2002 XLT, removing door panel/ window motor repair

[boconnell]

The passenger rear window died on me and the dealership quoted me $450 to change the power window motor and regulator. I don't have that in the budget so I went online and found a direct distributor who sold me both parts for $135 w/shipping. I'm going to tackle this project this weekend with the help of a haynes manual but I was wondering if anyone has taken off the door panels before and if they learned any tips or tricks in doing it so I don't ruin the panel or fasteners. Also if you have any tips on the actual replacement I'd be greatful for the insight. Thanks

[shorod]

I cannot offer any specifics to the 2002. When removing the door panel though, be observant to make sure you found all the screws (some may be behind little caps or covers, and you probably will want to find a door panel removal tool that helps pop the plastic rivets out without breaking them or the door panel holders.

Also, certain positions of the window may make removing and installing the regulator assembly easier. Keep that in mind when taking the old one out and putting the new one in.

-Rod

[boconnell]

Sorry for the slow update. I did it a couple weeks ago. It was super easy. No snap screws on the door panel at all. Take off the bottom screw, pry the molding near the door handle off and remove the screw near the handle. then remove the weatherstrip on the top of the panel next to the window. Pull up on the panel and it lefts right off. There's hooks on the backside of the door panel that match up with holes in the door. Disconnected the wire on the window regulator, unhooked the door lock rod and pulled out the old regulator. Put in the new regulator, the hardest part was lining up the window regulator tab with the lifter arm as it was a little bent. When did line up I tighented down the door screws for the regulator, approx 5 screws put the door panel back on and screw down the panel screws. It took me a few hours, only because I was following the Haynes manual very closely and being overly careful. Now that I know what I'm doing I could knock this out in 30 minutes or less. It stuck that the whole reason this happened is because 1 tiny plastic piece that the window rests on broke on the regulator. Oh well I guess that's how they stay on the aftermarket parts biz. I bought the regulator online $135 including shipping. So I saved myself at least $300 in labor that the dealership was going to charge me.

[fasor]

I have a 2003 XLS with a bad rear window motor. The window is in the "up" position and my Chiltons manual (and the ford shop manual) says to lower the window to get access to the bolt securing the regulator to the glass. How do you lower the window if the motor is bad?

I accessed the door interior and your are right that getting the panel off is a breeze. However, from there I am stuck. I can access the three bolts securing the motor assemble to the regulator through the door panel. I am tempted to try changing the motor without removing the regulator.

Any thoughts based on your experience? I also have a bad regulator in the drivers window, but that is a future project.

BTW, the dealer diagnosed the bad window motor during a previous service. They neglected to reinstall the vapor shield and I am debating what to do anout that as well.