Dorman 741-174 Front Driver Side Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Dorman 741-174 Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly is an improved replacement designed for enhanced durability and reliability. It addresses common failure points in original window regulators, such as slide block fatigue and cable binding, by incorporating a redesigned slide block and added sheathing to prevent cable stress and elongation.

Key Features:

• Improved Replacement: Features enhancements over the original design for greater reliability.
• Failure-Resistant Design: Incorporates a redesigned window slide block and adds sheathing to eliminate stress and elongation of the cable.
• Simple Replacement: No special tools are required for installation.
• Quality Engineering: Redesigned for greater durability using finite element analysis, in-door cycle testing, and proprietary slide block compression testing.
• Vehicle Fitment: Designed to fit specific vehicle makes, models, and trim levels.

Figure 1: Dorman 741-174 Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. This image displays the complete assembly, including the motor, cables, and mounting frame, ready for installation.

2. Compatible Vehicles

This Dorman 741-174 Front Driver Side Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly is compatible with the following Ford Focus models:

• Ford Focus: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Always confirm fitment for your exact vehicle by checking the manufacturer's specifications or using a vehicle fitment tool.

3. Package Contents

The package includes:

• Dorman 741-174 Front Driver Side Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly

4. Installation Instructions

General Tips:

• Use painter's tape rather than duct tape to secure the window. It will not damage paint or leave sticky residue.
• A plastic pry tool is useful. It will not easily damage delicate trim like a screwdriver or metal pry bar.
• The replacement regulator should have a liberal amount of grease on the slide area. If there is not much grease present, white lithium grease works well to lubricate the slide area.
• Aftermarket window tinting can cause the window to travel slower and put additional strain on the window regulator assembly.
• Window run channels should be cleaned and lubricated before installation of a new window regulator assembly. Silicone spray works well.

Tools Required:

• Silicone spray lubricant
• Trim panel removal tool
• Pick
• Saddle cup assembly, tape, or wedge to hold window in place
• Flat-blade screwdriver or plastic pry tool
• 7mm and 10mm socket or driver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Grease pencil or marker
• Socket wrench
• Pry bar with flat end
• Cable cutter (if motor is immovable)

Step-by-Step Installation:

The following steps outline a general installation process. Always refer to your vehicle's specific shop manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.

1. Gently pry around the plastic mirror trim piece and remove it.
2. Gently pry around the handle bezel and remove the bezel.
3. Gently pry around the window switch and remove the switch. Disconnect electrical connections to the switch.
4. Gently pry around the door lock bezel and unsnap it from the door panel. Unclip from the door lock rod and remove.
5. Using a 7mm socket, remove the three screws shown on the door panel.
6. Lift the trim panel up and remove it from the door.
7. Peel back the plastic water barrier enough to be able to remove the regulator.
8. Reconnect the window switch electrical connector. Move the window into a position where you can access the 10mm bolts that hold the window guide clamps. If the window motor does not operate, cut the window regulator cable with a cable cutter so that you can manually move the window where you can access the window guide bolts.
9. Loosen the 10mm window guide bolts enough so that the window can be separated easily from the clamps. Do not remove the bolts or loosen all the way. The window glass needs to be supported by the clamps until the glass is secured.
10. Operate the switch or manually push the window into the full up position. Secure the window in place using a saddle cup assembly, painter's tape, or a wedge between the door frame and the window. Disconnect the electrical plug from the window lift motor.
11. Remove the six 10mm mounting bolts that secure the window regulator to the door frame in the order shown.
12. Remove the window regulator through the access hole.
13. Loosen window guide clamp bolts on the replacement window regulator enough for clamps to easily slide over window glass.
14. Install the window regulator through the access hole. Move the window regulator into the proper position and line up the bolt holes.
15. Install the 10mm bolts that were removed but do not completely tighten. The bolts should remain loose so the regulator can be moved around for proper final alignment.
16. Reconnect the window lift motor electrical plug. Remove tape or wedge from the window and door frame and lower the window into the window guide clamps making sure that the window is correctly seated in the guides.
17. Operate the window lift motor using the switch and send the window to the top position making sure that it is aligned properly in the window guide clamp.
18. Tighten the 10mm window clamp guide bolts evenly and torque to 9 N-m (80 lb in).
19. Tighten the six 10mm regulator mounting bolts in the order shown.
20. Lubricate the window run channels.
21. Operate the window up and down using the switch making sure that the glass moves smoothly and is seated properly in the run channel.
22. Disconnect the window switch.
23. Reinstall the plastic water barrier making sure the wires are poking through the correct holes.
24. Reinstall the interior trim panel. Move into place making sure that the electrical wires are pushing through the proper holes in the door panel.
25. Make sure the door handle is properly aligned with the hole in the door panel and that the door lock rod protrudes through the correct hole in the door panel.
26. Snap the plastic mirror cover back into place.
27. Perform a final operational check of the window regulator assembly by operating the window up and down.

Installation Video Reference:

5. Operation

Once installed, the power window regulator and motor assembly allows for smooth and consistent operation of your vehicle's window. Use the vehicle's factory window switch to raise and lower the window. Ensure the window moves freely without obstruction.

6. Maintenance

To ensure long-term performance and prevent future issues:

• Regularly inspect window run channels for debris or wear.
• Clean and lubricate window run channels periodically with silicone spray to maintain smooth operation.
• Avoid excessive force on the window when operating, as this can strain the motor and regulator.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Dorman window regulator, consider the following:

• Slow or Jerky Operation: This can indicate cable stress or a worn slide block. The Dorman OE FIX design aims to mitigate these issues. Ensure run channels are clean and lubricated.
• Grinding Noises: Often a sign of cable binding or damage within the regulator mechanism. Inspect the assembly for any visible damage or obstructions.
• Window Not Moving: Check electrical connections to the motor and switch. If the motor is unresponsive, it may require replacement.
• Improper Fit/Alignment: Ensure all mounting bolts are correctly aligned and tightened. Refer to the installation steps to verify proper positioning.
• Battery Drain: Some non-Dorman regulators with improper programming can cause interior lights to remain on, leading to battery drain. Dorman Smart Motor technology is designed to prevent such issues.

Quality and Comparison Video:

8. Specifications

9. Important Safety Information

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, during installation and maintenance. Refer to the appropriate shop manual for your vehicle to obtain specific service procedures for this part. If you do not have a service manual or lack the skill to install this part, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified technician. Pay special attention to all cautions and warnings included in the shop manual. Read and follow all instructions carefully.

10. Warranty and Support

Dorman Products are backed by a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. For specific warranty details or technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Dorman Products website.

Dorman offers:

• Installation and repair training
• ASE Blue Seal Certified Technical Support
• Over 100 years of innovative history

Dorman Product Overview Video: