2021 FORD F-150

3.5L V6 EcoBoost4WDAUTOMATICgasturbo
28 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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electrical

Power Window Motor - Rear

for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
8
Steps
12

This procedure covers the replacement of the rear power window motor on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including door panel removal, window regulator access, and motor replacement.

Warnings

Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may trigger relearn procedures for power windows and other modules.
Ensure the window glass is properly supported before disconnecting the motor to prevent glass from dropping.
ℹ️Keep all door panel clips and fasteners organized as they are model-specific and easily lost.

Tools required

Door panel trim removal tool setEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrench (4-40 Nm range)Essential
Phillips and flathead screwdriversEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
Electrical connector release tool
Masking tape
Window support blocks or clampsEssential

Parts

  • Rear power window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Door panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

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. Lower the rear window to approximately mid-position if motor is still functional
  4. Prepare a clean work surface to place the door panel

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door panel fasteners
    Remove the screw from the door pull handle area. Remove the screw from behind the interior door handle trim. Use a trim tool to carefully pry off the door handle trim cover to access additional fasteners.
  2. 2
    Disconnect door panel electrical connectors
    Disconnect the power window switch connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Disconnect any other electrical connectors for door locks, lighting, or additional switches present on the rear door panel.
  3. 3
    Remove door panel
    Starting at the bottom rear corner, use trim removal tools to release the retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work carefully around all edges, releasing each clip. Once all clips are released, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill, then pull away from the door. Set the panel on a protected surface.
  4. 4
    Remove vapor barrier
    Carefully peel back or remove the plastic vapor barrier from the door frame. This may be held by adhesive or clips. Work slowly to avoid tearing the barrier, as it must be reused or replaced to maintain proper moisture protection.
  5. 5
    Support window glass
    Raise the window glass to the full up position manually if possible. Secure the glass in the up position using masking tape to the door frame or insert support blocks between the glass and door frame to prevent the window from dropping when the motor is disconnected.
    Failure to properly support the window glass may result in glass falling and breaking or causing injury.
  6. 6
    Disconnect window motor electrical connector
    Locate the power window motor inside the door cavity. Press the release tab on the electrical connector and disconnect it from the motor. Note the connector orientation for reassembly.
  7. 7
    Remove window motor mounting bolts
    Remove the mounting bolts securing the window motor to the regulator assembly and door frame. The motor is typically attached with 3 bolts. Keep track of bolt locations as they may be different lengths.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Remove window motor
    Carefully maneuver the window motor out of the door cavity through the service access hole. The motor may need to be rotated or angled to clear the door frame and internal components. Disconnect any remaining linkage from the motor to the regulator if present.
  9. 9
    Install new window motor
    Position the new window motor into the door cavity, maneuvering it through the access hole. Align the motor with the mounting holes on the regulator assembly and door frame. Connect the motor drive gear or cable to the regulator mechanism ensuring proper engagement.
  10. 10
    Secure motor mounting bolts
    Install and hand-tighten all mounting bolts for the window motor. Torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even mounting pressure and proper alignment.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connector and test
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Test the window operation through its full range of motion to verify proper motor function and smooth operation before reinstalling the door panel.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Disconnect the battery again. Reinstall or reseal the vapor barrier ensuring complete coverage and proper adhesion. Position the door panel by hooking the top edge over the window sill, then press firmly around all edges to engage the retaining clips. Reinstall all screws and reconnect all electrical connectors.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before testing
  2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged with audible clicks
  3. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification
  4. Perform window auto-up/auto-down relearn procedure: with ignition on, hold window switch down until fully closed, continue holding for 5 seconds, then hold up until fully open and continue holding for 5 seconds

Verification

  • Test window operation through complete up and down travel multiple times
  • Verify auto-up and auto-down functions work properly (if equipped)
  • Check that window seats properly at full up position with no gaps
  • Confirm door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips
  • Verify all door panel switches and functions operate correctly

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