2012 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote4WDAUTOMATICgas
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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electrical

Power Window Motor - Rear

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
14
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window regulator motor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew or SuperCab, requiring door panel removal and motor replacement.

Warnings

Ensure the window is fully closed or supported before disconnecting the motor to prevent glass from falling
Do not force panel clips; they break easily and should be pried carefully with proper tools
ℹ️Keep track of all fasteners and clips during removal as replacements may not be readily available

Tools required

Panel removal tool setEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socket
Trim clip pliers
Flashlight or work lightEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)

Parts

  • Rear window regulator motor × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1151 or equivalent
  • Door panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Vapor barrier adhesive (if damaged) × 1 — 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn ignition off
  2. Lower the rear window approximately halfway to access motor mounting bolts through the door access holes
  3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to deplete airbag system capacitors
  4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning work
  5. Take photos of door panel and connector locations before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door panel trim and armrest
    Remove the screw cover cap from the door pull handle area. Use T30 Torx to remove the armrest mounting screws (typically 2 screws). Lift the armrest assembly up and away from the door panel. Disconnect the window switch connector by depressing the locking tab and pulling gently.
  2. 2
    Remove door panel fasteners
    Locate and remove all perimeter screws securing the door panel, typically found at the bottom edge and rear edge of the panel. Use panel removal tool to carefully release the retaining clips around the door panel perimeter, working from bottom to top. There are usually 8-12 clips holding the panel.
  3. 3
    Detach and remove door panel
    Lift the door panel upward to disengage it from the door frame lip at the top. Carefully pull the panel away from the door while ensuring no wiring harnesses are still connected. Set the panel aside on a protected surface to avoid scratches.
  4. 4
    Remove or peel back vapor barrier
    Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier to expose the window regulator and motor assembly. If the barrier is adhesive-backed, peel it slowly to avoid tearing. You only need to expose the lower portion where the motor is located. If it tears, note that you will need new adhesive during reassembly.
  5. 5
    Disconnect window motor electrical connector
    Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the connector locking tab and disconnect the harness from the motor. Ensure the connector is fully separated and not under tension.
  6. 6
    Support the window glass
    Before removing motor mounting bolts, ensure the window glass is either in the fully up position or securely taped in place using wide masking tape from the outside of the door. This prevents the glass from dropping when the motor is disconnected from the regulator.
    Failure to support the window glass may result in glass falling and breaking or causing injury
  7. 7
    Remove window motor mounting bolts
    Through the door access holes, locate the three 10mm bolts securing the window motor to the regulator assembly and door frame. Remove these bolts completely and retain them for reinstallation. The motor may be secured with bolts in the 25-31 lb-ft range originally.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Extract old window motor
    Carefully maneuver the window motor out through the large access hole in the door frame. You may need to rotate or angle the motor to clear the door structure. Once removed, inspect the regulator mechanism for damage or excessive wear.
  9. 9
    Install new window motor
    Position the new window motor into the door cavity and align it with the mounting holes on the regulator assembly. Ensure the motor gear properly engages with the regulator mechanism. The motor should sit flush against its mounting surface.
  10. 10
    Secure motor mounting bolts
    Install the three 10mm mounting bolts through the access holes and hand-tighten first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the motor is firmly mounted with no movement.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connector and test
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test window operation by using the door switch to cycle the window up and down fully several times. Verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises. Disconnect battery again before continuing.
    ℹ️If window operates roughly or binds, recheck motor mounting and regulator alignment before proceeding
  12. 12
    Reinstall vapor barrier
    Press the vapor barrier back into place, ensuring it adheres completely around all edges. If the original adhesive is insufficient, apply new vapor barrier adhesive to create a proper seal. This barrier is important for water intrusion prevention and noise reduction.
  13. 13
    Reinstall door panel
    Position the door panel near the door and reconnect the window switch connector. Align the panel with the top door frame lip and lower it into place. Press firmly around all clip locations to seat the retaining clips. Install all perimeter screws and tighten securely.
  14. 14
    Reinstall armrest and finalize
    Position the armrest assembly back onto the door panel and install the T30 Torx screws, tightening them securely but not over-torquing. Install the screw cover cap. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before applying pressure to avoid breaking them
  2. Verify vapor barrier is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion and wind noise
  3. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully engaged with locking tabs secured
  4. Test window operation multiple times before considering the job complete

Verification

  • Operate the rear window through its full range multiple times, listening for smooth, quiet operation
  • Verify window closes completely and seals properly at the top without gaps
  • Check that window stops automatically at both full up and full down positions
  • Confirm no rattles or loose panels when closing the door firmly
  • Test the window switch functionality from both the rear door and driver's door master switch
  • Inspect door panel fit and ensure all trim pieces are properly aligned and secured
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