Power Window Problem. - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

AUII_Forte · 07-01-2003, 05:36

Hey Guys,

I'm having a problem with my passenger side front window in my EBII Fairmont. I put it all the way down this afternoon, now it won't go back up. I've pulled the switch unit out of the console and taken it apart, cleaned it up a bit and put it all back together properly but still no go. Any ideas? How common is it for motors to die? It's not making any noises what so ever. When a switch is depressed with the engine off and a window all the way up or down the interior light dims because the motor is under a load, but the passenger one doesn't which is what led me to believe it was the switch. How much is a new switch unit worth? Any help would be great. My GF is taking it to an auto sparky tomorrow to get a quote done, but I'd rather not pay labour for something I can do myself.

Thanks
Daniel.

stretch2002 · 07-01-2003, 19:19

E -series power window motors dying? Very common!!!

I have had my Ef2 fairmont for 9 months and have had to replace 3 of them - luckily all under a warranty.

For the EF I was quoted $330 fitted.

Troutman · 07-02-2003, 03:13

From what you've described I'd swear it was a wiring issue. I have had one of my power window motors need replacement, but it was getting more and more sluggish. I didn't realise they just died for no reason.

Muzza · 07-02-2003, 03:44

Sounds like it could be either switch or winder. Have had the problem you are seeing caused by both, although, totally dead would more probably be the winder.
Wiring problems are rare but not impossible.

I would test, but, unless you have the wiring details it would be hard to do this.

The switch units are around $180. The motors are around $180 each as well. That's with my XR Club discount from Bayford.

The switch is, obvoiusly, fairly easy to replace.
The winder would take no more than one hour for a novice. I take less than 30 mins (lots of practice).
Only issue is drilling out the pop-rivets. Make sure you have some 6mm bolts about 10mm long and matching nylock nuts, four required.

The original pop rivets are available from Ford spares but you need a 6.4mm rivetter which are very expensive. I have and use one of these.

Good luck.

AUII_Forte · 07-02-2003, 04:45

Got it fixed today, cost me $121. It turned out that the switch was faulty but fixable. He told me to avoid using that window as the cable had started to fray and it may not be long till it snaps, meaning a new regulator.

07-18-2003, 16:26

Just some info for those with power window problems. I replaced the cable in a rear window of an ef fairmont recently. My research found that the most common problem with these is the end of the cable popping out of its locater due to stiff windows (no lubrication). Cable then tangles on its spool and its all over. Got quoted some vicious prices for new units from ford and about $180 for recycled units from wreckers. One however did sell me the kit they use to recycle them that includes new cable and spool, for about $90 bucks. Fairly easy job to replace cable, only do it with a mate and dont fix tensioners until after you've replaced the spool. Instructions say opposite but it makes it almost impossible. Kit also includes a 1cent clip that stops the problem recurring. Ford must have made a fortune out of this ommission.