Are Ford window regulators crap?

Evil Roy · 09-12-2011, 03:28 PM

I've got an ED Fairmont, electric windows.

In May 2009 the front passenger side electric window regulator went, and I had it replaced using genuine Ford parts at a local garage (Holmac Auto, Nowra).

In May 2010, the regulator went again. I had it replaced under warranty but it still cost me $90 parts and labour from the same garage. I was ****ed off because it had barely been used.

In February 2011, the regulator went again. Again it was replaced under warranty but again it cost me $90 at the same garage. This time it had been used a little more, but not excessively.

Now, today, it has gone again. It got used once or twice a day during the warm weather but rarely during the winter. I made sure the window tracks were kept lubricated with dry lube and silicone spray, and in the winter made sure the mechanism was operated once a month in the winter.

I'm going back to Ford, and demanding that they replace it again, at no cost, and that they do it in their workshop at no cost to me.

Are Ford regulators garbage?

Am I being unreasonable with my demands?

(BTW - Yes, I kept all the receipts, etc)

PHANTMXR6 · 09-12-2011, 03:38 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Mr Hardware · 09-12-2011, 03:44 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

**Peuty** · 09-12-2011, 03:46 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Boss 330 · 09-12-2011, 03:48 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Bobman · 09-12-2011, 03:57 PM

If you have a faulty switch, that can cause issues; ie being stuck when window going up, making it burn out the motor prematurely.

Evil Roy · 09-12-2011, 04:03 PM

Should I see Holmac and get them to investigate? Or should I see Ford? Should any of this be a warranty claim?

Evil Roy · 09-12-2011, 04:07 PM

Oh, and if it is a faulty switch (no evidence to suggest it is so far) should the garage have picked up on that?

my67xr · 09-12-2011, 04:57 PM

i have fixed a few E series Falcons that have had this same issue.
cars regularly, some yearly, having the same doors' window regulator fail.

it all starts off as the rubber/felt window runners in the door frame wear.
this causes the window to start to grab and pushes hard into the rubber,
9.9 times out of 10 it jambs on the way up.
people keep the button pressed on and try to force the window up.
spraying the window channel with silicon spray definately helps the glass slide on it but,
the rubber/felt has been fatigued/pressured by the glass that many times that something else starts to go too.
all this pressure makes the window regulators upright channel, where the glass is pushed/pulled from, twist where it is mounted near the top section of the door inner frame.
the inner door skin eventually twists too.

people just have the window reg replaced, and it happens again, sometimes sooner, sometimes later.
as the rubber/felt channel is still damaged from the original reg failing.

the top mount section of the inner door skin is also still twisted.
on some cars, it even twists the inner door frame down to below the inner door handle.
it is pretty hard to pick the twist in the frame, many people i have tried to show cant see it....
but if i show them where to watch, they can usually see the frame twist as the button get pressed and it starts to jamb.
people are suprised when they see the difference it makes after i have aligned the door frame

i repair the twisted inner door frame by loosening the top mount off, and i use the hook end of a crowbar to twist the frame back again.
it is a bit hard to explain the procedure, hope you understand what im trying to say though.

so if your window reg fails, it is not usually the window regs fault.
i recommend replacing the rubber/felt channel at the same time as a reg, and use some silicon to keep them lubed and operating smoothly/nicely.

cheers, and good luck,
craig

**Fordman1** · 09-12-2011, 05:17 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Evil Roy · 09-12-2011, 05:57 PM

So you think replacing the window runners might help?

(Sorry - this has turned into a Workshop thread!)

drew`SEVNT5 · 09-12-2011, 07:27 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

TheInterceptor · 09-12-2011, 07:41 PM

Hahaha at all the identical posts...

Well Falcon windows jamming is a common thing.....my67xr is on the money though.

Franco Cozzo · 09-12-2011, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss 330

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHANTMXR6

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peuty

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobman

If you have a faulty switch, that can cause issues; ie being stuck when window going up, making it burn out the motor prematurely.

I'd check the voltage at the regulators with a multimeter, also:

If you have a faulty switch, that can cause issues; ie being stuck when window going up, making it burn out the motor prematurely.

