1996 Ford Taurus Electric Window Motor Removal

The 1996 Ford Taurus electric window system consists of a window switch, fuse, motor and regulator. If any of these items malfunctions or breaks, you won’t be able to properly operate your power windows. The motor itself drives the regulator arms up and down. These arms hold the window glass in the channel. If the motor fails, the regulator can no longer perform its task until you install a new motor. Basic auto repair experience is necessary to properly complete this repair.

Things You'll Need

• Packing tape
• Trim tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Socket set

Instructions

1. Tape the window in the full upright position by running a piece of packing tape from one side of the glass, up and over the door frame and down onto the other side of the glass. It’s best to do this twice, to ensure the glass won’t move during the repair.

2. Remove the door panel trim around the window switch, lock switch and door handle using the trim tool to pry it loose. Once the trim is off, remove the screws behind the trim with the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the power lock and window switches out with the trim tool and disconnect the wiring harnesses from them by hand. You can pick up a trim tool at most auto parts retailers.

3. Pry the bottom, rear edge of the door panel away from the door using the trim tool. Several plastic trim pins hold the panel in place. Gently pry the plastic trim pins out of their mounts with the trim tool.

4. Pull the door panel upward and away from the door. Set the panel inside the Taurus so it won’t get dirty or damaged during the rest of the repair.

5. Locate the window motor, which connects to the lower, rear portion of the window regulator inside the door. Unbolt the window motor from the regulator and from the door with the socket set. Pull the motor upward until you can pull the wiring harness connector out of the motor.

6. Compare the new motor to the old motor to ensure they look the same and then position the new motor in the door. Plug the wiring harness into the new motor; bolt it to the door and window regulator once more.

7. Plug the window switch back in temporarily and remove the tape from the window glass. Test the window to make sure the new motor functions properly. Disconnect the switch when done.

8. Reinstall the door panel, reconnect the switches and reinstall the door panel trim in reverse of how you removed them.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing trim from any vehicle is tricky, because of the delicate nature of plastic. Removing it from a vehicle that's more than 10 years old greatly increases the odds of a piece breaking inadvertently. Additionally, finding replacement trim for those vehicles can also be a daunting task. With that in mind, use extra care when removing trim from older vehicles.

References

• "Ford Taurus & Mercury Sable 1996 Through 2005: Haynes Manual;" Ken Freund; 2005