electrical
Window Motor and Regulator - Rear
for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.3 h
Tools
8
Steps
12
✓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.
Replace the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew or SuperCab, including removal of interior door panel and glass stabilization.
Warnings
⚠Ensure window glass is properly supported before disconnecting regulator to prevent glass from falling and breaking
⚠Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning work to prevent accidental window activation during repair
ℹ️Some rear window regulators are riveted in place and will require drilling out rivets and replacing with bolts
Tools required
Panel removal tool setEssential
Torx bit set (T20, T30)Essential
Socket set (8mm, 10mm)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Masking tape
Power drill with bits
Riveting tool (if replacing regulator)
Vacuum or compressed air
Parts
- Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for SuperCrew/SuperCab rear
- Window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification, may come integrated with regulator
- Door panel retaining clips × 10 — Ford standard push-pin clips
- Moisture barrier (if damaged) × 1 — Door-specific plastic sheet
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
- Roll rear window to full up position if motor is still functional, or manually position glass to mid-height for easier access
- Gather all tools and parts before starting
- Protect door sill and surrounding areas with towels to prevent scratches
Procedure
- 1Remove door panelRemove the rear door panel by first removing any visible screws (typically one in door pull handle area using T20 or T30 Torx bit, one behind speaker grille). Use panel removal tool to carefully pry around perimeter of door panel to release retaining clips. Disconnect all electrical connectors including window switch, power lock switch, and any courtesy lights. Lift panel up and away from door frame.
- 2Remove moisture barrierCarefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier to expose the inner door structure. Try to preserve the barrier and adhesive for reinstallation. If barrier tears, replacement will be necessary. Only peel back enough to access the window motor and regulator mounting points.
- 3Support window glassWith the window in a partially raised position (approximately 6-8 inches from full up), use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame or insert blocks between glass and door structure. This prevents the glass from falling once the regulator is disconnected. Ensure glass is stable and secure before proceeding.
- 4Disconnect window motor electrical connectorLocate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector from the motor. Verify connector is completely free and move wiring harness aside to prevent damage during regulator removal.
- 5Disconnect regulator from glassLocate the two bolts or clips securing the window regulator arms to the bottom channel of the window glass. Remove these fasteners (typically 10mm bolts). Carefully separate the regulator mechanism from the glass channel. The glass should now be supported only by your tape or blocking.
- 6Remove regulator and motor assembly mounting fastenersLocate all mounting bolts securing the regulator track and motor assembly to the door frame (typically 3-4 bolts, may be 10mm or rivets). If rivets are present, use a drill bit slightly larger than the rivet shaft to drill out the rivet heads. Remove all fasteners while supporting the regulator assembly.
- 7Remove regulator and motor assemblyCarefully maneuver the window regulator and motor assembly through the access hole in the door frame. The assembly may need to be tilted or rotated to clear the door structure. If equipped with cable-type regulator, ensure cables are not binding on any door components during removal.
- 8Install new regulator and motor assemblyPosition the new window regulator and motor assembly through the door access hole. Align mounting holes with door frame. If original installation used rivets, install new mounting bolts through the existing holes. Install and hand-tighten all mounting bolts. Torque mounting bolts to specification.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 9Connect regulator to window glassAlign the regulator arm channels with the window glass bottom channel mounting points. Install the retaining bolts or clips. Ensure proper engagement before tightening. Torque mounting bolts to specification.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Connect electrical and test functionReconnect the window motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test window operation through full up and down travel to verify smooth operation and proper alignment. Ensure window seals properly at top position. Disconnect battery again for final reassembly.
- 11Reinstall moisture barrier and door panelReposition and press the moisture barrier back into place, ensuring good adhesion around all edges. Replace with new barrier if original was damaged. Reconnect all door panel electrical connectors. Align door panel with retaining clips and press firmly into place around perimeter. Reinstall any screws removed during disassembly. Torque cover screws to specification.Torque specCover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 12Reconnect battery and perform final testReconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Perform window auto-up/auto-down initialization procedure if equipped: cycle window fully down, then fully up and hold switch for 2 seconds. Test all window functions including one-touch operation.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated before final testing
- Replace any broken door panel retaining clips to ensure proper panel fit
- Check that moisture barrier is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion into door cavity
- Confirm window operates smoothly through entire range without binding or unusual noise
Verification
- Test window operation from both driver controls and rear door switch through complete up and down cycles
- Verify window auto-reverse function (if equipped) operates correctly
- Check that window glass seats properly in weatherstripping at full up position with no gaps
- Listen for any unusual noises during window operation indicating misalignment or binding
- Confirm door panel is securely attached with no loose clips or rattles
- Verify all door switches and courtesy lights function properly after reassembly