How to Repair Ford F150 Window Regulator Problems

F150 Window Regulator Problems Are a Common Fail. Replacing Them is Easy, Though

Ford F150 window regulators regularly fail. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to repair by simply installing a replacement window regulator. If you don't have a door panel pry bar, you might find it easier to perform this work by purchasing one. They aren't expensive, and are readily available in most auto parts stores. Ford F150 door panels are constructed primarily of plastic, with the arm rest and interior door handle molded in.

Ford F150 window regulator access

Remove the F150 door panel by locating and removing the attachment screws and bolts that hold the door panel in place. The screws will be hidden behind small round panels that you can remove with a small flat screwdriver. You will also have to remove the plastic panels that hold the interior door handle and the electronic switches.

The Ford F150 has bolts that attach the door panel to the sub structure. These bolts are located underneath the door pull handle/arm rest combination, and can be seen when you remove the plastic panels from the F150 door. Remove these with a 1/4-inch drive socket set.

To pull the door panel off and access the window regulator for the F150, Insert the door panel pry bar between the metal door frame and the plastic door panel, prying the panel away from the frame. You will hear the Christmas tree clips pulling out of their mounting holes. Be careful to avoid damaging these clips, as they can be quite expensive if you have to replace them.

Reach behind the door and unclip any additional wiring harnesses that lead to the Ford F150 power door locks, side-view mirrors, or the power windows. The door panel is now loose, but it will not simply pull straight off of the door panel. Instead, it must be lifted up and off of the track that holds it in place. Once lifted up, the door panel can be worked around the handle and removed from the door structure of the F150.

The F150 window regulator removal process

The F150 window regulator is visible through the holes in the opening of the door frame of the truck. It is mounted to the bottom of the window glass and bolted to the frame of the door using a series of green-headed bolts. It is constructed as a unit, so the best way to remove it is all in one piece. The window regulator motor is attached to the regulator, as well. You'll have to determine whether the motor needs to be replaced, as well.

Pull the window weather stripping off of the door frame and lay it aside. This will allow you to move the glass window out of the way once the window regulator is removed. There are two bolts that attach the window regulator track to the window glass. Remove these bolts, and then lift the window glass up and out of the door.

Pull the wiring harness clip out of the window regulator motor, unbolt the regulator, and then pull it out of the large hole in the door frame of the F150.

Determine the problem with the Ford F150 window regulator. You will notice that there are wheels within the tracks of the window regulator. These are typically the parts that wear out and require replacement of the unit. If the window regulator motor appears to still function, it can be reused. Mount it to the new window regulator with the same hardware from the original f150 window regulator, then mount it back into the door frame. Take note that when you install the bolts that attach the window glass to the track, you don't have to tighten them much. Typically, finger-tight is good.

A new Ford F150 window regulator is relatively inexpensive, so you shouldn't have to worry about trying to find one in a junk yard. Because so many of them wear out, chances are good that the parts you find in a yard will be in just as bad of condition as the parts you removed from your Ford F150. A new window regulator should run you approximately $50. Expect to spend between 2-3 hours performing this work. Reinstallation of the F150 window regulator is the opposite of the removal process.