Power Window Install using Factory Switches and Bezels
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: wichita, kansas
Long time lurker/ first time posting. I really appreciate the write up on the power window switch. I purchased a 2014 sport that already had the A1 electric kit installed. I started having intermittent issues with the switch operation. The more i looked at it the more it pissed me off as a professional mechanic. The rear window switches never worked. I tried repairing the wiring that was installed with splice connectors and wood glue. I finally just ordered a factory switch and bezel. Went shopping at the local pull apart to get the plug for the switch. I pulled all the wires and put them in split loom and tied it all up securely. Now, I'm happy with it and the rear window switches work. Isn't it amazing that we'd spend 10 hours redoing something just so that it looks stock?!!
Do you know the switch harness/plug part number? I need to find the plug for the front and rear on my 2015 JKU sport. No local pull-it-yourself lots have Jeeps in my area. Thanks in advance!
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: GA
Any of you guys still monitoring this thread? If so, I could use some advice to save me some trouble up front. I've read through the thread and I think I've got it figured out, but just want to verify since there are several different year models in the posts above.
On a 2-door 2007 JK, I am changing from half doors to full doors form a salvage Jeep. The "new" full doors already have power windows and locks, so I'm thinking that solves a lot of the problem with door harnesses, motors, etc.
What I THINK I need is just a new wiring harness with dash switches, relays, etc. In my mind, the kit harnesses from A1 or Electric Life would allow me to just install switches, connect the required power contacts, and then make up some connectors at the doors per the wiring diagrams. Or am I missing something and making it too simple?
Here's what I have done:
- Called A1 Electric yesterday and they were no help at all. The rep couldn't tell me anything technical at all, and wouldn't even consider selling just the harness.
- Then called Electric Life and explained what I needed. The rep was much more helpful but wasn't sure which harness and switches are in their JK kit, so she offered to research that and call me back. So far she hasn't called. I plan to contact them again later today.
- Asked the salvage yard where I sourced the doors to see if the factory dash panel is available. They are checking this morning.
On a 2-door 2007 JK, I am changing from half doors to full doors form a salvage Jeep. The "new" full doors already have power windows and locks, so I'm thinking that solves a lot of the problem with door harnesses, motors, etc.
What I THINK I need is just a new wiring harness with dash switches, relays, etc. In my mind, the kit harnesses from A1 or Electric Life would allow me to just install switches, connect the required power contacts, and then make up some connectors at the doors per the wiring diagrams. Or am I missing something and making it too simple?
Here's what I have done:
- Called A1 Electric yesterday and they were no help at all. The rep couldn't tell me anything technical at all, and wouldn't even consider selling just the harness.
- Then called Electric Life and explained what I needed. The rep was much more helpful but wasn't sure which harness and switches are in their JK kit, so she offered to research that and call me back. So far she hasn't called. I plan to contact them again later today.
- Asked the salvage yard where I sourced the doors to see if the factory dash panel is available. They are checking this morning.
Last edited by Hitman24; Apr 15, 2020 at 05:11 AM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: JB MDL, NJ
I am kind of still monitoring... were you able to get the answer you needed? If not your situation sounds similar what mine was. I did all the wiring from scratch from a factory switch to the door quick disconnect. Let me know if I can help!
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
Bumping an old thread - because You guys have a better understanding of the Jeep power windows than most people do.
I have a 2017 JK Rubicon 2 door with factory power windows & pwr locks. I've had crank windows my whole life until now & I find it a hassle when parked to always have to insert the key just to roll the windows up or down.
Sooooo, my Q is; Do you guys know how/where I could hack into the power windows to add an extra up/down switch to operate the windows without the key?
Sort of an override switch that can temporarily enable the windows to go without the key on, but not permanently enabling the factory window switches to always run the windows without the key. Because security.
I'm wondering if its ok to apply +/- 12v power directly to the window motor, or if it's better to go through the computer.
Seems like an important related Question is:
"How does the window motor know when it has reached the end of travel & it should stop?" as that might determine where it is better to hack in.
