My '88 F-250 has factory power windows. Last week, the driver's side window crapped out on me. Thankfully it's closed, but I can't get it open. I don't know if water got behind the panel and shorted something out or if the motor just burned up or what, but it's frustrating.

Long story short, I want to convert them to manual windows. I know I need the crank handles obviously, but will I need the regulators too? I've read differing opinions, some say that I can just pull the wiring harness and snap the crank handles into place, and others say I need new regulators.

Anybody know?

 

I'd see if I could fix it first. Being the drivers side that switch has probably opened and closed that window one hundred thousand times more or less! I'd check at least for a failed switch first!

 

Yes you need the manual regulator and the handle of course, but you don't need to change the inner door skin, you will find a circular dimple on the inside of it that outlines where you need to cut a hole for the handle.

 

i second checking the switch first.
i have changed hundreds of switches to 2-3 motors.
whenever i see window switches in junkyards, i grab them for spares. i get them cheap enough so if they don't work it is not a big deal.

 

Convert to manual windows? What a step backwards. Obviously its a terrible design since it has only worked the last 28 years. Its a long way to the pass side to put that window down on nice days. Check for power at the motor (both raising and lowering). Replace the worn out motor ($30) or switch ($10) Spray some white lithium grease on the regulator gear and the tracks while in there.

 

I happen to prefer the simplicity of the manual windows. It's not a step backwards at all, in my view. Not to mention it's a bit of a nostalgic thing, my dad's Ford had manual windows when I was a kid, as did my first Ford truck. I just prefer them, for different reasons.

 

I probably should've included this in my previous post, but what exactly is the procedure to test for a bad switch or motor? I mean obviously something is bad, but I'm unsure how to figure out exactly which one it is. Given that I've been working construction as long as I have, you'd think I know how to test an electrical unit for functionality :/

 

Does the motor rotate and make noise? If yes, motor is GOOD but your gears/rollers are junk, so replace them with a rebuild kit. If you get no noise from the motor then disconnect the power connector from it and connect a multimeter set for DC voltage (auto-range or set to appropriate range for 12VDC) while pushing the up/down switch. You should get power both up and down, with the polarity changing depending on the direction.

If you have no power in one or both directions, it's time to check the switch and wiring including ground points.

 

^2 or can substitute the DVOM with a test light. As mentioned the motor only has 2 wires. One being power and one ground. They change which is which depending on the position of the window switch.