Why wont my Ford Explorer driver window go up?

The driver’s window not going up is usually an electrical fault or a failed window motor/regulator, often due to a blown fuse, a bad switch, or an obstruction in the track.

Common causes

Several issues can stop the driver’s window from rising. Here are the most frequent culprits to check.

• Blown fuse or faulty relay for the power window circuit


• A bad or worn driver’s window switch (or a failing door switch)


• Faulty window motor or damaged window regulator (often the regulator gears or cables)


• Obstruction or debris in the window track or a misaligned window


• Anti-pinch safety feature engaged due to detected obstruction or a failing sensor


• Damaged wiring or a loose connector in the door harness, especially near the hinge


• Issues with the door control module in newer Explorers

These items cover electrical and mechanical possibilities. If the problem involves the car’s computer or a bad door harness, the issue can be more involved and may require professional service.

Simple at-home troubleshooting

Before attempting anything beyond basic checks, follow this practical checklist to triage the problem and avoid unnecessary repairs.

1. Check the fuses and relays for the power windows. Replace any blown fuse and retest the window operation.


2. Verify the window lock and the master switch aren’t inhibiting operation. Test the passenger-side window controls as a comparison.


3. Listen for motor activity. If you hear the motor when pressing up, but the glass doesn’t move, the issue is likely mechanical (motor/regulator or track).


4. Inspect the door panel for obstruction or obvious damage. Make sure the glass isn’t physically jammed or misaligned in the track.


5. Examine the door wiring harness near the hinge for wear, damaged insulation, or loose connectors. Do not operate the window if wiring looks compromised.


6. If you have a multimeter and are comfortable with electrical testing, check for power at the window motor connector when pressing the up button.

These steps help determine whether the issue is electrical (fuse, switch, wiring) or mechanical (motor, regulator, or track). If nothing simple resolves the problem, professional diagnosis is recommended.

When to seek professional help

If the window still won’t go up after basic checks or you notice signs of physical damage or water intrusion, consult a qualified technician. Modern Ford Explorers can involve more complex door modules and wiring, which benefits from specialized diagnostic tools and procedures.

• Replace or repair the window motor and regulator assembly if defective or worn.


• Repair damaged wiring or the door harness; replace the door control module if necessary.


• Confirm there are no outstanding recalls or TSBs that address window operation for your model year.

Professional service ensures proper glass alignment, seals, and safety features, and it helps prevent further damage to the door electronics.

Summary

In most Ford Explorer cases, a driver window that won’t rise stems from an electrical fault (fuse, relay, or switch) or a mechanical failure in the window motor or regulator. Obstructions in the track and door-wiring issues are common secondary causes. Start with fuse checks and basic switch tests, then inspect for physical obstructions or wiring problems. If the issue persists, seek professional diagnosis and repair to ensure safe, reliable operation.

Why is my Ford Explorer window not going up?

A Ford Explorer window that won't go up can often be fixed by trying a window reset, but if that fails, the issue could be a faulty motor, a broken regulator, a blown fuse, or a problem with the window switch or wiring. Start by attempting the reset procedure and then check for the simpler fixes like a blown fuse before looking into a motor or regulator problem. 
1. Try the window reset procedure 
For many newer models, a simple reset can fix this issue. 

• Put the window all the way up and continue to hold the switch for about 8-10 seconds to reset the automatic feature. 
• If that doesn't work, you can try a more thorough reset (this procedure may vary by model, so consult your owner's manual or a video for specific instructions, such as the one in this YouTube video):
  1. Push the switch to lower the window completely, holding the switch for a few seconds after it stops. 
  2. Lift the switch to raise the window completely, holding the switch for a few seconds after it stops. 
  3. Repeat the process of lowering and raising the window, holding the switch for a few seconds at the end of each action. 

This video demonstrates the Ford Explorer window reset procedure: 58sDIY PintoYouTube · Apr 22, 2024
2. Check for a blown fuse 

• Locate the fuse box (usually under the dashboard or hood) and find the fuse for the power windows. 
• Visually inspect the fuse. If the metal wire inside is broken, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced with one of the same amperage rating. 