I'm thinking about a couple of possible ideas;
1) Apply power directly to window motor. (will it know when to stop? or will it risk stressing out the motor?)
2) Add switch to allow power to flow through the factory up/down switch (might be terrible idea & blow out an expensive module?)
The override switch could be located be in the door near the window motor or elsewhere. Ideally so you can operate the nearest window while standing next to the open door & without inserting the key.
Looking for your ideas on this obscure project. Thanks!
I have a 2017 JK Rubicon 2 door with factory power windows & pwr locks. I've had crank windows my whole life until now & I find it a hassle when parked to always have to insert the key just to roll the windows up or down.
Sooooo, my Q is; Do you guys know how/where I could hack into the power windows to add an extra up/down switch to operate the windows without the key?
Sort of an override switch that can temporarily enable the windows to go without the key on, but not permanently enabling the factory window switches to always run the windows without the key. Because security.
I'm wondering if its ok to apply +/- 12v power directly to the window motor, or if it's better to go through the computer.
Seems like an important related Question is:
"How does the window motor know when it has reached the end of travel & it should stop?" as that might determine where it is better to hack in.
I'm thinking about a couple of possible ideas;
1) Apply power directly to window motor. (will it know when to stop? or will it risk stressing out the motor?)
2) Add switch to allow power to flow through the factory up/down switch (might be terrible idea & blow out an expensive module?)
The override switch could be located be in the door near the window motor or elsewhere. Ideally so you can operate the nearest window while standing next to the open door & without inserting the key.
Looking for your ideas on this obscure project. Thanks!
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Breeze, Fl
Bumping an old thread - because You guys have a better understanding of the Jeep power windows than most people do.
I have a 2017 JK Rubicon 2 door with factory power windows & pwr locks. I've had crank windows my whole life until now & I find it a hassle when parked to always have to insert the key just to roll the windows up or down.
Sooooo, my Q is; Do you guys know how/where I could hack into the power windows to add an extra up/down switch to operate the windows without the key?
Sort of an override switch that can temporarily enable the windows to go without the key on, but not permanently enabling the factory window switches to always run the windows without the key. Because security.
I'm wondering if its ok to apply +/- 12v power directly to the window motor, or if it's better to go through the computer.
Seems like an important related Question is:
"How does the window motor know when it has reached the end of travel & it should stop?" as that might determine where it is better to hack in.
I'm thinking about a couple of possible ideas;
1) Apply power directly to window motor. (will it know when to stop? or will it risk stressing out the motor?)
2) Add switch to allow power to flow through the factory up/down switch (might be terrible idea & blow out an expensive module?)
The override switch could be located be in the door near the window motor or elsewhere. Ideally so you can operate the nearest window while standing next to the open door & without inserting the key.
Looking for your ideas on this obscure project. Thanks!
I have a 2017 JK Rubicon 2 door with factory power windows & pwr locks. I've had crank windows my whole life until now & I find it a hassle when parked to always have to insert the key just to roll the windows up or down.
Sooooo, my Q is; Do you guys know how/where I could hack into the power windows to add an extra up/down switch to operate the windows without the key?
Sort of an override switch that can temporarily enable the windows to go without the key on, but not permanently enabling the factory window switches to always run the windows without the key. Because security.
I'm wondering if its ok to apply +/- 12v power directly to the window motor, or if it's better to go through the computer.
Seems like an important related Question is:
"How does the window motor know when it has reached the end of travel & it should stop?" as that might determine where it is better to hack in.
I'm thinking about a couple of possible ideas;
1) Apply power directly to window motor. (will it know when to stop? or will it risk stressing out the motor?)
2) Add switch to allow power to flow through the factory up/down switch (might be terrible idea & blow out an expensive module?)
The override switch could be located be in the door near the window motor or elsewhere. Ideally so you can operate the nearest window while standing next to the open door & without inserting the key.
Looking for your ideas on this obscure project. Thanks!
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Breeze, Fl