B1087 on 2021-2024 Ford Bronco: Window & Mirror Switch Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2021-2024 Ford BRONCO

This is a well-documented issue on the 6th generation Ford Bronco and its platform mate, the 2024 Ranger, leading Ford to release multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). The problem is so common that Ford's first recommended step is a software update for the door control modules, followed by switch replacement if the issue persists. This suggests a potential design or component quality issue with the door electronics specific to this Bronco generation. Some owners speculate the frameless window design may allow more water to reach the switch internals, a common cause for LIN bus switch failures.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Driver's window switch not working or working intermittently.
• Inability to open or close one or more windows from the driver's switch pack.
• Power folding mirrors cannot be folded or unfolded.
• Side mirrors cannot be adjusted.
• The 'one-touch' auto up/down feature stops working.
• Complete loss of function for all switches in the driver's door master switch panel.
• The issue may appear intermittently, sometimes resolving itself after a vehicle restart or after a period of time.

Most Likely Causes

1. Outdated Door Module Software 🔴 High Probability Ford issued TSB SSM 53019 specifically calling for a software update as the primary fix for this exact code and its symptoms on the Bronco and 2024 Ranger. This is the official first step before any hardware replacement.
   How to confirm: A Ford dealer or a qualified shop with a Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool can check the current software version of the Driver Door Module (DDM) and Passenger Door Module (PDM) and see if an update is available.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming the DDM and/or PDM to the latest software level. This must be done by a dealer or a shop with the appropriate FDRS tools and a valid subscription.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Faulty Driver's Door Window Switch Assembly 🔴 High Probability This is the primary hardware failure identified in TSBs if the software update does not resolve the issue. Forum discussions are filled with owners replacing the switch to fix the problem, often due to internal failure or peeling of the rubberized coating, which may suggest a quality issue. The frameless window design may also contribute to water ingress, a known cause of switch failure.
   How to confirm: If the DDM/PDM software is up to date but the symptoms and code persist, the switch is the next logical point of failure. Testing involves checking for a signal from the switch to the door module, but given the low cost, direct replacement is a common diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Replace the driver's door window switch assembly. This is a simple repair that can be done with a plastic trim removal tool by prying the switch housing up from the armrest.
   Est. part cost: $25-$70
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness passes through a flexible boot between the door and the body, which can be a point of stress. However, this is far less common than the switch failure or software issue on this platform.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the connectors at both the window switch and the door module for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. A user on an F-150 forum noted that water ingress from leaving a window cracked open is a frequent cause of switch and module failure.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wire or clean/reseat the connector. Using electrical contact cleaner on the switch connector pins is a good first step.
   Est. part cost: $0-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Driver Door Module (DDM) or Passenger Door Module (PDM): While the code is stored in these modules, the modules themselves are less likely to fail than the switch or software. TSB SSM 53019 directs technicians to perform normal diagnostics via the Workshop Manual if a software update and switch check don't resolve the issue, which would include testing the module itself. This should only be considered after all other common causes have been ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the Driver Door Module (DDM) and Passenger Door Module (PDM) for codes. Confirm the presence of B1087:87 and possibly U2013:23.
2. Take the vehicle to a Ford dealership or qualified independent shop to have the DDM and PDM reprogrammed to the latest software level, as per TSB SSM 53019. This requires the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).
3. If the problem persists after the software update, the next step is to replace the driver's door window switch assembly. This is a DIY-friendly job.
🎬 Watch: This video shows how to fix common Bronco window issues.
4. As a simple check, try resetting the window initialization. Roll the window all the way down, then all the way up, holding the switch in the 'up' position for 5-10 seconds after it closes. This sometimes restores 'one-touch' functionality but is unlikely to fix a B1087 code.
5. If a new switch does not resolve the issue, inspect the wiring and connectors between the switch and the door module for damage or corrosion. Pay close attention to the single electrical connector on the bottom of the switch assembly.
6. If all other steps fail, diagnosis of the Driver Door Module (DDM) itself would be the final step, as outlined in the workshop manual.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Driver's Door Window Switch Assembly (4-Door) (OEM #R2DZ-14529-AB) — This is the component for 4-door models identified by Ford's TSBs and owner experiences as the most common hardware failure causing code B1087. This part number supersedes M2DZ-14529-AB.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$50
• Driver's Door Window Switch Assembly (2-Door) (OEM #M2DZ-14529-BB) — This is the specific switch assembly for 2-door (also referred to as 3-door) Bronco models. It is physically different from the 4-door version.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30
• Door Control Module (DDM/PDM) (OEM #14B291 (Causal Part for Warranty Claim)) — This part is only needed in the rare case that a software update and switch replacement do not fix the problem. 14B291 is the causal part number used for warranty claims related to TSB 53019, indicating the module itself.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $55-$175
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$120

