Power Windows Working Intermittently

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Sep 19, 2006 | 07:21 PM

984x4F150

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From: Orlando, FL

Power Windows Working Intermittently

First things first. The truck is a 1998 4.6L 4x4 XLT supercab with 8' bed. Power windows, locks, etc.
Ok, so I've been searching for over an hour and can't seem to find any real answer for the power window problems. Here is my situation. About 2 months ago I noticed my passengers' side window worked "off and on", then it all of a sudden quit working on me. Now my drivers' side is starting to do the same thing. When I push the button, I hear a relay click, and if my lights are on my lights dim a little bit like power is going somewhere, but nothing is happening. I've checked the switches and they are fine, and I have removed the door panels, but without ripping the vinyl (or whatever it is) liner inside there, I can't even see the window motor. I tried to pull the liner off without damaging it, and what little part I tried to remove just ripped anyways. Is there an easier way of getting to the window motor, or maybe just a certain spot in the liner I can cut to get to it without having to tear it off? Or is there something esle altogether that may be my problem? It's quite annoying just on the passengers' side, but if the drivers' side goes out too it's gonna push me over the edge and into the dealership or somewhere similar to get it fixed.

Sep 19, 2006 | 08:56 PM

steve(ill)

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just pull the liner off. if it tears you tape it back together. the lights dim becuase you are pulling too much power on the window motor. you may have the one motor burnt out. take the door liner off the other side and try to rease the slides for the window horizontal roller track and z-rail. maybe you can save that motor, maybe not.

Sep 19, 2006 | 09:05 PM

984x4F150

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From: Orlando, FL

Ok. I was trying to save the liner without killing it though. I'll try to get it off in the next few days and check the motor out. Both windows went/go up and down just fine without slowing or anything, so it's just weird that they quit out of nowhere. I had no symptoms or warning at all.
Thank You for the reply.

Sep 19, 2006 | 09:18 PM

samb

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Having trouble finding info also. How do you get the motor removed? I have a 1997 F150 with both not working.

samb

Oct 2, 2006 | 03:41 PM

Rick-Waukesha

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I know you are looking to fix this yourself but I would just like to tell everyone how much it cost to have a Ford dealer do it for you. I just wanted mine fixed and was willing to pay to have it done. Anyway, they charged me 2 hours, even though it took about an hour and 15 mnutes. They replaced both actuators and it cost me $324 and some change including tax. I watched them do it and they had the door panel off in about 5 minutes, which surely would have taken me more a lot longer and I'm sure I would have broke something!

Hopefully this will help most of you diy guys feel better.

Oct 2, 2006 | 05:17 PM

avator

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From: Republic of TEXAS

Rick - that wasn't too bad a hit on the price. I replaced just the motor in my old Taurus and a rebuilt motor was $75.00 and took my all afternoon. My cousin had both replaced in his Caddy's front doors and cost him around $750. (realizing if you own a Cad - they figure you can afford it)

If it were me, I'd let them do it - for that price.

Oct 2, 2006 | 06:54 PM

samb

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Removing the door panel was the hardest. Drilling 2 holes and removing the motor was easy. Replacing took 1 1/2 hours on the first door. 15 min for the second. Learning curve. Price of the motors at NAPA Parts about 60.00 ea.

Sbiam