So, this is an odd problem and I can't find anyone else having my specific problem, so here we go... My power locks stopped working, but the key fob will honk the horn and turn on the interior lights, but the locks won't unlock or lock. My passenger window stopped working from the driver switch, but it would work at the passenger switch. One day, all the windows went out, but they'd come back every once in a while. I replaced my driver side switch and it didn't fix the problem. Checked all the fuses, and looked at all the wires and they looked fine. When the windows stop working, the control switch lights turn off until I hit the window lock. Then I'm driving, and I roll down the windows, and like normal, at some point they stop working, but this time, it stops working and shuts off my radio. Side note, it's an aftermarket head unit. WTF is going on?? Please help....

 

Note from DJ
You omitted some very important information; is your Jeep a Cherokee and what year?

 

Yep, 98 jeep xj

 

its highly likely the fault exists within the Driver side door harness, where it flexes in the rubber boot the wires go bad, and causes all sorts of odd symptoms.

You can get in by pulling the side kick panel, retract rubber boot, probably need to manipulate the door card loose or free

 

Note from DJ
This Link may help you.
Fix Jeep Cherokee Power Window and Locking Issues - The RIGHT Way! 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 – YouTube
Published on Jul 23, 2013

This video shows how to fix the power window issue on 97-01 Jeep Cherokee the correct way. Not just by jumping a wire in the kick panel that disables the lock-out button. This regains full use all passenger windows as well as keeping the child safety button functional when needed.

 

I checked that and didn't see anything strange. What should I be looking for exactly?

 

I appreciate the input, but I just replaced that entire control panel so that can't be a problem.

 

time to get out the test light, not a multimeter, and chase the power.

There is several things can be wrong, from a wire almost broken internally, bad connector, individual switch (which can be dismantled..see another youtube)

 

I wonder if there isn't actually a circuit breaker for the windows because you said : " One day, all the windows went out, but they'd come back every once in a while. I "
If so that might mean you have a short, or a motor that is drawing way too much power, which heats up the circuit breaker and trips it, and it cools down and resets.
I don't have a FSM for the xj but maybe someone else can chime in.

 

That's a good point. Is there anything you can think of that would draw too much power? I have that aftermarket head unit that shut off when the windows did, but that doesn't seem like it would pull much power. Another thing I just remembered, is my battery terminals look pretty bad, idk, that night be linked to some problems.

 

I do believe a seized motor will draw too much power. Something like the "locked rotor" current being 10x what the running current is. But that is AC..so Id have to think on that..but thats where Id look

 

Can you give more detail about the seized motor, or locked rotor? Also, are you saying AC like the current, or air conditioning? (I'm new to anything like this so bear with me)

 

Alternating current. Google for your answers or Id be here a week explaining.