Power Window Motor - Rear

Remove and replace the rear power window motor on a 2005 Dodge Viper coupe by accessing it through the interior door panel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear power window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Replacement push-pin clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Raise the rear window to the fully up position using the power window switch
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Protect door sill and exterior body panels with shop towels to prevent scratches during panel removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Locate and remove all door panel fasteners. Remove the T30 Torx screws from the door pull handle area (typically 2 screws). Remove the T20 Torx screw behind the interior door release handle. Check for additional T20 or T30 fasteners along the bottom edge and rear perimeter of the door panel - the exact count varies by production date but typically includes 3-4 perimeter screws.
2. 2

   Disconnect window switch assembly
   Carefully pry up the window switch bezel from the armrest using a panel removal tool. Disconnect the electrical connector from the rear of the switch assembly by pressing the release tab and pulling straight back. Set the switch assembly aside in a protected location.
3. 3

   Release door panel clips
   Starting at the rear bottom corner, insert panel removal tools between the door panel and door frame to release the plastic push-pin clips. Work your way around the perimeter, gently prying outward while pulling the panel away from the door. There are typically 6-8 clips around the perimeter. Once all clips are released, lift the panel upward slightly to clear the door latch mechanism, then pull it away from the door.
4. 4

   Remove weather barrier access
   Carefully peel back the plastic weather barrier from the rear section of the door where the window motor is located. Use masking tape to secure the barrier out of the way if needed. Do not tear or puncture the barrier as it provides moisture protection.
5. 5

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the power window motor mounted to the window regulator assembly inside the door. Press the release tab on the electrical connector and disconnect it from the motor. Note the connector orientation for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove window motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the 3 T30 Torx bolts securing the window motor to the regulator mechanism. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. The motor is typically mounted with the shaft engaging a gear or drive mechanism on the regulator.
7. 7

   Separate motor from regulator
   Carefully disengage the motor drive gear from the regulator mechanism. This may require slight rotation of the motor shaft or gentle prying to separate the geared connection. Remove the motor through the access opening in the door frame.
8. 8

   Install new window motor
   Position the new window motor at the regulator mounting location. Align the motor drive gear with the regulator mechanism, ensuring proper engagement. Install the 3 T30 Torx mounting bolts and tighten to 8.0 Nm (6.0 lb-ft) following a star pattern to ensure even seating of the motor against the regulator plate.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect motor electrical connector
   Reconnect the electrical connector to the window motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the connector lock tab is engaged.
10. 10

    Test window operation
    Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Test the rear window operation through several full up and down cycles to verify proper motor function and smooth operation. Check for unusual noise or binding. If operation is satisfactory, disconnect the battery again before proceeding. If the window does not operate correctly, verify motor mounting alignment and electrical connections.
11. 11

    Reinstall weather barrier and door panel
    Reposition the weather barrier against the door, ensuring all edges are properly sealed. Align the door panel with the door frame, engaging the top edge with the door latch mechanism first. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all push-pin clips. Reinstall all T20 and T30 Torx screws in their original locations. Reconnect the window switch assembly and press the switch bezel back into position until it clicks.
12. 12

    Final verification
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to specification. Test the rear window through multiple complete cycles, verifying smooth operation in both directions. Verify all door panel fasteners are secure and the panel sits flush against the door frame. Verify all door panel fasteners are secure and the panel sits flush against the door frame.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are properly seated - a hollow sound when pressing on the panel indicates an unseated clip
2. Verify the weather barrier is fully adhered to prevent water intrusion
3. Test all window functions before considering the job complete

Verification

• Rear window operates smoothly in both up and down directions without hesitation or binding
• Window motor operates quietly without grinding or excessive noise
• Window reaches full up and full down positions correctly
• Door panel is secure with no rattles or loose areas
• Window switch functions properly and all electrical connections are secure

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle