Power Window Motor - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear power window motor on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of the door trim panel and regulator access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power window motor (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Mopar replacement clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for electrical system discharge
3. Lower the window to approximately mid-travel position for optimal motor access
4. Protect door sill and adjacent body panels with soft cloth or towels

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door trim panel fasteners
   Remove the door pull/armrest assembly fasteners (verify screw type and size against the factory service manual). Remove any visible perimeter fasteners securing the door trim panel. Check the door pull recess and lower panel edge for additional fasteners.
2. 2

   Disconnect door latch handle
   Locate the door latch handle cable connection at the interior handle assembly. Carefully pry the cable end from the handle lever using a trim tool, then slide the cable housing out of its retaining clip. Note the cable routing for reassembly.
3. 3

   Release and remove door trim panel
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, carefully insert a trim panel tool between the door panel and metal door frame. Work around the perimeter to release the push-in retaining clips. Lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill area, then pull away from the door. Set the panel aside on a protected surface.
4. 4

   Disconnect window switch connector
   If the window switch remains connected to the trim panel, press the connector locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the window switch. Note connector orientation for reassembly.
5. 5

   Peel back vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet from the door frame to expose the window regulator and motor assembly. If the barrier uses adhesive, work slowly to avoid tearing. Use masking tape to hold the barrier out of the way.
6. 6

   Support window glass
   Raise or lower the window to a position where the glass can be securely supported. Use window support props, wooden blocks wedged between glass and door frame, or heavy-duty tape to secure the glass in the up position. Ensure the glass cannot drop during motor removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect regulator from glass
   Locate the window regulator attachment points to the glass channel or lift brackets (typically 2 bolts accessible through the door access holes). Remove the bolts securing the regulator to the window glass brackets (verify fastener size against the factory service manual). The window should now be fully supported by your props or tape, independent of the regulator.
8. 8

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the power window motor electrical connector on the motor housing. Press the connector locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
9. 9

   Remove window motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the window motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the regulator assembly or door frame. Remove the mounting bolts (verify count and size against the factory service manual). Confirm whether the motor is a separate unit or integral to the regulator on this platform.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove window motor
    Carefully maneuver the window motor out through the door service access opening. If the motor has a drive gear engaged with the regulator, note the engagement position and disengage the gear by rotating or sliding the motor as needed. Remove the motor from the door.
11. 11

    Install new window motor
    Position the new window motor into the door through the access opening. If the motor has a drive gear, align it with the regulator mechanism and engage it properly. Position the motor mounting holes to the door frame or regulator bracket. Install and hand-tighten the mounting bolts, then torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect motor electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the new window motor, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test motor operation
    Temporarily reconnect the negative battery cable. With the window still supported, test the window motor operation by activating the window switch (you may need to temporarily reconnect the switch if removed with the trim panel). Verify the motor runs smoothly in both up and down directions and the regulator mechanism operates properly. Disconnect the battery again for final reassembly.
14. 14

    Reattach regulator to window glass
    Remove the window support props or tape. Carefully position the window glass and align the regulator lift brackets with the glass channel mounting points. Install the bolts securing the regulator to the glass and torque to specification (verify fastener size against the factory service manual).
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall vapor barrier and door trim panel
    Reposition the vapor barrier sheet against the door frame, ensuring a proper seal around the perimeter. Reconnect the window switch connector if applicable. Reconnect the door latch cable to the interior handle assembly, ensuring the cable housing seats in its retaining clip. Position the door trim panel by engaging the upper edge with the window sill, then press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Reinstall the door pull/armrest T25 Torx screws and any perimeter T20 Torx screws.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable and torque the battery terminal to specification (6.0 Nm / 4.0 lb-ft)
2. Perform full window travel test, cycling the window up and down multiple times to verify smooth operation
3. Check for proper window alignment in the up position and verify weatherstrip seal
4. Inspect all door trim panel fasteners and clips for secure engagement

Verification

• Operate the window through its full range of travel multiple times, listening for unusual noises or binding
• Verify the window operates at normal speed in both directions without hesitation
• Confirm the window seats properly in the up position with no gaps in the weatherstrip seal
• Check that the door trim panel is secure with no rattles or loose areas
• Verify the door latch handle operates smoothly and opens the door properly

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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