Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring door panel removal and access to the inner door structure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification or combined motor/regulator assembly
• Door panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Replace broken clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to discharge any residual electrical charge
3. Ensure rear window is in the closed position or raise it manually if motor has failed to prevent glass from falling during service

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door/quarter panel trim
   Locate and remove visible Torx screws securing the interior trim panel. Typically expect 3-4 T20 or T25 Torx screws along the panel perimeter. Use the door panel clip removal tool to carefully release the retaining clips around the panel edge, working from bottom to top. Lift the panel upward and away from the door frame once all fasteners and clips are released.
2. 2

   Disconnect door handle and lock linkage
   If the trim panel has interior door handle or lock cylinder connections, disconnect any mechanical linkage rods by unclipping them from their retaining clips. Note the routing and orientation of each linkage for reinstallation. On the Viper, interior door hardware may be minimal or absent on quarter panels depending on configuration.
3. 3

   Remove moisture barrier access
   Peel back the plastic moisture barrier or sound deadening material to access the inner door structure. The barrier may be held with adhesive or clips. Preserve the barrier for reinstallation by working carefully and avoiding tears. Create sufficient access to reach the window motor and regulator mounting points.
4. 4

   Support window glass
   With the window in the full up position, secure the glass using window retention tape or by placing padded supports beneath the glass. Ensure the glass cannot drop into the door cavity when the regulator is disconnected. If the motor is inoperative and the window is down, manually raise and support the glass before proceeding.
5. 5

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the window motor. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. On some configurations, the connector may have a secondary lock that must be released first. Verify no tension remains on the wiring harness.
6. 6

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Locate the bolts or clips securing the window glass to the regulator lift mechanism. Remove the 2 fasteners (typically 10mm bolts or T30 Torx bolts) that attach the glass bracket to the regulator lift arms. Carefully separate the glass from the regulator mechanism while maintaining glass support.
7. 7

   Remove regulator and motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the regulator mounting bolts securing the assembly to the inner door structure. Remove 4 mounting bolts (typically T30 Torx or 10mm) that secure the regulator track and motor bracket to the door. Keep track of any spacers or shims at mounting points. If the motor is separate from the regulator, remove the motor mounting bolts (usually 3 bolts) first.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove regulator assembly from door
   With all mounting fasteners removed, carefully maneuver the regulator assembly out through the access opening in the inner door structure. The regulator may need to be tilted or rotated to clear the door frame. Control the assembly as regulator cables or springs may still have residual tension. Remove the motor from the regulator if it is bolted separately.
9. 9

   Transfer motor to new regulator if necessary
   If the motor and regulator are separate components and only one is being replaced, remove the motor from the old regulator (typically 3 bolts) and transfer it to the new regulator assembly. Ensure the motor gear properly engages the regulator drive mechanism before tightening fasteners. Torque motor-to-regulator mounting bolts if applicable.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new regulator and motor assembly
    Position the new regulator assembly into the door cavity, routing it through the access opening and aligning the mounting holes with the door structure. Install all 4 regulator mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the regulator track is properly aligned and moves freely before final tightening. If installing a separate motor, secure it with mounting bolts and torque appropriately.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect glass to regulator
    Align the window glass bracket with the regulator lift mechanism. Install the 2 fasteners securing the glass to the regulator arms. Snug the fasteners but do not fully torque yet. Remove temporary glass supports and verify the glass moves smoothly through its full range.
12. 12

    Connect motor electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the window motor, ensuring it locks fully into place. Verify any secondary locking tabs are engaged. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal to test motor operation before final assembly.
13. 13

    Test and adjust window operation
    Cycle the window through its full range of motion multiple times using the window switch. Verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. Check that the glass seals properly at the top position and aligns correctly with the door frame. Adjust glass-to-regulator fasteners if necessary to achieve proper alignment, then torque to specification. Disconnect battery negative terminal again for final reassembly.
14. 14

    Reinstall moisture barrier and trim panel
    Reposition the moisture barrier, pressing adhesive areas firmly to reseal. Reconnect any door handle or lock linkages in their original routing. Align the trim panel with the door frame and press firmly to engage all retaining clips. Install all Torx screws and tighten securely. Verify the panel is flush and all clips are fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft)
2. Perform final window function test, verifying auto-up/auto-down features if equipped
3. Inspect all trim panel gaps and alignment, adjusting clips if necessary
4. Verify no rattles or loose components when operating the window

Verification

• Cycle the window up and down at least 5 times to verify smooth operation throughout the full range
• Check that the window seals properly against weatherstripping at the top position
• Verify no unusual noises, grinding, or binding during operation
• Confirm the window motor stops automatically at full up and full down positions without stalling
• Inspect trim panel fitment and verify all clips are secure

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