89 Tailgate Window

[joekot]

So the window worked by the switch and key, only I'd have to push on the left side of the tailgate to open and close it, so I couldn't put it up or down while driving unless someone got out and leaned against it while i hit the switch. It had been like this since before I bought it from my neighbor in August. I took it to the Ford service center and told them what the problem was and not to do anything to it without telling me how much it would cost (because if it was too much I could live with leaning on it to work it), but apparently the people at the desk didn't tell the technicians exactly what was wrong, and they figured it didn't work at all, so they took it all apart and messed something up and it doesn't work at all now, and they actually tried to give me a $45 diagnostic charge :angry: . But I need it to at least go up and down like it did before, so unfortunately I think I may be at their mercy now.

Anyone know what the problem might be and how much labor it would have been or what I should expect to have to pay now? Thanks.

 

[Bradt]

My guess would be wiring. It's pretty simple in there, and you can probably fix it yourself in an afternoon. Check to see if they blew the fuse somehow. If your window is stuck in the up position I would just remove the panel and peek inside to make sure all the wires are connected and none are loose. If something's loose then you'll just need to reattach it.

Your problem was in all likelihood related to a safety mechanism in the driver's side latch that prevents the window from moving while the latch is open. I would check the wiring to that first because the technicians may have taken it apart there.

It should have only taken them a few minutes to fix if they had the parts on hand assuming this was the only problem with it. Do you still have the bushing on the driver's side striker for your tailgate? If not, that's what I would have done first. It could have possibly fixed your problem for a couple of bucks (I got mine free from a salvage lot nearby), and would have only required about 2 mins of work.

Personally I wouldn't pay a $45 diagnostic charge since you told them what was wrong, and there's really only one thing that should cause that.

brad

 

[joekot]

Thanks for the info. I ended up taking it back to them yesterday and you were right about the wiring. They told me the tailgate is relly rusted inside, and due to the rotting the wiring was all over the place and I may need a new harness eventually. At first they told me I would need a new striker thing for the safety mechanism for it to close without pushing it in as u said, but somehow they made it work back to normal from the key and switch without getting any parts and charged me $40 for half an hour of labor. I am pretty content with the outcome assuming it lasts. thanks >-

 

[Seabronc]

Next time come here first. There are a lot of guys here with various levels of Bronco experience. We might be able to save uo a buck or two. The striker, by the way, is adjustable so that is probably what they did.

Good luck,

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