Aggravating Rear Window

[Nimrook]

Hi there, I'll be posting my introduction and a picture of my Bronco here soon, but for now I have a question. I did a search and didn't turn anything up, but maybe someone can help. My rear window of my '94 has decided it likes where it is, and refuses to go up or down by using the switch or the key. I can hear the motor trying to work, but the window won't budge. I've tried jiggling the glass to see if it was stuck, but I've got nothing. The best I can come up with is that either the window is off its track, or the gears have gone out in it, but I'm really not sure. I took it apart and took a peek inside the best I could without completely removing the tailgate, and I couldn't see anything obviously wrong. Anybody got any ideas? Assuming you have an idea of what's wrong, any idea how to fix it without taking it to the Ford dealership? I've never done this kind of work on it or any other vehicle, so I'm pretty much at a loss. Any help would really be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Hey Nimrook,

We have had a couple of discussions on the wireing and switches to the tailgate window, but I don't recall seeing any about the hardware. I know that some have replaced some of the interanl parts, so I am sure that you may get some guidance here.

I recently took my inside cover off to look inside, trying to trace out the wiring and I found that it is a bit difficult to actually see inside there. You *may* find using a light and mirror will be helpful in looking to see if it is off the tracks or not. If that doesn't work, then perhaps you might use a digital camera, cell phone, or video camera to take pictures of places you can't get a good look.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Here are a lot of pictures that you may find helpful.

http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/2742/12689

 

[zach351]

im having the same problem.... aggravating yes i agree, but it should be a simple fix.. unhook the motor take it out and clean it REALL good while ur at it look at the gears to see if they are stripped.. worst case is that u will have to buy a new motor and from a junkyard u can get around 30 dollars but for a new one it could run between 30 and 60 dollars

 

[bidibronco]

My window in my 94 doesn't always like to go up and down (now it doesn't do anyting with the dash switch but scoward one from pick-n-pull). I used to pull the inside cover off and spay everything that looked like it moved with PB Blaster every couple of weeks or so. May be able to give that a try. By the way WELCOME!

 

[shift1313]

integrated into the wiring is a switch that makes sure the tail gate is closed. this could be faulty and causing the problem. the key switch could also be stuck in one position or another. its just an arm that goes over and pushes a button depending on the direction. Be EXTREMELY carefull when taking the motor out. the slider mechanism is spring loaded to help raise the glass. this could easily to some serious harm if your hand is in the scissor portion of the linkage.

ive never personally had a problem with the track or the linkage but they do have plastic wheels(replacable) that can break. if one breaks then it is very possible your just jambed in place. i know you said you jiggled it but actually try lifting on the glass while trying to lower it or pushing on the glass while trying to raise it.

also why your back there check the condition or your window gasket to keep water from building up in the tail gate. not only will it rust out but moisture in there will corrode your motor and cause issues.

ive personally had issues with the motor going bad. dash switch going bad, key switch going bad, wiring pinching in the tail gate and shorting out the whole truck and smoking, so ive spent a good deal of time in the tailgate for one reason or another . good luck!

 

[Seabronc]

If you can hear the motor running and the window not moving, which I believe is what you said, it is a 99% chance that the drive in the motor gear box needs to be replaced. You can get a rebuild kit for the gear drive from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard, http://www.broncograveyard.com . Getting it out is a bit of a pain, but doable. You will need to get at it by removing the access panel while laying in the back, WATCH YOUR FINGERS, support the window with a brace while you practice being a contortionist when removing the three motor mount bolts.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Mike G]

I had a problem with my 92 EB rear window. If I pushed in on the tail gate (and a lot of shacking) the window would go down. I noticed that the gate was not flush with the body. I got the window down and opened the tail gate and moved the two latch post in about 1/4 inch (the distance the tail gate was hanging out). It works great now.

 

[broncoman2004]

everytime i experience that problem, its because the top wasnt in exactly the right place, as soon as i adjusted the top again it was fine, have one person on the switch, and one person push up or down on the window itself.

 

[aja8237]

I don't know if you've fixed your window problem but I've had the same issues with windows, both the rear and sides, so here is some advice for Broncos around 1994 year.

If the rear window will not go up or down with a key or switch, and you don't hear the window motor operating, than your problem is probably the door strikers. They have PVC or plastic washers on them that break and fall off causing the latches on one or both sides to not make contact with the striker which causes the safety switch to "think" the door is open. (If you notice the door will not open unless the window is all the way down).

If that is the case, you need to buy two rear door strikers and try to get the window down so you can open the door and replace them. Have a friend push in on the door while you try to open the window and eventually you will get it open. You'll need a star head driver which should be the same size as the side door strikers if you want to get one ahead of time.

Now, if you hear the window motor running but the window doesn't move, the problem is most likely a gear in the window motor (this will be the case for the rear and side door windows).

In both cases the door panel will have to be removed and the window motor taken out and the defective gear replaced. I had it fixed by company that comes to you. The cost was about $115 a few years ago. They have to cut a little metal to get at the motor but it didn't seem to difficult if you're handy however after you go through all that and find the gear, it's probably worth spending a few dollars and get a guarantee to boot.

I hope that helps.