Power Seat Motor

Remove and replace the power seat motor on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including seat track disassembly and electrical connector access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Seat track mounting hardware (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
3. Move seat to full rearward position for initial access to front mounting points.
4. Ensure adequate lighting is available to view underside of seat assembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access Seat Mounting Bolts
   Locate the seat track mounting bolts at all four corners of the seat base. The 1992 Viper seat mounts to the chassis floor structure; verify the exact mounting configuration against factory documentation, as early Vipers used a stripped-down manual sport seat rather than a conventional power seat assembly. Remove any visible trim covers or access panels if present, though most Viper seats have exposed mounting hardware.
2. 2

   Remove Front Seat Track Mounting Bolts
   With the seat in the full rearward position, remove the two front seat track mounting bolts. Verify fastener type against factory documentation; these may be hex-head bolts rather than Torx fasteners. Retain all hardware for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove Rear Seat Track Mounting Bolts
   Move the seat to the full forward position to access the rear mounting bolts. Remove the two rear seat track mounting bolts using the appropriate Torx bit. Support the seat assembly as the final bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect Seat Wiring Harness
   Tilt the seat assembly backward or lift slightly to access the wiring harness connector underneath. Locate the main power seat connector and press the release tab to disconnect. If equipped with additional connectors for heating or other functions, disconnect those as well. Note connector orientations for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove Seat Assembly from Vehicle
   Carefully lift the seat assembly out of the vehicle. The Viper seat is moderately heavy due to the power seat mechanism and sport seat construction. Place the seat on a clean, protected work surface with the bottom facing up.
6. 6

   Locate Power Seat Motor
   With the seat inverted, identify the power seat motor mounted to the seat track mechanism. The motor will be connected to a gear drive assembly that moves the seat fore and aft. Note the motor mounting orientation and cable routing before removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect Motor Electrical Connector
   Disconnect the electrical connector from the power seat motor. Clean any corrosion from the connector terminals using electrical contact cleaner if necessary. Inspect the connector for damage.
8. 8

   Remove Motor Mounting Fasteners
   Remove the fasteners securing the power seat motor to the seat track assembly. Remove the motor mounting fasteners; verify the exact count against factory documentation before ordering replacement hardware. If the motor uses a ground strap, note its location and remove the ground bolt.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Disengage Motor Drive Cable
   Carefully disengage the motor drive cable or gear assembly from the seat track mechanism. The motor may have a flexible drive cable that threads into the track gear box, or a direct gear engagement. Note the engagement depth and orientation for proper installation of the new motor.
10. 10

    Remove Failed Motor
    Remove the power seat motor from the seat assembly. Inspect the motor mounting bracket and surrounding area for damage or wear. Clean the mounting surface if necessary.
11. 11

    Install New Power Seat Motor
    Position the new power seat motor into the mounting bracket, ensuring proper alignment with the drive cable or gear engagement point. Thread the drive cable into the gear box or engage the gear mechanism to the same depth as noted during removal.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Motor Mounting Fasteners
    Install the motor mounting bolts and torque to specification. If equipped with a ground strap, clean the contact surfaces with a wire brush and install the ground bolt, ensuring good metal-to-metal contact. Torque the ground bolt and motor mounting bolts to factory specification (verify exact values in the Viper service manual before final tightening).
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect Motor Electrical Connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the new power seat motor. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector terminals if desired for corrosion protection. Ensure the connector locks securely.
14. 14

    Reinstall Seat Assembly
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it over the floor mounting points in the vehicle. Align all four mounting bolt holes. Reconnect the main seat wiring harness connector under the seat, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
15. 15

    Install Seat Mounting Bolts
    Install all four seat track mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Torque all seat track mounting bolts to factory specification (verify the exact value in the Viper service manual, as these are safety-critical anchor points).
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect Battery and Test
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten securely to factory specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run). Test the power seat motor operation by moving the seat through its full range of travel in both directions. Listen for smooth, consistent motor operation without binding or unusual noise.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before testing.
2. Verify all seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification for occupant safety.
3. Test seat operation through full travel range before considering job complete.

Verification

• Operate power seat controls to move seat fully forward and fully rearward, confirming smooth operation throughout entire range.
• Check that seat locks securely in position when controls are released.
• Verify no unusual motor noise, grinding, or binding during operation.
• Confirm seat mounting bolts are tight and seat does not shift on floor mounts.
• Verify battery terminal is secure and no warning lights are present on dashboard.

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