Proximity door locks retrofit on Wrangler/Gladiator, someone figured it out (DIY writeup)

[gt3mike]

I'd like to know how that turns out......... I can make it work of course with jscan or AlfaOBD but still.......
(once we get to better weather, that is. Ugh, not used to the teens)

My dealer says they were successful in getting the sales code added to my VIN. He said they called their "Warranty Advisor" and that person was able to get it done. I think they charged an hour of labor for the finagling of the sales code and the vehicle download.

(I also paid $320 or so for replacing the window regulator with the sheared off bolt. Watch out for the window regulator bolts!)

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[ShadowsPapa]

My dealer says they were successful in getting the sales code added to my VIN. He said they called their "Warranty Advisor" and that person was able to get it done. I think they charged an hour of labor for the finagling of the sales code and the vehicle download.

(I also paid $320 or so for replacing the window regulator with the sheared off bolt. Watch out for the window regulator bolts!)

Thanks for the info - and warning on those bolts! Yikes.

 

[Kevin_D]

Well, f*&k...
I went out today, after the parts arrived (thank you @AllMoparParts.com,) and started taking things apart.
It didn't take long to discover that the door trim bolts are not 10mm/8mm on my 2021 Sport S, but T30 & T20 Torx. OK, fine, no big deal. There was an appreciable amount of thread locker on the bolts. Unscrew this, unplug that, disconnect the other thing...
I was rolling right along, and soon it was time to pull the window regulator bolts (they're still 10mm M6x1.0 bolts.) Son of a... these are really tight! Must've used red LocTite! Then -dink-, the front one snapped off. I was none too pleased, to say the least. The rear one just seemed to seize, but I couldn't get the window clip past it, as it hadn't backed out far enough. So, I had to break it off, too!

Needless to say, I learned a LOT more about the JT doors than I had planned on!
If you need some advice about the window regulator, I'm your man!
Once I got into it, I will say it's a fairly logical arrangement.

I did get the left passive entry to work. I had hoped to do both doors, but, well...

Kevin

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Well, f*&k...
I went out today, after the parts arrived (thank you @AllMoparParts.com,) and started taking things apart.
It didn't take long to discover that the door trim bolts are not 10mm/8mm on my 2021 Sport S, but T30 & T20 Torx. OK, fine, no big deal. There was an appreciable amount of thread locker on the bolts. Unscrew this, unplug that, disconnect the other thing...
I was rolling right along, and soon it was time to pull the window regulator bolts (they're still 10mm M6x1.0 bolts.) Son of a... these are really tight! Must've used red LocTite! Then -dink-, the front one snapped off. I was none too pleased, to say the least. The rear one just seemed to seize, but I couldn't get the window clip past it, as it hadn't backed out far enough. So, I had to break it off, too!

Needless to say, I learned a LOT more about the JT doors than I had planned on!
If you need some advice about the window regulator, I'm your man!
Once I got into it, I will say it's a fairly logical arrangement.

I did get the left passive entry to work. I had hoped to do both doors, but, well...

Kevin

Would heat or acetone have helped on the window regulator bolts?
How did you finally get those out?
I'm thinking of getting my Javelin together enough to move out long enough to do my own truck. Sure could have used those locks today! Brrrrr - it was cold out shopping for cat food and litter.

 

[Kevin_D]

Would heat or acetone have helped on the window regulator bolts?
How did you finally get those out?
I'm thinking of getting my Javelin together enough to move out long enough to do my own truck. Sure could have used those locks today! Brrrrr - it was cold out shopping for cat food and litter.

There's really no way to get any solvent in there to help much. They used some sort of green thread locker, and it REALLY locked the threads!
I ended up removing the entire inner clamshell from the door (there's an odd-ball bracket connecting the clamshell to the latch,) and disassembling the window regulator so that I could drill out the sheared-off bolts. I then retapped up to an M7x1.0 bolt, and put it back together with lock washers!
Anyway, when I drilled out the broken bits, the bolt fragments got good and hot, and that released the thread locker, and I was able to remove the bolt pieces still in the holes. Now, if you can apply enough heat with the door still (mostly) intact, I don't know. The plastic pieces may melt before the thread locker releases.
I'm going to try heat on the right door when I get to it., but I'm also gonna have two more M7 bolts handy...

Kevin

 

[Czajka90]

[

We received and have on hand at least 30 of the harnesses and will be shipping them shortly.

Thank you all for your patience,
- Benny

any idea when the last remaining orders should be filled. I ordered mine Nov 24. Just curious, I know it will
Be awhile. Thank you

 

[gt3mike]

There's really no way to get any solvent in there to help much. They used some sort of green thread locker, and it REALLY locked the threads!
I ended up removing the entire inner clamshell from the door (there's an odd-ball bracket connecting the clamshell to the latch,) and disassembling the window regulator so that I could drill out the sheared-off bolts. I then retapped up to an M7x1.0 bolt, and put it back together with lock washers!
Anyway, when I drilled out the broken bits, the bolt fragments got good and hot, and that released the thread locker, and I was able to remove the bolt pieces still in the holes. Now, if you can apply enough heat with the door still (mostly) intact, I don't know. The plastic pieces may melt before the thread locker releases.
I'm going to try heat on the right door when I get to it., but I'm also gonna have two more M7 bolts handy...

Kevin

I’m discouraged to hear this. I had the same experience with the driver side regulator bolts. (One sheared off.) I was hoping it was a fluke and the other side would be easy, but I’m guessing now that it won’t be.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

On the flip side - it makes one wonder what's up as so many have done these with NO issues at all with any bolts - window or otherwise. So why have a couple of people experienced broken bolts and dozens of others - no trouble?
The youtube video makes it appear like none of the bolts involved are very tight at all. To watch them take the window regulator bolts loose- it's like they had no Loc-Tite ® at all, nor where they all that tight otherwise....... and yet at least two here had bolts snap.

 

[Plumbob]

Could be fiat adding locktite to screw with those of us buying the kit. It might be a2021 change. Maybe they changed the bolts so they now spec the locktite

 

[Kevin_D]

Could be fiat adding locktite to screw with those of us buying the kit. It might be a 2021 change. Maybe they changed the bolts so they now spec the locktite

This was my first thought.
But the window regulator, complete (less motor) is only $40 (or less, plus shipping,) and looks to include the bolts. I may just order one.
Too bad the part that needs replaced doesn't have it's own part number.

Kevin

 

[ShadowsPapa]

HA, I'm beginning to think my JT is OOOOLLLLDDD now after reading some of the past month's posts in these forums.

 

[gt3mike]

I think I’ll try to figure out a way to change the harness without disconnecting the window.

 

[Kevin_D]

I think I’ll try to figure out a way to change the harness without disconnecting the window.

Good luck: let us know if you manage. With the window connected, the door clamshell doesn't pull out very far, especially with the window up.

 

[mmatthie]

Considering temperature may be a factor for the bolt sheering on the 2021s...now I'm FOR SURE waiting until next Spring/Summer. LOL

I must admit...these parts are burning a hole in the box just wanting to be installed, but I was selfishly waiting for you other guinea pigs to post your results first.

 

[gt3mike]

I did the work in a warm garage and the Jeep had been in there for awhile. I don’t believe temperature was a contributing factor.

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