Power Window Motor - Rear

Replace the rear power window motor on a 1972 Ford F-100, including removal of interior trim panels, disconnecting electrical connections, and installing a new motor assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear power window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Window regulator grease × 1 — White lithium or silicone-based
• Door panel retaining clips × 4 — Ford trim clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
3. Roll rear window to approximately mid-position for easiest access to motor
4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning disassembly
5. Clean work area and ensure adequate lighting inside the cab

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear door panel trim
   Use panel removal tool to carefully pry off the window crank handle escutcheon (if manual backup is present). Remove the armrest by locating and removing 2 Phillips head screws beneath decorative caps. Carefully pry around the perimeter of the door panel using the trim tool to release the retaining clips. Lift the panel upward and away from the door frame once all clips are released.
2. 2

   Remove moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet from the door frame. Work slowly to avoid tearing, as it must be reused. If using original barrier, leave the top edge attached and fold down for easier reinstallation. Use masking tape to temporarily secure the barrier out of the way.
3. 3

   Secure the window glass
   Locate the window glass channel and place wooden blocks or towels between the glass and the top of the door frame to prevent the glass from dropping when the regulator is disconnected. Ensure the glass is stable and will not shift during motor removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the power window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Note the wire routing and connector orientation. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. If connector is corroded, spray with electrical contact cleaner and gently work it free.
5. 5

   Disconnect motor from regulator
   Locate the connection point between the motor drive gear and the window regulator mechanism. Remove the 3 bolts securing the motor to the regulator assembly using a 1/4 inch socket. Carefully separate the motor from the regulator gear, noting the orientation of the drive coupling.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the motor mounting bracket bolts from the door frame. There are typically 2 bolts securing the motor bracket to the inner door panel. Use a 1/4 inch socket to remove these fasteners. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt.
7. 7

   Extract motor from door cavity
   Maneuver the power window motor out through the service opening in the door frame. You may need to rotate the motor and tilt it at an angle to clear the door's internal reinforcement structures. Work carefully to avoid damaging wiring harnesses or the motor housing.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect regulator mechanism
   With the motor removed, inspect the window regulator gears and tracks for wear, damage, or debris. Use a wire brush to clean old grease and dirt from the regulator mechanism. Check that the regulator moves smoothly by hand through its full range of motion.
9. 9

   Prepare new motor for installation
   Compare the new motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement. Check the drive gear orientation and shaft length. Apply a light coat of white lithium or silicone-based grease to the motor drive gear and the mating regulator gear teeth.
10. 10

    Install new motor into door
    Carefully maneuver the new motor into the door cavity through the service opening, reversing the removal process. Position the motor mounting bracket against the door frame and thread in the 2 mounting bolts by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Connect motor to regulator
    Align the motor drive gear with the regulator mechanism, ensuring proper mesh between the gears. Install the 3 bolts connecting the motor to the regulator assembly and tighten securely with a 1/4 inch socket. Verify the gears are properly engaged by rotating the motor shaft slightly by hand.
12. 12

    Tighten motor mounting bolts
    Fully tighten the 2 motor mounting bracket bolts to the door frame using a 1/4 inch socket. Ensure the motor is seated flush against its mounting surface and does not shift when tightened.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector back onto the motor terminals, ensuring it seats fully with an audible click. Route the wiring along the same path as original installation, securing any wire clips or retainers.
14. 14

    Test motor operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable temporarily. Remove the wooden blocks or towels supporting the glass. Test the window operation using the power window switch through several complete up and down cycles. Listen for unusual noises and verify smooth operation. Disconnect the battery again before proceeding.
15. 15

    Reinstall moisture barrier and door panel
    Reposition the plastic moisture barrier against the door frame, pressing it firmly to ensure good adhesion around all edges. Align the door panel with the retaining clip holes and press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Reinstall the armrest screws and any decorative trim pieces.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before testing window operation again
2. Apply light grease to window tracks if operation is not smooth
3. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
4. Check door panel fitment and adjust if necessary before final operation test

Verification

• Reconnect battery and test window operation through 5-10 complete cycles
• Window should operate smoothly without binding, hesitation, or unusual noises
• Verify window seats properly at full up position and creates good seal
• Check that window switch operates motor in both directions reliably
• Inspect door panel for proper fitment with no gaps or loose clips
• Test door opening and closing to ensure panel does not interfere

More procedures for this vehicle