My 2004 is doing the same thing. All windows quit except the front passengers. Tried a new switch and that didn't work. Checked and had power and ground. This is really strange. Help please!

 

I'm not sure if the '04 is the same as the older explorers but its worth a look...


96fordsport

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 8

96fordsport is starting off with a positive reputation.


1996 explorer sport 4x4 light and windows


This is super simple and works to fix it. See the relay that controls the windows is the same relay that does the 4wd indicator light. Take off the plastic panel under the steering wheel, the take off the metal piece too. Look under there by the gas pedal. Up to the right is a black plastic box maybe 5" x 3" with black tape around it. Cut the tape off, pull the cover off, there are clips so be careful not to break them. Real bad position to work on all this. Anyways, there are 2 kinds of relays in there, a bunch of little rectangle ones and one big square one. The big square one is the problem, just pull it out, maybe some wiggling may be needed. Pull it out and bring it into autozone and they can match it. It is called the acc. relay. It was $7 at autozone and $12 at the ford dealer. Replace it and you should be good to go. If you need the part number of the relay I can get the one I got. PLEASE let me know if this fixes your problem.

 

Sorry for the delayed followup. All the mechanical parts work fine. The motors work, because sometimes the windows work wonderfully (usually for about 2 minutes once in a while after sitting overnight). Currently, the driver front and rear work well, and the passenger rear is working, all from the driver switch, and their own switches. When its in the failing mode (most of the time) the driver switch does not work on the passenger front window, but the passenger front switch will work down, but not up. It was starting to rain, and I had the door panel off the passenger front, so I cut the motor wires and reversed then, and used the down button to roll up the window, so that proves its not a motor or mechanical issue.

Upon occasion, the passenger rear window will stop responding as well, but not as frequently as the passenger front.

I've replaced the driver switch, without a change is symptoms.. waste of $75.

I'm down to finding wiring diagrams and seeing where specific functions that don't work and do work have isolated current paths, and tracking down wiring in the harness.. yuck. Anyone have a good window wiring diagram for a 2004 explorer?

 

I saw that there was an accessory delay relay in the mix there, at least on mine, that allows operation of the windows, and radio, maybe some other things, after you turn off the key, for a minute or so, or until you open a door.

All the other functions work, and I doubt that there are individual relays for every window, radio, and other stuff. strange.

 

In most cases the problem you folks are talking about is in the Motor gear box there are little plastic Studs in it that wear over time sometimes the window works others it wont. You can replace the motor assembly and fix the problem (don't use one that is used you may be no better off). The best thing to do is pull the top off the little motor gear box remove what is left of the 3 plastic studs and drop a 5/16" or 1/4" nut in the place of of the studs close it up put it all back together it will normally correct the problem. This is good from 92 to 06 there are a few worm screws in some models if you see the worm screw it just needs a good oiling the slides & screw. I have probably repaired in excess of 20 of these units and never seen a bad Motor they are very well protected.

 

I really don't think this applies in my case. I expect there would be some amount of motor noise, clicking, etc. What I'm experiencing is a lack of electricity. At this point, all my windows are working except front passenger. passenger switch could roll it down, but not up. Driver switch could do neither. (if it were a gearbox issue, either switch would show the same symptom). I take off the passenger door panel to further troubleshoot, plug the switch back in, and it starts working again. Put the panel back on, and it stops working again.

This seems like an open wire in the harness somewhere near the passenger door. Anyone have a schematic?

 

You just described the problem I was talking about when you have slick plastic rubbing greased plastic there is very little sound. I have drawings I will post later today or tomorrow. My best suggestion to all concerned is to remove the door panel find the two wires going to the motor, connect a DC volt meter to the wires then try to raise and lower the window if you have 12.5 Volts or better change the plastic studs in the motor gear box if no voltage it is between the motor and switch. The only relay involved is the Accessory Delay Relay controlled by the Instrument Cluster Microprocessor. From there you have it just switches and wires! Good Luck!

 

I almost forgot if you do need to get the motor out of the door one screw is hidden you will need to drill a 1/2" hole over the screw if you can locate it for removal. Caution there are spring loaded items in the door held by the motor. I goes back in much easier than it comes out. WER