Skip to content
motorbeast logo
  • Autos
  • Audio
  • Bikes
  • Batteries
  • Detailing
  • Oils
  • Parts
  • Questions
  • Roof Boxes
  • Scanners

What are jeep door problems?

Written BySteve Riley Updated on30/07/2022

Ever had trouble locking or unlocking your Jeep doors? Well you are not alone. While problems…

what-are-jeep-door-problems

Ever had trouble locking or unlocking your Jeep doors? Well you are not alone. While problems with your doors might not be the first thought that comes to mind when you think about car issues, it is still a serious issue. Read on for more on Jeep door problems.

Table of Contents
  • Common door issues with the Jeep
    • Doors won't open from outside or inside
    • Power lock door problem
    • Servicing or replacing your door lock actuator
    • Testing the door lock actuator
    • Broken locks or components
      • Faulty key fob
      • Blown fuses
      • Wiring problems
      • A bad solenoid
      • Dead battery
    • Passenger door problems
    • Taking off Jeep factory doors
    • Driving without your doors
  • Maintaining your door locks and hinges
    • Final word
what-are-jeep-door-problems

The door is one of those parts you’d least expect to bring you trouble on your car. However, once it happens, door problems can be quite problematic. You might even end up locked in our outsides your vehicle. Luckily, door problems often affect individual doors at a time. However, they must still be dealt with with as much seriousness as you would any part.

A selection of Jeep Door Ideas

Bestseller No. 1
EAG Safari Tubular Door with Side View Mirror Fit for 07-18...
EAG Safari Tubular Door with Side View Mirror Fit for 07-18...
  • FITMENT - Fit for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK 4 Door.
  • SIDE VIEW MIRRORS INCLUDED - Military grade side view...
  • STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Made of durable 1/8" steel sheet and 1...
  • SAFARI DESIGN - EAG Safari Doors will enhance your line of...
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Mounts directly into OE door hinge....
$374.43
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping
Bestseller No. 2
G-PLUS Tubular Doors Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK...
G-PLUS Tubular Doors Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK...
  • COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Jeep JK Wrangler 4 Door...
  • SIDE VIEW MIRRORS INCLUDED: Military grade side view mirrors...
  • CONSTRUCTION: Tubular door frame is made of durable 1/8"...
  • DESIGN: Our Tubular Doors will enhance your line of sight...
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Mounts directly into OE door hinge. This...
$363.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping
Bestseller No. 3
Textured Black Steel Durable Offroad Tubular Tube Doors...
Textured Black Steel Durable Offroad Tubular Tube Doors...
  • ▶️ 100% Brand New OE style latch inside the door;...
  • ▶️ Our tubular doors offer open-air ventilation for a...
  • ▶️ Engineered to fit OE hinges with a factory style door...
  • ▶️ Manufactured from durable 1/8" steel sheet and 1...
  • ▶️ Offers increased visibility; Mounts to OE door hinge...
$256.88
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

Last update on 2023-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Take a look at our guide to some of the more common door problems Jeep owners experience and what you can do about it.

Common door issues with the Jeep

Most door problems on Jeeps and many other models are often caused by either failing components or damages and breakages. Some of the poplar issues Jeep owners experience with their doors include the following:

Doors won’t open from outside or inside

Another common issue across many jeep models is issues opening the doors from outside or inside.  Generally speaking, there are several reasons why your doors would refuse to open. Finding the best suiting solution is dependent on properly diagnosing the issue.

Power lock door problem

This is the electric actuator that operates the door mechanism in your car. The actuator system runs on a motor that turns gears in a gear reduction with the last gear driving a gear set connected to the actuator rod.

Using the power of the gear set, the actuator is able to convert rotational motor motion to motion needed to move the lock. Issues with the driver power lock door are quite common especially among Jeep wrangler. Some of the most common door lock actuator problems include the following.

The motor on the mechanism found inside the lock wears out. If this happens, then the door may frequently unlock slowly. In fact, a faulty motor may trigger the door to lock and refuse to unlock or vice versa. Door lock actuators have a switch which will signal that the door is closed. Malfunction on this switch triggers a warning light that causes the door open light to stay on indefinitely.

In some cases the door lock mechanism will break down completely and stop working. This will prevent any locking and unlocking.

Servicing or replacing your door lock actuator

Replacing a door lock actuator is an inexpensive operation that anyone with working knowledge of cars can perform. You only need to know what to do and how to do it. Using Jeep service repair manuals, you can obtain diagrams showing you what goes where, making the whole replacement easier.

In order to replace a faulty door lock actuator,

  • Remove door trim panel and waterdam.
  • Remove door latch retaining screws
  • Disconnect all rods from door latch
  • Disconnect wire connector, if equipped.
  • Remove door latch from door.

Getting this replacement done in the shop will cost you several hundred dollars. On average, car owners spend between 80-200 dollars while the parts could go up to about 300 dollars. However, some aftermarket actuators are available for cheaper prices but these aren’t always available for all car models.

Testing the door lock actuator

If you take in your car to the shop over door issues, you may notice some models allow the use of diagnostic devices to test the voltage on your actuator. Usually if the device reads that there is a voltage but your actuator doesn’t work, then you will need a replacement.

However, if the voltage doesn’t read but the actuator still works then the issue must be investigated further. Often the wiring harness is the cause, a bad connector or even a failed connection module that is triggering this problem.

