electrical

Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.3 h
Tools
9
Steps
11
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 SuperCrew or SuperCab with rear doors.

Warnings

Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require drivetrain relearn procedures after reconnection.
Window glass is heavy and can fall if not properly supported. Secure the window before disconnecting the regulator.
ℹ️Take photos of wire routing and clip positions before removal to aid reassembly.

Tools required

7mm socketEssential
8mm socketEssential
10mm socketEssential
Ratchet with extensionEssential
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Masking tape
Magnetic parts tray
Work light

Parts

  • Rear window regulator and motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford or quality aftermarket
  • Door panel retaining clips × 5 — Replace any broken clips

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
  3. Roll the rear window to the full up position if motor still functions
  4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door panel
    Remove the rear door panel by first removing any visible screws from the door pull handle and armrest area using a 7mm or 8mm socket. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry around the perimeter of the door panel to release the retaining clips. Disconnect the window switch connector and any other electrical connections. Lift the door panel up and away from the door to clear the top lip.
  2. 2
    Remove watershield
    Carefully peel back the plastic watershield starting from one corner. The watershield is typically adhesive-backed. Work slowly to avoid tearing it, as it will need to be reused or replaced. Peel back only enough to access the window regulator mounting bolts and motor connector.
  3. 3
    Secure window glass
    If the window is not already in the full up position, manually lift the window glass to the top of its travel. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame to prevent it from dropping when the regulator is disconnected. Tape across the top edge of the window to the door frame in at least two locations.
  4. 4
    Disconnect window motor
    Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Note the wire routing for reinstallation.
  5. 5
    Disconnect window glass from regulator
    Locate the bolts securing the window glass to the regulator lift channel. These are typically two 10mm bolts accessible through access holes in the door frame. Remove these bolts and carefully separate the glass from the regulator mechanism. The glass should now be held only by the tape.
  6. 6
    Remove regulator mounting bolts
    Locate all regulator mounting bolts, typically 3-4 bolts securing the regulator rail and motor assembly to the door frame. These are usually 10mm bolts. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the regulator assembly with your other hand.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove regulator assembly
    Carefully maneuver the window regulator and motor assembly out through the large access opening in the door frame. The regulator rail may need to be collapsed or angled to fit through the opening. Be careful not to damage the door weatherstripping or inner panel during removal.
  8. 8
    Install new regulator assembly
    Position the new window regulator and motor assembly inside the door cavity. Maneuver it through the access opening and align the mounting holes with the door frame. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening. Torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Connect window glass to regulator
    Remove the masking tape temporarily and lower the window glass into position. Align the glass mounting holes with the regulator lift channel. Install the glass mounting bolts finger-tight first, then tighten securely with a 10mm socket. Verify the glass moves smoothly when manually actuated.
  10. 10
    Connect electrical and test
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place securely. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal and test window operation through the full range of motion. Window should move smoothly without binding. Check for proper alignment in the up and down positions. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
  11. 11
    Reinstall watershield and door panel
    Reposition the watershield, pressing firmly to reseal the adhesive. If adhesive has lost effectiveness, use new butyl tape around the perimeter. Route all wiring harnesses as photographed during disassembly. Position the door panel over the door, engaging the top lip first, then pressing firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Reinstall the door panel screws.

Reassembly

  1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft)
  2. Perform window auto-up/down initialization by rolling window fully down, then fully up and holding switch for 2 seconds
  3. Test all door panel switches for proper operation
  4. Verify door locks and interior lights function correctly after battery reconnection

Verification

  • Test window operation through full range of travel multiple times to ensure smooth operation
  • Verify window seals properly against weatherstripping when fully closed
  • Check for any unusual noises during window operation
  • Confirm window auto-up and auto-down features work if equipped
  • Inspect door panel fitment and verify all clips are properly seated
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🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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