Tailgate switch for Power Window
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 89
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From: Northern WV
Tailgate switch for Power Window
The switch inside the bronco will lower and raise the rear window but the key switch on the tailgate itself quit working. Can you give any ideas of where to look first or a common problem, no fuse is blown and it worked well a few weeks ago. I assume you access it by taking the inside panel off the tailgate? Thanks. 
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 257
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Same thing is wrong with mine. I havn't had the time to iso the problem yet though. Take these steps in order to save time. 1st- take off the driver side tail light and follow the harness to the key switch. You will have to take off the access pannel on the tailgate to get to the switch. The positive lead to the key switch will obviously always be hot since you have to have your keys in your hand, not the ignition when trying to operate the window motor. Check with a voltmeter for constant power here. If you have power, check the "lock" system on the switch. You'll see a lever that rotates when you turn the key. This lever will connect the current, which in turn powers the motor. Sometimes the snap ring will fall off, and all you need to do is reassemble the "lock" assembly. This can be difficult if you have big hands! STEP 2-If there is no power, follow the wire back to the dash. It is possible that the dash switch is effecting the rear key switch.
*If you have to reassemble the "lock" assembly on the tailgate, you will have to disengage the safety switch that doesn't allow the rear glass to go up and down while the tailgate is down.*
Sorry if this is too lengthy or confusing, but I hope it helps.
*If you have to reassemble the "lock" assembly on the tailgate, you will have to disengage the safety switch that doesn't allow the rear glass to go up and down while the tailgate is down.*
Sorry if this is too lengthy or confusing, but I hope it helps.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Loveland, CO.
If the dashboard switch is worn out it can interrupt current to the tailgate switch. It's easier for you to take the dashboard switch apart and look at it than it is for me to explain it, but in essence there are bendable contact points in there and if they get bent too far in one direction then there is an open.
I have taken my switch apart about twice a year to re-bend the points since I have owned the truck. The switch is finally getting worn out and next time I will replace it.
I would check your dashboard switch first before tearing everything else apart.
I have taken my switch apart about twice a year to re-bend the points since I have owned the truck. The switch is finally getting worn out and next time I will replace it.
I would check your dashboard switch first before tearing everything else apart.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Mormonville Utah
K i fixed mine... if its the same problem you need to take your pannel off the inside of your tailgate and you will see your key window switch... the metal key gears are attached to a plastic covering with 2 arms 180 degrees apart which hit 2 button depending which way the key is turned... these 2 part are held together by plastic (sigh)... so if you turn it too hard which most people usually do you will break the tabs that hold those two parts together. you can go and buy a whole new setup but all i dead was get the wonderful creation of duct tape and duct tipe the two parts together... works great ever since.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I just had a similar problem with my 82. You can access the switch through the panel, but first you have to be able to open the tailgate, then raise the window. I found it was easier to work on with the Window removed. The problem mine had was on of the switches on the Key mechanesim was bad. Unfortunately you can't find replacement switches for the older Broncos. Fortunatly I found a replacment harness (from main connection all the way to the motor) at Junk yard. After I replaced it everything works great, even smoother than before.
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carriljc
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
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