Expert: Ben Menard - 8/10/2009

Question
I have a 1998 crown vic.  Three of the four windows are exhibiting the same problem.  The windows will go down pretty much normal, but they will not always go back up.  Sometimes they go up without a problem other times the motors seem to work but there is a clicking noise and the windows do not move.  If you help them with your hand flat on the glass and pushing up they will return to full up.

Answer
Hi Jack,

The window motors inside each of your doors rotate a drive gear that turns a spool (regulator spool) which in turn pulls two small cables (regulator cables) that move the window up and down.  Based on your description of the problem, it sounds like these gears are slipping.  This is caused by the failure of what are referred to as gear "inserts" or gear "cushions."  These are small round plastic inserts (three per motor) that fit between the drive gear and the planetary gear inside the head of the motor.  This is a common problem in Ford window motors as they get some age on them.

Fixing the problem involves removing the door panel, removing the window motor, removing the motor gear cover, cleaning the motor gear head, and installing the new gear inserts and then reassembling everything.  

If you are a novice when it comes to repairing window mechanisms, this may not be the best repair to cut your teeth on.  On the other hand, the cost is very affordable.  Most auto parts stores will have a "kit" containing the gear inserts, lubricant, etc for less than $20.00.  

Feel free to send a follow up question is you would like more information.

Ben ..... the power window guy.