Broken locks or components

Sometimes, the only reason you’re experiencing locking or unlocking issues may be due to breakages or malfunctions. Some of the reasons why your door won’t lock properly include the following.

Faulty key fob

Faulty key fob can be cause for worry when it comes to door locking. If you suspect a faulty fob, have your mechanic check the programming and confirm that the fob is still good.

Blown fuses

This is often when you have issue with one or two of the doors locking. This may indicate that the problematic door(s) needs a fuse replacement to resume normal functioning.

Wiring problems

Even doors integrate electrical components for proper functioning. If the door has wiring issues, you will experience issues with locking and unlocking the door. Usually professionals’ will help identify these wiring issues and reconnect them properly.

A bad solenoid

The door lock mechanism has a solenoid that will cause issues if bad. A problematic solenoid may cause you problems with opening and locking mechanisms. You should suspect the solenoid if everything else checks out but the door still doesn’t work.

Dead battery

A dead key fob battery is the most common cause for issues with your door locking. Usually all you need to do is replace the battery and the door will resume normal locking function.

Passenger door problems

A good number of Jeep owners’ complain about the passenger door as the most problematic. Some experience difficulty reopening the door once they use the inside mechanism to lock then unlock the door.

The only way to get the door to open is to use the key. While some owners believe this a safety design feature that will help keep away burglars, other owner do not appreciate this mechanism.

This issue is easily resolved with a good lubricating oil. You will have to pull the door panel and generously distribute the lubricant on the latch. Ensure the levers and buttons are well coated for an easier time However, if you have any damaged or worn parts inside the door,

TIP: Before you decide to lubricate or replace any parts within your passenger door, ensure you check it thoroughly for build up, wear and tear. You might be surprised how heavily these will influence the door mechanism.

Taking off Jeep factory doors

In case you decide you’re done with doors altogether, Jeeps usually give you the option to take off your doors. The process of removing Jeep doors isn’t as complicated as you would think. It’s a series of simple steps that requires careful hands to avoid any damage from forceful removal.

First, you want to bring down the windows in order to protect them. If your model doesn’t have windows, then you can skip this process. You will then proceed to loosen and remove the nuts and door hinges. It is helpful to apply lube to ease the process.

Next, you want to remove the foot well which is under the dashboard. You will then proceed to disconnect any cables that are connected. Jeeps with power windows, locks and mirrors usually have a wire harness that must be unplugged. You can do this by disconnecting the wire harness and then proceed to sliding the locking pin and pushing on the tab release.

You can then lift the door straps off the hooks and very gently and carefully slide the door off then away from the body. After which you can proceed to storing your jeep in a safe and dry place. There are many options when it comes to Jeep door and window storage.

Driving without your doors

While we are still on the matter of Jeep doors, you may decide to ultimately take off your door, which is great. It is safe and legal to drive without windows or doors. However, you must replace the factory mirrors after you remove the factory doors.

This is because mirror laws across America dictate that you have mirrors reinstalled on your vehicle. These laws may vary depending on which state you live in.

Maintaining your door locks and hinges

Because of the role hinges and door locks have in causing door problems on your jeep, it is important that you maintain them properly. This involves cleaning and lubricating these parts properly.

Before applying any lubricant, always clean these parts with a good solvent that penetrates through build up and dirt. Once your hinges and locks are clean, you may then apply an appropriate lubricant to them.

Different lubricants serve different parts because not all your door parts are exclusively metal or plastic. If you are unsure about the kind of lubricant to use, you can schedule a door lubrication appointment with your mechanic.

They will know the right kinds of lubricants to use and perhaps recommend lubricants you may buy in case you want to perform the process on your own.

Final word

There are many issues that could trigger failure in properly functioning door mechanism. It is quite problematic to have the door stuck on a single mechanism. The good news however, is you can have the actuator or faulty section of your door easily fixed by a professional or you may do it yourself.

Post Views: 40
Post Tags: #Jeep

Related Posts

  • Is It Legal to Drive Your Jeep without Doors?
  • Replacing Jeep Air Vents and Compressor
  • Jeep Air Conditioning Problems
  • Most Reliable Jeep Brands
  •  Why are Jeeps so expensive  
the-reliability-of-jeep-vehicles
Over the years you may have heard a ton of Jeep...
the-reliability-of-cadillac-vehicles
When purchasing a brand-new car or perhaps a used vehicle, some...

Car Vacuum Cleaner

Bestseller No. 1 FRESMOL Car Vacuum, Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power...
FRESMOL Car Vacuum, Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping
SaleBestseller No. 2 ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Car Accessories - Small 12V High...
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Car Accessories - Small 12V High...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping
SaleBestseller No. 3 Hand Held Vacuuming Cordless Rechargeable-10K PA Strong Suction...
Hand Held Vacuuming Cordless Rechargeable-10K PA Strong Suction...
$39.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

Last update on 2023-03-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

the-fluke-17b-vs-117-an-in-depth-review
Multimeters can be a technician’s best tool when dealing with projects...
autel-md802
Autel MD802 vs. MD808For most automotive repair shops and car enthusiasts,...

Affiliate Disclosure

We are an affiliate. We hope you like our recommendations! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this website. Thank you for using our links, it helps to grow our website.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Statement

© 2023 MotorBeast Motorbeast.Org

Manage your privacy

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Manage your privacy
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Scroll to top
  • Autos
  • Audio
  • Bikes
  • Batteries
  • Detailing
  • Oils
  • Parts
  • Questions
  • Roof Boxes
  • Scanners
Search