3. Troubleshoot the motor, regulator, or switch 

• Listen to the motor: With the engine running, press the switch. A clicking noise when trying to raise the window often points to a faulty window motor or regulator. If the motor is completely silent, it could be a bad switch, motor, or a wiring issue. 
• Inspect the switch: If the window is intermittent or stuck in one direction, the switch itself could be faulty. 
• Check the regulator: The window regulator is the mechanical assembly that moves the window. A broken cable or stripped gear in the regulator is a common cause of a window getting stuck. 
• Examine the wiring: A common problem is a broken wire in the harness that runs through the driver's door hinge area, especially if the window is completely dead. 

4. When to seek professional help

• If the reset and fuse check don't work, and you're not comfortable with electrical testing or disassembling the door panel, it's best to take your Explorer to a mechanic. 
• They can use a multimeter to test the motor and switch, and properly diagnose issues like a broken regulator or wiring problems. 

How do I reset my Ford Explorer window?

To reset a Ford Explorer window, open the affected window all the way, holding the switch for a few seconds after it's fully down, then close it all the way, holding the switch for a few seconds after it's fully up. Some methods also suggest performing a full up and down cycle twice to fully reinitialize the system. 
Standard reset procedure

1. Ensure the affected window is fully closed. 
2. Press and hold the window switch down until the window is completely open. 
3. Continue holding the switch down for 2-3 seconds after it is fully open. 
4. Lift and hold the switch up until the window is completely closed. 
5. Continue holding the switch up for 2-3 seconds after it is fully closed. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the power windows on a Ford Explorer: 56sTuned 2.7YouTube · Nov 17, 2023
Alternative reset method

• Some sources recommend repeating the standard procedure one or two more times for a more thorough reset. 
• Another method involves holding the switch for a longer period (5-10 seconds) in both the up and down positions after the window reaches its limit. 

Important notes

• For a successful reset, complete the steps within 30 seconds of starting. 
• Be cautious during the reset process as the window will close with high force. Ensure no objects or body parts are in the path of the window. 
• If the problem persists, there may be a more significant issue, such as a faulty window regulator, motor, or wiring, which may require professional inspection. 

How to tell if it's the window motor or switch?

To tell if a window switch or motor is bad, first check the switch's physical condition and listen for the motor when you press the switch. If you hear the motor running but the window doesn't move, the motor is likely bad. If you hear grinding or clicking noises, or if the window moves very slowly, it is often the motor or regulator. If only one window is affected and all other windows work, the issue is likely with that specific switch, motor, or regulator.
 
How to diagnose a bad switch 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose a bad window switch or motor by checking for power flow to the motor: 54sRockAuto Auto PartsYouTube · Apr 18, 2019

• Physical feel: A spongy, loose, or otherwise different feeling in the switch compared to the others can indicate a problem. 
• Master switch issues: If the other windows only work from the master switch, but not from their own door switches, the individual switches may be faulty. 
• Lack of power: If you press the switch and observe that your car's interior lights or dashboard indicators do not dim at all, it could mean the switch is not sending power to the motor. 
• The window moves: If you can confirm the window moves when using a different switch (like the master switch), the original window's switch is the likely culprit. 

How to diagnose a bad motor or regulator 
This video shows how to test if a window motor is working by bypassing the switch: 1mTop 5 Auto RepairsYouTube · Jun 6, 2023

• Motor noise: A grinding, clicking, or squealing noise coming from the door when you press the switch often indicates a problem with the motor or the window regulator, which is the mechanical part that lifts the glass. 
• Motor sound but no movement: If you hear the motor running (a humming sound) but the window doesn't move at all, the motor is likely bad. 
• Slow or jerky movement: A window that moves very slowly, jerks, or gets stuck halfway is often a sign of a struggling motor or a faulty regulator. 
• Burning smell: A burning smell coming from the door panel can indicate the motor is overheating and is on its way to failing. 

What to check first
You can watch this video to learn how to test a power window circuit: 58sJustin MillerYouTube · Mar 13, 2015

• Check the fuse: Before replacing any parts, it's a good idea to check the fuse for the power windows to make sure it hasn't blown. 
• Test all switches: Press the switch for the problem window and then test all other window switches. If other windows work correctly, the problem is isolated to that one window's switch, motor, or regulator. 

What do you do when your driver's side window won't go up?

One approach is to attempt to manually raise the window using a coat hanger or another long, thin object to access the window motor. Another option is to try to jolt the window motor into action by forcefully closing the door.