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U2013:23 — This code is explicitly mentioned alongside B1087:87 in Ford's Technical Service Bulletins (SSM 53019 and SSM 52839) as a related diagnostic trouble code for the same window/mirror switch issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 53019: 2021–2024 Bronco, 2024 Ranger - Door Window Switch Inoperative With DTC B1087:87 And/Or U2013:23.
• SSM 52839: 2021-2024 Bronco, 2024 Ranger - Door Window Switch Inoperative With DTC B1087:87 And/Or U2013:23.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Ford has issued TSB SSM 53019 and SSM 52839, which directly address DTC B1087:87 on 2021-2024 Broncos. The bulletins acknowledge symptoms like inoperative window and mirror switches and recommend a software update to the door modules as the first step.
• Many owners on forums like Bronco6G report the rubberized coating on the original window switches peeling or becoming sticky, independent of the electrical failure. The replacement parts reportedly have a different, more durable finish.
• The frameless door design is noted by owners to allow rain to drip directly onto the interior armrest and switch area when the window is even slightly cracked open, potentially contributing to moisture-related failures over time.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Voltage at the LIN bus pin on the window switch harness connector (with switch disconnected, ignition ON) — expected: 0 V. Failure: Any voltage reading indicates a short to power in the harness.
• Resistance between the LIN bus pin on the harness connector and chassis ground (with switch and module disconnected, ignition OFF) — expected: Greater than 10,000 ohms (OL). Failure: Low resistance (especially under 3 ohms) indicates a short to ground in the harness.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS): Module Reprogramming (DDM/PDM) — This is the first step mandated by Ford's TSB 53019 to fix the B1087:87 code. It updates the door modules to the latest software level.
• Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS): DDM/PDM Self-Test — After clearing DTCs, running a self-test can help confirm if a communication fault with the switch is still present without waiting for the code to set again during normal operation.
• FORScan: Reset Network — As suggested by advanced users, performing a network reset may resolve intermittent communication glitches across vehicle modules before resorting to parts replacement.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• VDN09 — Wiring circuit running between the Driver Door Module (DDM) and the Master Window Control Switch.. This is the specific LIN bus circuit that carries the signal from the switch to the module. A fault (open, short to power, or short to ground) on this wire will cause code B1087:87.
• B-Pillar Ground — A grounding bolt located at the top of the seatbelt assembly, accessible after removing the B-pillar plastic trim.. While not directly specified for the DDM, this is a known, accessible, and robust chassis ground point in the vicinity of the door harness that can be used as a reference for testing or to ensure the door module has a solid ground path.
• Kick Panel Ground — Grounding points located near the speakers in the driver and passenger side kick panels.. These are primary, easy-to-access grounds for the front cabin area. A technician would use these points to verify continuity to ground when testing the door harness wiring.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the vast majority of B1087:87 cases on the Bronco are resolved by a software update or a new window switch, there are documented instances on other Ford platforms with the same code where these steps do not work. In one F-150 case, a user replaced the switch and the DDM to no effect. When they replaced the Passenger Door Module (PDM), the same code appeared for the passenger side, suggesting a more complex network or gateway module issue. This indicates that while rare, the fault can exist beyond the driver's door components.

OEM Part Supersession History

• M2DZ-14529-AB → R2DZ-14529-AB — Standard part revision by the manufacturer, likely for improved durability or a change in supplier. Owners have noted the texture of the replacement part is less prone to peeling.