electrical
Power Window Regulator - Rear
for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
9
Steps
13
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window regulator assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew or SuperCab, including door panel removal and glass positioning.
Warnings
⚠Ensure window glass is properly supported before disconnecting regulator to prevent glass from falling inside door
⚠Do not force panel clips - use proper removal tools to avoid breaking clips or door panel
ℹ️Some models use rivets instead of bolts for regulator mounting - drilling and bolts may be required for reinstallation
Tools required
Panel removal tool setEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
T20 Torx driverEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
Drill with 1/8 inch bit (if rivets present)
Rivet gun (if rivets present)
Masking tapeEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flashlight or work light
Parts
- Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or equivalent with motor
- Door panel retaining clips × 1 — Ford panel clip assortment (replacements for broken clips)
- Vapor barrier adhesive (if damaged) × 1 — 3M weatherstrip adhesive or equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to discharge airbag system
- Roll rear window to approximately 6 inches from full up position for easiest access
- Remove any items from rear door storage pockets
Procedure
- 1Remove door panel fastenersRemove the T20 Torx screw from the door pull handle cup. Remove the T30 Torx screw from inside the door handle recess. If equipped, carefully pry out the triangular sail panel at the front upper corner of the door using a panel tool.
- 2Disconnect switches and remove door panelPress the window switch module release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Using a panel removal tool, carefully release all perimeter retaining clips starting from the bottom rear corner and working around the panel. Lift the door panel up and away from the door to disengage the upper lip from the window channel.⚠Work carefully around perimeter clips - these are easily broken and should be replaced if damaged
- 3Remove water shieldCarefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier/water shield to expose the window regulator assembly. Work slowly to avoid tearing the barrier, especially around the adhesive edges. Fold the barrier back and secure it temporarily with tape to keep it out of the work area.
- 4Secure window glassRoll or manually position the window glass to approximately 6-8 inches from full up position where regulator mounting bolts are accessible through the access holes. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame in this position, preventing it from falling when the regulator is disconnected.⚠Ensure glass is firmly taped in position before proceeding - unsupported glass can fall and shatter
- 5Disconnect regulator electrical connectorLocate the window regulator motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Route the connector away from the regulator assembly.
- 6Detach window glass from regulatorThrough the door access holes, locate the two bolts securing the window glass channel to the regulator lift bracket. Remove these 10mm bolts while supporting the glass. The glass should now be completely free from the regulator and held only by the tape.
- 7Remove regulator mounting fastenersLocate the three or four regulator mounting bolts/rivets through the access holes in the door frame. If bolts are present, remove the 10mm mounting bolts. If rivets are used (common on some models), carefully drill out the rivets using a 1/8 inch drill bit, being careful not to enlarge the holes in the door frame.⚠When drilling rivets, drill only deep enough to remove rivet head - avoid damaging door frame mounting holes
- 8Remove regulator assemblyManeuver the regulator assembly through the large access opening in the door frame. The regulator rail and motor assembly must be angled and rotated to fit through the opening. Work carefully to avoid damaging the door frame or regulator components during removal.
- 9Install new regulator assemblyPosition the new regulator assembly and carefully maneuver it through the door frame access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the door frame mounting points. Ensure all components clear the door frame and are properly positioned before installing fasteners.
- 10Secure regulator to door frameInstall the regulator mounting bolts through the access holes. If original equipment used rivets, use 10mm bolts with flat washers and nuts instead. Torque all mounting bolts to specification.ℹ️Use 31 Nm (23 lb-ft) specification for standard regulator mounting boltsTorque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 11Connect window glass to regulatorRemove the tape securing the window glass. Carefully lower the glass until the mounting holes in the glass channel align with the regulator lift bracket. Insert and hand-tighten the two 10mm mounting bolts, then torque to specification.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 12Connect electrical and test operationReconnect the window regulator motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test window operation through full up and down travel multiple times to verify smooth operation and proper alignment. Listen for unusual noises and ensure glass seats properly in the up position. Disconnect battery again before final reassembly.⚠If window binds or operates roughly, recheck glass alignment and regulator mounting before final assemblyTorque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall water shield and door panelReposition the vapor barrier/water shield and press firmly to reseal adhesive. Apply additional vapor barrier adhesive if needed to ensure complete seal. Position door panel on door, engaging upper lip in window channel first, then press firmly around perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Install all door panel screws and torque to specification.Torque specCover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reconnect window switch module electrical connector
- Install sail panel trim piece if equipped
- Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft)
- Perform window auto-up/auto-down relearn procedure if equipped: roll window fully down, hold switch down for 2 seconds, roll window fully up, hold switch up for 2 seconds
Verification
- Test window operation through full travel at least 5 times to verify smooth operation
- Verify auto-up and auto-down functions work properly if equipped
- Check that window glass seats properly and seals correctly when fully closed
- Verify no rattles or unusual noises during window operation
- Ensure door panel is secure with all clips properly engaged and no gaps
- Test door handle and all switches for proper operation