electrical
Window Motor and Regulator - 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
2.2 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.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including door panel removal and electrical disconnection.
Warnings
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require window re-initialization after repair.
⚠Support the window glass before removing regulator bolts to prevent glass from falling and breaking.
ℹ️Mark or photograph electrical connector positions before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
Tools required
Panel removal tool setEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension set
Electrical connector removal tool
Torque wrenchEssential
Flashlight or work light
Masking tape
Parts
- Rear window regulator and motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Door panel retaining clips (if broken) × 1 — Use OEM specification
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 down approximately halfway if motor is still functional; if not, you will need to manually support the glass
- Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning
Procedure
- 1Remove door panel lower fastenersUsing the T30 Torx driver, remove the two Torx screws at the bottom edge of the rear door panel. Remove the screw located in the door pull handle recess. Carefully pry out the power window switch assembly using a panel tool, then disconnect the electrical connector.
- 2Remove door panelStarting at the bottom rear corner, use panel removal tools to carefully release the retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work your way around the panel, releasing each clip. Lift the panel upward to disengage it from the upper door frame, then pull away from the door. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors for speakers or courtesy lights.
- 3Remove moisture barrier accessPeel back the plastic moisture barrier enough to access the window regulator and motor assembly. You do not need to completely remove it. Use masking tape to hold it back if necessary. Identify the window regulator mounting bolts and motor electrical connector.
- 4Secure window glassIf the window is in the down position, carefully raise it to near the top of the door frame. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame to prevent it from falling when the regulator is disconnected. Ensure the glass is stable and will not shift during regulator removal.
- 5Disconnect window motor electrical connectorLocate the window motor electrical connector inside the door. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the motor. Move the wiring harness out of the way to provide working clearance.
- 6Remove window glass from regulatorLocate the two 10mm bolts that attach the window glass to the regulator lift bracket. These are typically accessible through access holes in the inner door structure. Remove both bolts while continuing to support the glass with tape. Carefully lift the glass completely up and secure it in the full-up position with additional tape.
- 7Remove regulator mounting boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove all regulator mounting bolts. There are typically three to four bolts securing the regulator assembly to the inner door panel. Keep track of bolt locations as some may be different lengths. Support the regulator assembly as you remove the final bolt.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 8Remove regulator and motor assemblyCarefully maneuver the regulator and motor assembly out through the large access opening in the inner door structure. You may need to rotate and angle the assembly to clear the door frame. The motor is typically attached to the regulator and removed as a complete unit.
- 9Install new regulator and motor assemblyGuide the new regulator and motor assembly into the door through the access opening. Position it so the mounting holes align with the threaded inserts in the door frame. Install all mounting bolts hand-tight first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect window glass to regulatorRemove the tape securing the window glass. Lower the glass carefully until the holes in the glass mounting bracket align with the regulator lift bracket. Install the two 10mm bolts and torque to specification. Verify the glass is securely attached before proceeding.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect electrical and testConnect the window motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Before reinstalling the door panel, test the window operation through its full range of travel multiple times. Verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall moisture barrier and door panelReposition the plastic moisture barrier and press it firmly to ensure a good seal. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel components. Align the door panel with the upper door frame and slide it down into position. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all Torx screws removed earlier.
Reassembly
- Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated and the panel is secure with no gaps
- Verify all electrical connectors are properly engaged and locked
- Test window operation from both door switch and driver's master switch
Verification
- Operate the window through full up and down cycles at least three times to verify smooth operation
- Listen for any unusual noises, grinding, or binding during window movement
- Verify the window seals properly at the top of the door frame when fully closed
- Check that the window auto-up and auto-down features work correctly (if equipped)
- Perform window re-initialization procedure if required: with ignition on, hold window switch down until window is fully down, continue holding for 2 seconds, then pull switch up until window is fully up and hold for 2 seconds
- Confirm door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips