My son's 2003 Ranger XLT driver's side window will not go all the way up. It stops about a 1/4 inch from the top and the window motor makes a fast clicking sound until the switch is touched again. We took off the door panel and I can use my hand to push the window up from the bottom, but then it gets stuck and I have to pull it down just a little. When I do this it goes down with no problem, but makes the clicking sound at the bottom also. The clicking is coming from the window motor. I can see the window motor shake. Can anyone tell me if this is the motor or a regulator problem? It looks like the regulator has 4 rivets that hold it in, so if it is the regulator how do I replace it?
Thanks,
Bill

 

Very carefully; that's how. Yes, the 4 rivets hold the regulator in place. This is most likely a motor problem, but I believe you get the whole assembly from Ford. There were running changes to some of the older regulaotrs for Rangers, Explorers, and Windbags. First take the rivets out that hold the glass in (use a punch to punch out the center of any old rivets; it makes the job ever so much easier), then you have to very carefully drill out the rivets; it helps to support the glass from the back. When the rivets are out, then lower the regulator a bit and remove the glass. You'll have to tilt the glass down in the front and then tilt it up in back and remove it that way. Next, remove the back and center runs that connect to the regulator, drill out the other rivets, and disconnect the motor. Once all is removed, don't forget to vacuum the inside of the door out, and yes, you'll have to get the big rivet gun to get the right retention on the rivets and glass.
One note: the big white washers that connect the glass (and go through it, if I remember correctly) are critical. They are availible seperately if necessary, and they are the only reason that you DON'T break the glass in a million pieces when you re-rivet it together. They snap apart and together (or they now are manufactured with them). If they are damaged, get new ones.