FPVGT500 · 09-12-2011, 08:33 PM

It is a common problem for them to let go, my dads EF ones did and my BAs did too

davenl5l · 10-12-2011, 11:37 PM

power windows use em or lose em.. also silicone lube helps on the runners

fordman302 · 11-12-2011, 12:49 AM

if your fuse kept blowing would you just keep replacing they fuse or look at what else might be causing the problems? mind you i do prefer the system in my fd over my au any day!!

joolz · 11-12-2011, 01:31 AM

Basically its a dc motor and a lack of volts wont hurt it but as far as i know the E series have an overload breaker in them. They will restet after around 30 seconds. If it was a faulty switch you would notice it sticking going down if just pusling it and especially going up.
We all know as they are getting on in age now the E series have sticking windows as as already mentioned some lube does wonders.
Are we sure that aftermarket regulators werent fitted? As seeing the car is over 10 years old Ford do not have to supply OE parts anymore.

HSVKILLA · 11-12-2011, 12:27 PM

If it has failed that many times in close succession I would think there is some other issue causing this and that the regulators aren't the problem.

Evil Roy · 11-12-2011, 03:02 PM

The window channels appear clear, I kept them lubricated, and the pane slides freely in them.

I couldn't hear any hesitation or other unusual sound in the window when I used it; it operated smoothly and normally.

No blown fuses, no abnormal electrical problems (except a coolant low light which needed the coolant sensor cleaned, and the Smartlock module occasionally not letting the car start).

Evil Roy · 17-12-2011, 09:53 AM

Had it replaced and the Ford guys said yes, they are crap.

I got them to inspect all the regulators I have had replaced, and the rear right door regulator - replaced about March this year - was correctly installed, has window runners in good condition, has no electrical faults.... and is about to fail because the regulator is 'bound up'. That window has been used maybe 10 times.

So yes, they are crap. I'm going to make them keep replacing them under warranty, and see what Ford head office can do about the situation.

jrfttf · 17-12-2011, 10:10 AM

i know about 18 months ago a dud batch of regs went out, i saw some customers replace them a few times in as many months ect! Hopefully you haven't recieved the *** end of this batch!

Evil Roy · 17-12-2011, 10:26 AM

I think I did get those ones. Hopefully the latest one is okay!

The rear window one was non-genuine so I am going to have to replace it myself. Has anyone had experience with either Falcon Parts or a seller called Grant Walker Parts?

falconnut · 17-12-2011, 11:14 AM

i bought some genuine ford parts off fordmods.com.au

Could try them, they where cheaper then all the local places.

jrfttf · 18-12-2011, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Roy

I think I did get those ones. Hopefully the latest one is okay!

The rear window one was non-genuine so I am going to have to replace it myself. Has anyone had experience with either Falcon Parts or a seller called Grant Walker Parts?

grant walker gets a thumbs up off me!

XR Martin · 19-12-2011, 12:58 AM

The ones in my EL are original, sure you have to tilt the window by hand when raising it, but its still hanging in there.

I think you'll find its common amongst every car maker. Its lucky Ford ones arnt that expensive. Imagine an Audi or BMW one....

Evil Roy · 19-12-2011, 09:10 AM

Aren't that expensive?!?

Ford genuine - $237 or thereabouts

Falconparts - $52

Both have a 12 month warranty. I'm going to risk the cheapy this time.

Bearman · 19-12-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davenl5l

power windows use em or lose em.. also silicone lube helps on the runners

Too right. I had an ED Ghia which had the passenger front and both rear power window regulators fail. The only window working was the drivers one which was used all the time!!

Had to fix one of the rears as it was stuck in the down position. Got a55 raped on price too. Was yonks ago, cant remember exact details. So many problems. Got rid of it, an absolute sh!tbox.

Evil Roy · 19-12-2011, 03:06 PM

I found it interesting that the left rear regulator (which Ford say is busted but was properly installed) was supplied by Ford parts, generic item and without warranty for about $110, basically busted immediately, and another generic from FalconParts costs $52 (plus delivery, about $12) and yet comes with a 12 month warranty.

This experience has really turned me off buying parts from Ford.

Evil Roy · 21-08-2012, 09:42 PM

A bit of an update. The driver's window regulator has now gone. That one lasted about 18 months, used regularly, channels kept lubricated.... and another genuine regulator.

Never shopping Ford again; simply not worth it.