Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Socket set: Various sizes, likely including metric.
* Screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead, various sizes.
* Panel removal tools: To avoid scratching the interior trim. Plastic pry tools are ideal.
* Pliers: Needle-nose and regular.
* New power window motor: Make sure you get the correct one for your specific door (front driver's side, front passenger's side, rear driver's side, or rear passenger's side).
* Electrical tape or connectors: In case you need to splice wires.
* A wiring diagram (highly recommended): A diagram specific to your 1993 Aerostar will help you identify wires and connectors. You can often find these online through repair manuals or automotive forums.
General Steps (Adapt to your specific door):
1. Disconnect the battery: This is crucial to prevent electrical shocks and short circuits.
2. Remove the interior door panel: This is usually done by removing screws around the edges of the panel and carefully prying the panel away from the door using panel removal tools. There are usually clips and fasteners holding it in place; be gentle to avoid breaking them. Consult a repair manual for specific instructions on your door panel removal.
3. Locate the window regulator and motor assembly: Once the panel is removed, you'll see the window regulator mechanism and the power window motor attached to it.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector: Unplug the electrical connector from the power window motor. Take a picture or note the wire colors and positions before disconnecting, in case you have trouble remembering how to reconnect it.
5. Remove the power window motor: This will usually involve removing screws or bolts that hold the motor to the regulator. The process varies depending on the design. Some motors are easily accessible while others may require more disassembly of the regulator mechanism.
6. Install the new motor: Reverse the removal steps to install the new power window motor. Make sure it's securely fastened.
7. Reconnect the electrical connector: Carefully reconnect the electrical connector, matching the wires to the colors you noted earlier or based on your wiring diagram.
8. Reassemble the door panel: Carefully put the interior door panel back on, making sure all the clips and fasteners are properly secured.
9. Reconnect the battery: Once everything is reassembled, reconnect the battery.
10. Test the window: Try operating the power window to ensure the new motor works correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1993 Ford Aerostar is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions for removing the door panel and accessing the motor for your specific model. Haynes and Chilton manuals are common options.
* Safety: Be careful when working with car doors. They can be heavy and potentially pinch fingers.
* Difficult Access: Access to the window motor can be tight and challenging. Patience and careful work are key.
If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your Aerostar to a qualified mechanic. This is more than just a simple plug-and-play repair, and incorrect reassembly could cause damage to the window regulator or other parts.
