Symptoms
The rear glass won't go up or down, moves from the key but not the dash switch (or the other way round), or grinds and stalls part-way.
The fix, step by step
- First find out whether the motor or the circuit is at fault.
- Remove the tailgate access panel, find the motor connector near the bottom center of the opening, and power the motor directly from a battery with jumper leads; reversing the leads reverses it.
- If it runs, trace the circuit: the safety limit switch (in the latch handle on a 1980 truck), a corroded ground or broken wire, or the driver's window switch, which must be centered for the tailgate key switch to work.
- If the motor hums but the glass doesn't move, replace the nylon regulator gear with a gear kit.
- If the glass binds or cocks, replace both regulator-arm rollers that run in the lift channels under the glass, and lube the tracks with white lithium grease.
Tools & part numbers
- Trim tools
- screwdrivers
- 12 V jumper leads
- test light or meter
- white lithium grease.
Where to buy the parts
Tailgate window regulator arm roller bushing, 1978–96 (SKU 796538, each)Wild Horses 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
1980–95 Bronco tailgate window motor gear repair kitBronco Graveyard ↗Amazon ↗
1980–96 Bronco tailgate window regulator (replaces F6TZ-9844000-AA)Bronco Graveyard ↗Amazon ↗
1980–96 Bronco inner and outer tailgate window sealsBronco Graveyard ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Ford Full-size Bronco parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.