Rear Quarter Panel Windows - Diesel Forum

tarheeltruck · 12-18-2002, 09:56 PM

Has anyone had problems with the rear quarter panel windows? I have a 2000 Ex, with 47K miles. I noted a rattle about 20K miles and dealer could not "find anything." About 1 month ago it would not open and dealer today said the motor is bad and it will cost about $200.00 (50 for the motor and 150 for labor) to fix it. Help please, any TSB's on this?

Toolman1 · 12-19-2002, 07:19 AM

Don't know about any TSB's, but I do know that motor problems have been a known issue on these windows. Had my passenger side motor replaced after 6 months of ownership and my driver's side motor is starting to make the same "whirring", "over loaded motor" noises.
I can't tell you anymore other than to say that it's not uncommon. It's just unfortunate that when our factory warranty is up, we will be shelling out $200 a pop to replace these known, problematic, motors. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]
I suppose it in our best interest to tackle motor replacements ourselves. Shouldnt' be too difficult...and for $150...I'm certainly willing to learn.
Cheers, Toolman1

tarheeltruck · 12-19-2002, 08:14 AM

I guess there is comfort in knowing I'm not alone ... however so many vehicles have this type of window you would think a 'lifetime' motor would be easy to pull off the shelf.

I'm thinking about doing it myself too, but there is a lot of plastic back there and I afraid if I don't get it back just right I'll have to live with the sqeaks and rattles.

shamuex2000 · 12-19-2002, 09:08 AM

If it will boost your confidence in doing this yourself, you're assuming the dealer is going to get the panels back rattle-free. I think you have a better chance. The back of my ex had muddy boot prints on the bumper, and greasey hand prints on the panels when they were done. The panels didn't look like they were put back right. Some of the plastic attachments were broken when the bone heads took them off. And then you need one appointment to "confirm the concern" and order the parts. Then another for the install. Both on mine were replaced under warranty, and I am starting to have issues with one again. I think that the lube inside the motor or gearbox is inadequate. So you could remove the bad one and try to take it apart to wake it up and lube it. That way you save $200, inconvienience, possible broken panels and rattles, and have a more lasting repair

tarheeltruck · 12-19-2002, 08:42 PM

Yea, your right, I should try it. Has anyone done it? Dealer said it will take 1.5 hours, probably 5 hours for me ... but it will be right!

pabrannan · 12-20-2002, 08:03 AM

My back window motor quit working, fixedunder warranty.

Paul B

Bill Tifft · 12-20-2002, 04:14 PM

All,

I had both of my wing window motors replaced at about 21k. No arguements with the dealer and they had two in stock at the dealership. That tells me that Ford has had problems with them. Mine were working but would squeel loudly and every once in a while they would not open unless you had two person operation to physically help the motor begin motion. About one month later the passenger side window started to rattle. I removed the plastic pieces and found out that there is a circlip that keeps the motor arm firmly attached to the glass that the dealer never put back on. I got a circlip and did the fix. No more rattle. I can tell you after going through this fix that it is extremely easy to remove the plastic to get access to the motors. Start with the bottom threshold piece that is under the dutch doors. Then move to the piece on the side even with the window and then you can remove the piece that covers the motor. If you need access to the drivers side you will have to remove the spare tire. The motors themselves have a short pigtail that plugs in. Just take it easy with the plastic and look to see where the different pieces fit into each other as well as where they attach to the body of the vehicle. No special tools required. I got down to the motor just using my fingers to pry panels off, then tools to remove the motor. When you are removing the circlip be careful NOT to drop it inbetween the window and the side panel. Then you're in for some work. Best of luck...you can do it!

-Bill-

tarheeltruck · 12-20-2002, 08:43 PM

Bill, thanks for the instructions. Can't hurt to try it. Good little project for the holidays.

Richie_Rich · 12-21-2002, 12:15 AM

Mine are starting to stick and I had one window come almost completly out of the fram.
Rich