Power Window Regulator - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front power window regulator assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including disconnecting the window motor and removing the door panel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or Motorcraft part
• Door panel retaining clips (if broken) × 1 — Ford door panel clip kit
• Pop rivets (5/32" or 3/16") × 6 — Aluminum pop rivets
• Door panel fasteners (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
3. Roll the window to the full up position before beginning work
4. Prepare a clean workspace to lay out removed parts in order

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Use T30 Torx driver to remove the two screws from the door pull handle area. Remove the screw behind the small cover at the front edge of the armrest. Pry out the small cover cap behind the interior door handle using a panel tool and remove the screw underneath.
2. 2

   Disconnect door panel switches
   Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry up the window switch control panel from the armrest. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the power window and mirror switches by pressing the release tabs. Set the switch assembly aside.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Insert a panel removal tool between the door panel and door frame, starting at the bottom rear corner. Work around the perimeter to release all retaining clips. Lift the door panel up and away from the door to disengage it from the window sill. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors including the door handle cable if equipped with manual locks.
4. 4

   Remove water shield
   Carefully peel back the plastic water shield from the door frame. The shield is held by adhesive and can be reused if removed carefully. Fold it back to expose the window regulator mechanism. If the adhesive is damaged, prepare to replace or re-seal the shield during reassembly.
5. 5

   Secure window glass
   With the window in the full up position, use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame from the outside of the vehicle. Apply at least two strips of strong tape across the top of the glass and onto the door frame to prevent the glass from dropping when the regulator is disconnected.
6. 6

   Disconnect window motor
   Locate the window motor electrical connector on the regulator assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. If your vehicle has the express up/down feature, there will be two connectors to disconnect.
7. 7

   Detach glass from regulator
   Locate the two bolts securing the window glass to the regulator lift channels (typically accessible through access holes in the door frame). Use a 10mm socket to remove these bolts. Carefully lift the glass free from the regulator channels while ensuring it remains secured by the tape.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting fasteners
   The window regulator is attached to the door frame with a combination of bolts and rivets (typically 3 bolts and 3-4 rivets). Use a 10mm socket to remove the mounting bolts. Use a drill with a 1/4" bit to carefully drill out the factory rivets by drilling through the rivet head. Do not drill into the door frame itself.
9. 9

   Remove regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the window regulator assembly out through the large access opening in the door frame. The regulator may need to be rotated and angled to clear the opening. Pay attention to how it comes out as you will need to reverse this process during installation. Watch for sharp edges on the door frame.
10. 10

    Install new regulator
    Position the new window regulator assembly and carefully maneuver it into the door frame through the access opening. Align the mounting holes with the door frame. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Install pop rivets in the rivet locations using a rivet gun. Then torque the mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Attach glass to regulator
    Lower the window glass carefully into the regulator lift channels. Align the mounting holes and install the two glass-to-regulator bolts. Tighten securely but do not overtorque to avoid cracking the glass. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect motor and test operation
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector(s). Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the RUN position (do not start engine). Test window operation by cycling it up and down several times to ensure smooth operation and proper alignment. Disconnect battery again before continuing.
13. 13

    Reinstall water shield and door panel
    Remove the tape securing the window glass. Re-adhere the water shield to the door frame, ensuring a proper seal around all edges. Position the door panel over the door, engaging it onto the window sill first. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Reconnect the door handle cable if applicable. Install the door panel fasteners and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect all electrical connectors to window switches and verify proper seating
2. Ensure all door panel clips are fully engaged before installing screws
3. Verify water shield is properly sealed to prevent moisture intrusion
4. Replace any broken door panel clips with new clips

Verification

• Reconnect negative battery terminal and perform window initialization procedure if equipped (hold switch up for 5 seconds after window is fully closed)
• Test window operation through full travel multiple times, verifying smooth operation without binding or unusual noise
• Test one-touch auto up/down function if equipped to ensure proper calibration
• Verify window aligns properly with weatherstripping when fully closed
• Check for air or water leaks around door panel and water shield
• Verify all door panel switches and controls function properly

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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