electrical
Power Window Motor - Rear
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
10
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.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window motor assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 SuperCrew or SuperCab with rear door windows.
Warnings
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require window recalibration after repair.
⚠Support the window glass before disconnecting the motor to prevent glass from dropping suddenly.
ℹ️This procedure applies to SuperCrew and SuperCab models with rear door windows. Extended Cab models have fixed rear glass.
Tools required
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
T20 Torx driverEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
Panel clip assortment (for replacements)
Masking tape
10mm wrenchEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Electrical contact cleaner
Dielectric grease
Parts
- Rear window regulator motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or Motorcraft equivalent
- Door panel retaining clips × 1 — Replacement for any broken clips
- Vapor barrier adhesive (if damaged) × 1 — 3M 08008 or equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for electrical system to discharge
- Lower the rear window to approximately mid-travel position if motor is still functional
- If motor is non-functional, manually raise window to full up position to provide working clearance
- Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning work
Procedure
- 1Remove rear door panelUsing trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the small triangular mirror trim cover at the front upper corner of the door panel. Remove the T20 Torx screw behind it. Remove the door handle bezel by pulling it straight back to release the clips. Remove the T30 Torx screw behind the door handle. If equipped with power locks/windows, disconnect the switch assembly connector by pressing the release tab. Starting at the bottom rear corner, use trim tools to carefully release the panel retaining clips working your way around the perimeter. Lift the panel up and away from the door once all clips are released.
- 2Peel back vapor barrierCarefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet far enough to access the window motor and regulator assembly. The barrier is typically adhered with butyl sealant. Work slowly to avoid tearing the barrier. If it tears, you will need to reseal with vapor barrier adhesive during reassembly. Fold the barrier back and secure with masking tape to keep it out of the way.
- 3Secure window glassUsing masking tape or having an assistant hold the window, secure the glass in the full up position. This prevents the glass from dropping when the motor is disconnected. Apply tape from the top of the glass to the door frame on both sides, or insert wooden blocks between the glass and the bottom of the window channel to support it.
- 4Disconnect window motor electrical connectorLocate the window motor electrical connector attached to the motor assembly. Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease during reassembly.
- 5Disconnect regulator from window glassLocate the two regulator arm attachments to the window glass channel at the bottom of the window. These are typically secured with 10mm bolts. Remove both bolts and carefully separate the regulator arms from the glass mounting brackets. The glass should now be completely supported by your tape or blocks.
- 6Remove window motor mounting boltsLocate the window motor and regulator assembly mounting bolts. There are typically three 10mm mounting bolts securing the motor/regulator assembly to the door inner panel. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the assembly with your other hand to prevent it from falling.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 7Remove motor and regulator assemblyCarefully maneuver the window motor and regulator assembly out through the large access hole in the door inner panel. You may need to rotate and angle the assembly to clear the door structure. Work slowly to avoid damaging the regulator cables or arms. Once clear, set the old assembly aside.
- 8Install new window motor assemblyTake the new window motor and regulator assembly and carefully feed it through the door access hole. Position it so the mounting holes align with the threaded inserts in the door inner panel. You may need to manipulate the regulator arms to get proper alignment. Once positioned, hand-start all mounting bolts before tightening any of them.
- 9Torque motor mounting boltsUsing a torque wrench, tighten the window motor mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure. Torque to 23 lb-ft (31 Nm). Verify the assembly is secure and does not move when pulled by hand.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Connect regulator to window glassAlign the regulator arm attachments with the window glass mounting brackets. Install the 10mm bolts and tighten securely. Ensure the regulator arms move freely and are properly seated in the glass channel brackets.
- 11Connect electrical connector and testApply a small amount of dielectric grease to the motor connector terminals if available. Plug the electrical connector back onto the window motor until it clicks into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal temporarily to test motor operation. Test the window through several full up and down cycles to verify smooth operation and proper alignment. Listen for any unusual noises. If window operates correctly, disconnect battery again for final reassembly.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall vapor barrier and door panelRemove the tape or blocks supporting the window glass. Press the vapor barrier back into place, ensuring it adheres properly around all edges. If the barrier was torn, apply new vapor barrier adhesive to create a proper seal. Replace any broken door panel clips with new ones. Position the door panel, hooking the top edge first, then press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Reinstall the door handle screw, reconnect the switch assembly if equipped, install the handle bezel, and reinstall the mirror trim cover and screw.
Reassembly
- Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to 4 lb-ft (6 Nm)
- Perform window auto-up/auto-down initialization if equipped: with ignition on, lower window fully and hold button down for 5 seconds, then raise window fully and hold button up for 5 seconds
- Verify all door panel clips are fully seated and panel is secure
- Test window operation multiple times to confirm proper function
- Check that vapor barrier is properly sealed to prevent water intrusion
Verification
- Test window operation through complete up and down travel multiple times
- Verify window auto-up and auto-down features function correctly if equipped
- Check that window glass is properly aligned in the door frame and seals correctly when fully closed
- Listen for smooth, quiet operation with no grinding or binding noises
- Verify door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips
- Confirm all door switches and handles function normally