The rear window on my '98 XLT won't open. The tailgate opens but the window won't.

Any suggestions before I start tearing it apart?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance,
trshman

 

I think there is a cable to the release mechanism. Sometimes that cable does break.

 

It will most likely be the rubber that holds the cable in place. Some have used wire ties to strap the cable. I have found that that works for a while, so I started to remake the ends using plumbers epoxy ...the stuff that comes in a round tube with one compound wrapped around the other.

I make a end near the size, sand it to side to fit the inside of the latch, and then take a thick hacksaw blade (or a wood blade for a saw saw) and cur 2 grooves. I was cutting a groove all around, but found that 2 grooves work better.

They use the same rubber end fitting on the vans, and the back door of the supper cabs. I have done many for I own a service Co with vans and trucks. My Navi has it for both the hatch door and window. I did both at the same time, and found that it is best to do both (top and bottom Latch) cables on the vans at the same time. For you do not you will be back in there before too long doing the one that you did not do.

One of the many brands
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...9QEwBQ&dur=442

 

Easy fix; search E-bay for a new window release cable:

Ford Genuine F2UZ15264A65B Control Rod Assemby Cable (New)

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Thank you gents, one and all. I appreciate it.
It's getting a little "cool" here in east Tennessee. When working
outside on a car in this weather I prefer on having a good understanding of things before I start them. You've helped me do that.
As the Arabian proverb puts it: "think of coming out before going in"

Thanks again.
trshman

 

[QUOTE=trshman;12458914]Thank you gents, one and all. I appreciate it.
It's getting a little "cool" here in east Tennessee. When working
outside on a car in this weather I prefer on having a good understanding of things before I start them. You've helped me do that.
As the Arabian proverb puts it: "think of coming out before going in"

A cheap fix is to take off the existing cable, remove the shredded/rotten rubber grommet and metal sheath from the cable end, and attach the inner cable wire itself to the latch mechanism. Secure the exposed cable end with a heavy duty plastic cable/wire tie to the lock handle.
Its is the same part number for the cable releases for the liftgate and the rear window. Since its a straight shot down from the window release latch down to the lock handle,the above fix works. The liftgate release cable has to loop around from the lock handle and then down to the liftgatch latch. You will probably need a new cable and intact rubber grommets on each end if you want to replace the liftgate release cable. Be advised this repair is MUCH easier if you can open the liftgate to remove the inner panel. I used my new cable to replace the liftgate release cable and modified the existing litfglass cable for the window. Good luck