: If the passenger window operates normally, the issue is likely with the driver’s window switch or its wiring; if both windows fail, focus on the fuse, relay, or main power supply.
- Decide on repair: If power reaches the motor but there’s no movement, replace the motor and regulator assembly. If power isn’t reaching the motor, fix or replace the switch or wiring and connectors.
- Reassemble and retest: After any repair or adjustment, reassemble the panel and test the full travel range several times to confirm consistent operation.
If you’re uncomfortable performing door-panel work or diagnosing wiring, a professional technician can usually diagnose and fix the problem quickly, often with a written estimate prior to work.
Parts, costs, and service considerations
Knowing what to expect helps you budget and understand the repair workflow. Replacing a window motor and regulator is a common fix when the motor won’t move or the glass is stuck.
- Window motor and regulator assembly (front left) commonly ranges from roughly $150 to $400 for parts, depending on whether you use an aftermarket or OEM unit.
- Individual motor or regulator components may be cheaper but can require more labor if you’re rebuilding the mechanism in the door.
- Labor costs vary by shop and region, but expect around 1–2 hours of labor for a straightforward front-door replacement, plus any door-panel removal time.
- Prices can differ by year/model specifics, so verify compatibility for your Dodge Journey’s exact production year and trim when ordering parts.
Get a written quote that includes parts and labor before work begins, and ask whether the shop will inspect the door harness and switch as part of the diagnostic fee.
Prevention and maintenance tips
Routine care can reduce future window issues. Keep the window tracks clean and lightly lubricated, avoid slamming the window, and periodically inspect the door seals and wiring harness for wear, especially in older Journeys with many miles.
- Lubricate window tracks with a silicone-based lubricant and wipe away excess.
- Inspect the door boot (the rubber grommet where wires pass into the door) for cracks or damage; replace if needed to prevent wiring wear.
- Address any unusual sounds or slow operation promptly to prevent regulator damage from prolonged binding.
Taking these precautions can help keep the driver window working smoothly and reduce the likelihood of repeat failures.
Summary
For a Dodge Journey driver window that won’t roll up, start with electrical checks (fuses, relays, and switches) and then move to mechanical inspection (the motor, regulator, and tracks). If power reaches the motor but there’s no movement, the regulator or motor likely needs replacement; if power isn’t reaching the motor, focus on wiring or the switch. Parts and labor costs vary by year and shop, but a typical front-door motor/regulator replacement is a common fix. When in doubt, consult a qualified auto technician to confirm the diagnosis and provide a written estimate.
