How to Install a Rear Door Window Lift Motor on a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

In 1991, Ford jumped into the mid-sized SUV market with its feature-packed Explorer and 10 years later it revolutionized the market with the release of the Explorer Sport Trac. This truck-SUV hybrid has the seating capabilities of an SUV and a small pickup bed on the rear. The 2002 Explorer Sport Trac came standard with power windows on all four doors. Replacing the electric motor that powers the 2002 Sport Tracs rear door window requires removing the door panel, water shield, speaker, door handle and window regulator.

Instructions

Removal

1

Pull the window to its fully-raised position by hand, but use caution not to distort the window, as you could break it. Secure the window in the fully-raised position, using three or four 12-inch-long strips of high-quality duct tape.

2

Pry upward on the rear of the window control switch bezel, the trim panel surrounding the window switch, using a flat-head screwdriver to release the rear retaining clip, then do the same on the front of the bezel. Lift the bezel slightly, disconnect the window switchs wiring harness, and remove the bezel and switch as an assembly.

3

Look directly behind the door panel pull handle to find the two mounting screws. Remove these screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Pry the trim panel from behind the inside door handle, using a flat-head screwdriver.

4

Remove the screw at the base of the door panel, using a ratchet and socket. Pry around the edge of the door panel with a trim stick to release the retaining clips. Remove the door panel from the door.

5

Extract the two screws securing the inside door handle assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle from the door just enough to access its linkage. Press the door handle linkage rod downward to release it from the door handle. Remove the door handle.

6

Unfasten the four screws securing the door speaker, using a ratchet and socket, and pull the door speaker from the door just enough to access its wiring harness. Unplug the harness from the speaker and remove the speaker.

7

Remove the water shield from the door by slowly and carefully peeling it from the door. Set the water shield in a clean environment with its adhesive side up.

8

Find the window regulator and motor inside the door. Unplug the wiring harness from the power window motor.

9

Select a drill bit that is slightly larger than the internal pins on the three window regulator-retaining rivets. Drill out the rivets using the selected drill bit and electric drill.

10

Slide the regulator-and-motor assembly toward the rear of the vehicle to disengage the regulators tabs from the spring-loaded clips on the window track. Guide the regulator-and-motor assembly from the door via the large access holes.

11

Remove the three bolts securing the motor to the window regulator, using a ratchet and socket, and pull the motor from the regulator.

Installation

12

Align the new motors driver gear with the input on the regulator and guide the motor onto the regulator. Rotate the motor, as needed, to align the mounting holes. Tighten the window motor bolts to 8 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

13

Guide the regulator-and-motor assembly into the door via the large access hole and align the regulators tabs with the spring-loaded clips on the window track. Slide the regulator toward the front of the SUV to snap the tabs into the retaining clips.

14

Instruct your assistant to hold the window as you remove the duct tape. Have your assistant raise or lower the window until you can align the rivet holes in the regulator with those in the door. Insert three snugly fitting rivets into the three rivet holes and lock the rivets, using a rivet gun. Tell your assistant to release the window.

15

Plug the wiring harness into the window motor. Plug the power window switchs wiring harness into the receptacle on the window switch. Turn the Explorers ignition to the On position and test the window by rolling it up and down through its full travelling distance.

16

Turn the ignition off and unplug the wiring harness from the power window switch.

17

Position the water shield on the door and align the door speaker screw holes in the shield with those in the door. Guide the wiring harnesses through their cutouts in the water shield. Press around the entire the water shield firmly with your palm to adhere it to the door.

18

Connect the wiring harness to the rear of the speaker and position the speaker in its cutout. Tighten the door speakers retaining screws with a ratchet and socket.

19

Press the door handle linkage rod into its hole on the rear of the door handle and guide the door handle onto the door. Tighten the door handle-retaining screws to 80 inch-pounds, using an inch-pound torque wrench and Phillips-bit socket.

20

Reinstall the door panel onto the door, guiding it around the inside door handle. Align the retaining clips on the rear of the panel with their holes in the door panel. Press around the perimeter of the door panel with your hand until the retaining clips snap into place. Snug the screw on the base of the door panel with a ratchet and socket.

21

Position the trim behind the inside door handle and press it onto the panel until its retaining clips snap into place. Tighten the two screws directly behind the pull handle with a Phillips screwdriver.

22

Connect the wiring harness to the power window switch. Align the retaining clips on the bottom of the power window switch bezel with the slots in the door panel. Press the bezel downward to snap it into place.