Rear Window

[GA-88Bronco]

I have a 1988 bronco and my rear window will not go down or up. I have now determined that it is probably a swtch problem.

Here are some things that I tried:

-pushed in on the tailgate and tried the key switch on the tailgate (no luck)

-ran a hot wire from the battery and made the window go up and down.

-used my test light to determine that I have power on every circut at the tailgate.

Im guessing that any of the three switches could be gone bad. The switch on the dash, the key switch or the limiter switch that sensors when the tailgate is closed. Since all of the other switches run thru the key switch, I guess I need to start there which I fear is going to be a pain in the rear. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Rocknrotty]

-ran a hot wire from the battery and made the window go up and down.

Where did you run wire too (motor?)

-R-

 

[GA-88Bronco]

Where did you run wire too (motor?)-R-

I ran it to the wires that run directly to the motor. I removed the acess panel from the tailgate and there was a connector right in the middle. I pulled apart the connector and plugged in the jumper wires to the line leading to the motor and the window came down, I then reversed the wires and it went back up. I also tested the supply side of the connection and both wires were hot. Im going to test the switch on the dash next because it is way easier to get to than the key switch on the tailgate.

 

[Bronco_Willis]

Try keeping everything hooked up just as factory did, open the rear access panel. Insert the key on the tailgate and turn it. see if the switch is functioning properly. If its gettign from one side to the other and clicking, but nothing is working, then that should be your problem

 

[Seabronc]

The most common problem is the safety switch. With the window up and out of the way, disconnect the safety switch connector and install a piece of wire between the two contacts and then try the switches. If it will go up and down and you can find 12V at the switch then your problem is in the return grounded line. A diagram is attached.

Good luck,

 

[Krafty]

Remove the safety switch in the rear tailgate and run the wires together. end of story. my key switch in my tailgate hasn't worked for the last 3 years, I only use my dash switch.

 

[Bronco_Willis]

Remove the safety switch in the rear tailgate and run the wires together. end of story. my key switch in my tailgate hasn't worked for the last 3 years, I only use my dash switch.

Im with Krafty on this one! I have never used that key switch

 

[Seabronc]

I agree about the so called safety switch. It's intended function is to keep you from closing the tailgate with the window up. Personally, I'm smart enough not to do that B) . The reason I have had it bypassed is to allow me to put the window in the up position while the tailgate is open so I can service the inside of it, you just have to be smart enough to support the glass.

>-

 

[GA-88Bronco]

Thanks for all the info guys! Ill let yall know how it turns out when I get the time to work on it some more. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to tighten up the linkage for the tailgate release latch. I have to reach inside the acess panel and pull on both rods just to get it open. All the linkage is still in place but there is too much play in it when you use the handle.

 

[GA-88Bronco]

I placed a jumper between the contacts of the safety switch and it still diddnt work with either switch so I figured it must be the key switch because everything runs thru it. I was wrong, I did a continuity test on the switch (after my ******** cut it off /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> ) and it works fine. I guess I have a grounding problem somewhere.

 

[miesk5]

yo G!

For the latch; check da operating rod to see if it's bent..it runs from da center mechanism to that latch... If the rod is a little slack & the latch is not rusted/dirty& lubed, but won't catch, then replace the latch. Handle & Latch Illustration for 80-89 Source: by Chris B

For checking all connectors & Gounds see this

Connector Locations Source: by RFR

Wiring Diagram (color codes are correct) in 87-96 Source: by Seabronc

BTW, say thanks to Seabronc! He pointed out that some TG/etc. Wiring Diagrams are inccorect; incl Chilton's stuff.

 

[GA-88Bronco]

I finally got the window to work with the dash switch. I took the switch out and did a continuity test, the switch was bad so i took it apart and worked with the contacts inside until i got it working. I put the switch back in and it still diddnt work so i took the taillight out and used that connection for a test point. The test light indicated that the switch was functioning properly along with everything else up to that point. I then tested the supply lines at the connection inside the access panel and it was working fine there too. It ended up being that the connector from the window motor was bad so i cut them off and hard wired them together using some wire nuts. All I have to do now is splice the key switch wires back together and re-install it.

Thanks for all the help guys. That diagram helped a lot!