How to open the back window?

[TheInevitable]

I may reveal myself as a total moron, but I can't figure out how to open the window on the back hatch without the wireless keychain doorlock devise. I can pull the handle to open the hatch, but when the kids got soccer balls back there and I want to open the window, I can't figure out how. Is there a secret lever somewhere?

I got an '02 XLT.

 

[Old As Dirt]

Move your hand under the area to the right of the handle and you will feel a rubber surface with a button on it. Push up and the window should unlatch.

 

[TheInevitable]

Wow. That easy, huh? I would have never thought of that. Thanks.

 

[gijoecam]

ROFLOL!!!

I noticed on the '06 Mountaineer we have for a pool car at work, the word 'Window' with a little down arrow is now etched on the outside of the glass to the right of center. The first time I saw it, I didn't see the arrow and thought to myself, "What's this world coming to?? Now we have to label the windows as such??" LOL

-Joe

 

[RocketFoot]

LOL, don't feel bad...I didn't know that either! My Ex didn't come with a manual, so I had to grab one off ebay...but it didn't show up yet! I can't figure out how to make the radio default to the clock either...it always goes back to radio station or cd track??

 

[gijoecam]

I can't figure out how to make the radio default to the clock either...it always goes back to radio station or cd track??

Which radio and what year?

-Joe

 

[RocketFoot]

Which radio and what year?

-Joe

I have a 2003 with the single disc/cassette player...here is a pic.

 

[gijoecam]

That would be the '03 dual-media. Doesn't pressing the clock button switch it?

-Joe

 

[RocketFoot]

That would be the '03 dual-media. Doesn't pressing the clock button switch it?

-Joe

It does, but it won't stay on clock...everytime I change the channel, volume or select a different cd track...the clock disappears and I have to press the clock button again.

 

[bamaboy1234]

i dont know since i just got mine yesterday, but dosent that auto button below the clock button do it?

 

[RocketFoot]

i dont know since i just got mine yesterday, but dosent that auto button below the clock button do it?

Not sure what the Auto button does...I pressed it and the radio displayed "Auto On" and started seeking through FM stations?? I clicked it back off fearing that it would mess up my presets.

 

[gijoecam]

It does, but it won't stay on clock...everytime I change the channel, volume or select a different cd track...the clock disappears and I have to press the clock button again.

If it's set to clock, when you press a channel button or change the volume, it should revert to the clock after about 7-8 seconds. If it doesn't, I have no idea why...

AUTO scans the frequency band and automatically programs the strongest stations in. It's handy for when you are traveling and don't know the local stations.

-Joe

 

[Weapon]

I've found the rear window release. Is there anything I can do if that button doesn't work?

 

[BigRondo]

Is there anything I can do if that button doesn't work?

What button are we talking about?

 

[Weapon]

to the right of the handle on the rear hatch is a rubber button to release the window..mine doesn't work. Is there another way to release the rear window hatch

 

[HiImBrian]

to the right of the handle on the rear hatch is a rubber button to release the window..mine doesn't work. Is there another way to release the rear window hatch

Yes. There is a release button on the stock Ford key fob.

 

[Weapon]

Thanx. I don't have the key fob either. Sorry I should have said that. Do I have any other options?

 

[HiImBrian]

Thanx. I don't have the key fob either. Sorry I should have said that. Do I have any other options?

First, I would go buy a key fob. They're like $20 on eBay. Pretty sure you can program them yourself with your owners manual. If not I'm sure you could get some tech to do it at the dealership for cheap if you slip him like $20 under the table.

Second, it may just be a broken wire in the boot between the hatch and body. Might want to try and fix the problem altogether. If this is the problem you'll need to fix it anyways or neither of these other options will work. If the button itself is broken I'm sure you could pick one up from the junkyard for around $20 and replace it yourself.

If you want to do it the hard way, it's just one wire that gets electricity to trigger the latch to open. If you find that wire you can install your own switch.

I just ordered all the wiring diagrams for my 03, it should be here in a few days. When it gets here I can find that wire and its location for you. Like I said though, there are easier ways.

 

[Raybrooks]

I've tried with the doors unlocked to press the rubber button and with the key fob to open the rear window. The button on either just unlocks it. It doesn't open the rear window. I've tried to push he button on both and pull up on the window it self from the out side and push it from the inside. Still won't open..... Stuck. Please help. Thanks.

 

[DaaQ]

I've tried with the doors unlocked to press the rubber button and with the key fob to open the rear window. The button on either just unlocks it. It doesn't open the rear window. I've tried to push he button on both and pull up on the window it self from the out side and push it from the inside. Still won't open..... Stuck. Please help. Thanks.

Look on this inside of the glass, at the hinges at the top, see if there is any sign of water running down the inside of the glass. If there is, more than likely there is corrosion issues down inside the lift gate itself, where the lock mechanisms are. I would pull the inside trim and start looking. On a side note, if there are water marks down the inside of the glass, more than likely that particular truck was never serviced for the lift gate recall that affected the glass portion hinges.

I had mine serviced under the recall, IIRC around 2012. Keep in mind, the broke my original glass trying to remove the hinges, and the plastic part that does crack is imo not lined up perfect. Although the original plastic piece was cracked and that got fixed too.

You may have corrosion on the switch inside of the lift gate itself, broken wire as suggested above, or the latch could be frozen in the locked position. Although I would expect to hear a click of the button press to indicate switch working as intended.