Im not sure if this is the right area to post this but here i go anyway. It's been months since I've had my power window kit installed, but recently a noise has been bugging the hell out of me. The kit works fine: up and down functions both work. The problem is with when I put the [driver side] window up. There's a snapping sound every 2 second or so. I had the chance to have a look today and it seems that the problem is coming from the main motor assembly. Other than that I havent the slightest clue what might be causing the actual noise. Should I bother giving those guys where I got the kit from a call regarding this noise?

 

Just guessing but it might be a gear slipping as it rotates.

 

Heck yes I would give them a call. You have a damaged belt in there and if there is any warranty this is the time to use it. If a shop installed it there should be a warranty. Even a vendor should replace a defective one.
Best of luck
Chris

 

What if I installed the kit myself? Does that void any warranty if there is any?

Anyway, after having a look at the problem and putting everything back together, the motor totally failed working when putting the windows up when I went out later that day. I got home, disassembled and tinkered w/ the rotor. It seems that the motor's "teeth" and the gear that moves the belt were not making contact (aka slipping). However, I've realized that motor fails only when putting the window up because much more force is needed to lift the window mechanism. Down function works just fine since it doesnt require much effort to bring the window down. I've confirmed this when I put the manual handle back on and played w/ the window.

To make long story short, the motor works just fine (in a way anyway). Motor brings the window w/ ease, but gears/teeth slip due to greater force when rolling window up. This sucks. I will be contacting those guys as soon as I find my receipt and some contact info.


BTW, how much does it cost to just totally replace the window w/ the OEM power window kit? And is installation easy/difficult? Thx.

 

To put in the OEM motor/parts is reported to be pretty easy. You would be best to have an assistant during the part where you pull the original works out. Or get some suction cups to hold the glass in place. No reason you can't hook the wires up to your present switches.

Cost is reported anywhere from 80-120 bucks a side. Do a search on OEM motors to find best prices.

Was your kit a Colibri kit or the generic Colibri like kit on e-bay?
Chris

 

Thanks for the response ChrisAdams. I got my Colibri kit from A1 Electric and I was just there a while ago reading their return/refund policy. I'm scared they might void the 1 year warranty since I removed the motor from the main assembly to have a look at it . But hey Im just gonna tell them what really happened.

Just wondering, is it possible to grease/loosen up my current window mechanism so that it's practically as easy as rolling the window down when putting the window up?

Thanks again.

 

I replaced my universal window motors with the OEM regulator/motor assemblies. I highly recommend this is a considered solution. I am very pleased with the increase in speed and the reduction in noise.

 

No way to 'grease' the window. The reason these windows are slower than some when you use aftermarket (i.e. Crank turners) is that Ford decided to change the window turn ratio from 6 to 8 turns. The lower gearing on the crank makes the windows easier to manually crank up or down, but it adds 25% of time for the kits to run.
I solved my 'speed' problem by going express up and down. My window takes between 8-10 seconds to go full travel. The time depends on if the truck is running and thus charging which makes it quicker.

Effectively to raise or lower my windows takes .1 second of my time.
As the modules lower/raise the window the difference of 8 seconds or the factory 5 seconds really doesn't matter to me.

A viper 530t Module can add that to any pair of windows for about 35-50 bucks on e-bay.

On the debate about which system to use;

The aftermarket window vs. OEM window thing is all about why you put in power windows. If you want people to think the truck came with power windows, by all means put in door panels and OEM motors.
Plus locks and power mirrors. Good mods, excellent results.
It's an image thing and a great way of making the truck look like an XLT rather than STX or XL.

The other view, if you just don't want to be messing with cranks, and want to be able to lower the passenger window without sliding over the seat, plus only want to spend between 48-100 bucks you go 'crank turners'.

I've added power windows, power mirrors, power locks, remote, etc. to my truck for less than the power windows alone would cost if I wanted them to look stock.

You pays the money, you makes the choice.
No wrong way here.
Chris

 

Hey ChrisAdams or anyone, could you clear something up for me? I see that people recommend replacing my current window mechanism with the OEM motor/regulator.

- What am I replacing in actuality?
- Don't I already have the OEM part(s) on (except for the colibri kit of course)?
- I know that what I have inside the panel is for a manual/crank window setup, so if I were to replace it with the OEM regulator I'm actually replacing the mechanism with one that is used for a powered window?
- Does this mean that the crank/gearing will be taken out altogether less the window?
- If I were to go this route, will I still utilize my colibri kit to power the OEM regulator or is the current wiring will be all that I need from current setup?

Sorry for asking so much Thanks!

edit..(looked for pictures)

so this will replace the crank system, right? And then all that I need to do is hook up the connection from my colibri wiring setup into that motor?

 

That is a picture of the OEM regulator/motor assembly. The motor is integrated in the regulator assembly. You can remove your crank assembly and what is pictured will bolt right up in its place. You can then hook up a universal switch/wiring kit and you're good to go.

 

You can go with Electric-Life OEM replacement power window kits. They beat the colibri kits hands down. I am actually doing three of these Saturday for a dealer.

 

thanks for the response! anyone know if A1 electric is better than the ford oem replacement?

 

That kit is just sold by A1 Electric. The kit is made by Electric-Life. I just grabbed the pic from thier site. I am actually installing three of these plus door locks and keyless/remote starters for a dealership here in KC saturday. All three trucks are regular cab STX I believe. I'll try to take pics if I can get my damn digital camera to act right.