This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window regulator on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including door panel removal, glass stabilization, and regulator installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Motorcraft or OEM equivalent for specific cab configuration
• Door panel retaining clips (if needed) × 10 — Ford push-pin retainers

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 rear window to approximately mid-position before disconnecting battery (if functional)
4. Gather all tools and replacement regulator near work area
5. Clear rear door interior of any items or obstructions

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel lower fasteners
   Remove two T30 Torx screws from the bottom edge of the door panel. Remove the door pull handle screw cover (pry gently with trim tool) and remove the T30 Torx screw behind it. If equipped with manual locks, remove the lock bezel by rotating counterclockwise and lifting off.
2. 2

   Disconnect door panel electrical connections
   Locate the window switch assembly at the front upper corner of the door panel. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the rear of the switch assembly. If equipped with additional switches (lock, mirror), disconnect those connectors as well.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use a door panel trim tool to release the retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work your way around the panel, releasing approximately 10-12 clips. Once all clips are released, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill, then pull away from door. Set panel aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Remove water barrier and access regulator
   Carefully peel back the plastic water barrier sheet to expose the inner door structure. You may need to remove some adhesive or fold it back carefully to maintain seal integrity for reinstallation. Use a flashlight to locate the window regulator assembly mounted to the inner door frame.
5. 5

   Secure window glass in raised position
   If window is not already in the raised position, carefully push glass upward by hand until it reaches the top of its travel. Use painters tape or duct tape to secure the glass to the door frame, running tape from the glass edge to the outer door skin. Apply at least two strips to ensure glass cannot fall.
   ⚠Glass must be securely supported before disconnecting regulator. Unsupported glass can fall and shatter.
6. 6

   Disconnect window glass from regulator
   Locate the two attachment bolts securing the window glass channel to the regulator lift arms. These are typically 10mm bolts accessed through service holes in the inner door frame. Remove both bolts and carefully slide the regulator arms out of the glass channel. The glass should remain supported by the tape applied in the previous step.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect regulator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the window regulator motor. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. If connector is difficult to access, use a wire connector release tool. Ensure connector is completely free and will not snag during regulator removal.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Locate and remove all regulator mounting bolts from the inner door frame. There are typically 3-4 mounting bolts (10mm or 7mm) securing the regulator assembly to the door. Note the location of each bolt as some may be different lengths. Use a magnetic tray to keep bolts organized.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Extract old regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly out through the large service opening in the inner door frame. The regulator may need to be tilted or rotated to clear obstructions. Feed the motor end through first, followed by the regulator arms and track assembly. Take care not to damage the door skin or other components.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new regulator
    Compare the new regulator to the old unit to verify correct part. Position the new regulator near the door opening and feed it through the service hole, motor end first. Align the regulator mounting holes with the threaded inserts in the inner door frame. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening to ensure proper alignment.
11. 11

    Torque regulator mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all regulator mounting bolts to 42.0 Nm (31.0 lb-ft). Follow a diagonal pattern if multiple bolts are used to ensure even seating of the regulator against the door frame. Verify the regulator sits flush against the mounting surface.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect regulator motor and attach glass
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the regulator motor, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Remove the tape supporting the window glass. Carefully lower the glass so the bottom channel aligns with the regulator lift arms. Insert the lift arms into the glass channel and start both attachment bolts by hand. Torque the glass attachment bolts to 42.0 Nm (31.0 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Test regulator operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft). Turn the ignition to ON position. Operate the rear window switch to raise and lower the window through its full range of travel several times. Listen for unusual noises and verify smooth operation. The window should fully seat at both top and bottom positions without binding.
    ⚠Watch fingers and hands during test operation. Keep clear of moving window and regulator components.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall water barrier and door panel
    Once operation is verified, disconnect battery again if needed for safety. Press the water barrier sheet back into place, ensuring all adhesive edges are sealed properly. Position the door panel over the window sill and slide downward to engage the top clips. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all T30 Torx screws removed earlier. Reconnect all electrical connectors to switches.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel retaining clips are fully engaged before operating window
2. Verify water barrier is properly sealed to prevent moisture intrusion into door
3. Test all door switches (window, lock, mirror if equipped) for proper operation
4. Perform window auto-up/auto-down initialization if feature is not working: hold switch up for 5 seconds after window is fully raised, then hold switch down for 5 seconds after window is fully lowered

Verification

• Operate window through full travel multiple times to confirm smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Verify window seats properly at both full up and full down positions
• Check that auto-up and auto-down features work correctly if vehicle is equipped
• Confirm door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips
• Inspect for proper alignment of window glass in door frame

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