Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper coupe, requiring door panel removal and glass stabilization.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Window regulator and motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Regulator mounting rivets or bolts (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to disable power windows and prevent accidental motor activation.
3. Lower the window approximately halfway to access the regulator mounting points through door access holes (if applicable), or roll fully up and support before disconnecting.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Door Panel Fasteners
   Open the door fully. Locate and remove all visible Torx fasteners securing the door panel. On the 2005 Viper, check for T20 or T25 screws around the perimeter of the panel, typically in the door pull area, armrest, and lower edge. Check behind any small trim caps or covers that may conceal fasteners. Do not force the panel off until all hard fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect Door Panel Electrical Connectors
   Locate the electrical connectors for the power window switch, power mirror switch (if equipped), and any other door-mounted controls. Press the locking tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the orientation and routing of each harness for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove Door Panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully release the plastic retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work from bottom to top, gently prying outward to disengage clips. Once all clips are released, lift the panel upward to clear the upper door frame weather strip channel and remove it from the door. Set aside in a safe location to avoid scratching.
4. 4

   Remove Vapor Barrier (If Applicable)
   If a plastic or foam vapor barrier is present behind the door panel, carefully peel it back or remove it to access the window regulator. Note the location of any adhesive sealing points for reinstallation. If the barrier is reusable, handle it carefully to avoid tearing.
5. 5

   Support Window Glass
   If the window is not already fully raised, carefully raise it to the fully closed position manually. Secure the glass in the up position using painter's tape applied from the outside of the door, taping the glass to the door frame, or insert wooden wedges between the glass and the upper door frame. This prevents the glass from falling when the regulator is disconnected.
6. 6

   Disconnect Window Motor Electrical Connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the window motor assembly. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Ensure the connector is clear of the regulator mechanism before proceeding.
7. 7

   Disconnect Glass from Regulator
   Locate the attachment points where the window glass connects to the regulator lift mechanism, typically through bolts or clips in access holes within the door frame. Remove the fasteners (commonly 10mm bolts or T30 Torx bolts) that secure the glass to the regulator lift brackets. Carefully separate the glass from the regulator, ensuring it remains supported by the tape or wedges.
8. 8

   Remove Regulator Mounting Fasteners
   Locate the regulator mounting fasteners inside the door frame. These are typically 3-4 bolts or rivets securing the regulator assembly to the door structure. If rivets are used, drill them out using a 1/4" drill bit, being careful not to enlarge the mounting holes in the door frame. If bolts are used, remove them with a 10mm socket or appropriate Torx driver. Keep track of all hardware.
9. 9

   Remove Regulator and Motor Assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator and motor assembly out through the access opening in the door frame. The assembly may need to be tilted or rotated to clear the door structure and internal reinforcements. Work slowly to avoid damaging the door or snagging wiring. Once clear, remove the assembly completely from the door.
10. 10

    Install New Regulator and Motor Assembly
    Position the new regulator and motor assembly inside the door, orienting it to match the mounting hole locations. Maneuver it carefully through the access opening, tilting and rotating as needed to clear internal structures. Align the mounting holes with the door frame.
11. 11

    Secure Regulator Mounting Fasteners
    Install the regulator mounting fasteners. If the original installation used rivets and the replacement kit includes bolts, install the bolts through the existing holes and tighten to the OEM-specified torque (verify against factory service data before final tightening). If rivets are provided, install per manufacturer instructions. Ensure the regulator is firmly seated against the door frame before final tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect Glass to Regulator
    Align the window glass lift brackets with the regulator attachment points. Insert and tighten the fasteners (10mm or T30 Torx bolts) to secure the glass to the regulator mechanism. Ensure the glass sits squarely in the regulator channels.
13. 13

    Reconnect Window Motor Electrical Connector
    Plug the electrical connector into the window motor. Ensure the locking tab clicks into place securely.
14. 14

    Test Window Operation
    Before reassembling the door panel, reconnect the negative battery terminal temporarily and test the window operation. Operate the window up and down through its full travel several times, checking for smooth operation, proper alignment in the window channels, and any binding or unusual noises. Adjust the glass-to-regulator attachment if necessary to achieve proper alignment. Once satisfied, disconnect the battery again for final reassembly.
15. 15

    Reinstall Vapor Barrier
    If a vapor barrier was removed, reposition it over the door inner structure, ensuring all original adhesive points or clips are reseated. Press firmly to restore the seal.
16. 16

    Reinstall Door Panel
    Reconnect all electrical connectors for window switches, mirror switches, and other controls. Position the door panel, hooking the upper edge over the door frame weather strip channel. Press the panel firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all Torx fasteners and any trim caps removed in Step 1. Tighten fasteners snugly but do not overtighten plastic threads.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and verify all window functions operate correctly.
2. Check that the door panel is securely fastened with no rattles or loose clips.
3. Verify window seals properly against weather stripping when fully closed.

Verification

• Operate the window through its full range of travel multiple times, confirming smooth operation without binding or hesitation.
• Check that the window glass aligns flush with adjacent body panels and weather stripping when fully closed.
• Verify no unusual noises (grinding, clicking) occur during window operation.
• Confirm the door panel is secure and all switches function properly.

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