Door Check/Stop

Replace or service the door check/stop mechanism that controls door opening resistance and holds the door in open positions on a 2005 Dodge Viper.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Door check/stop assembly × 1 — Mopar 68041403AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Open the door to approximately 45 degrees to access the check mechanism
3. Place a padded support (cushion or floor jack with towel) under the door edge to support weight if working alone

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate Door Check Assembly
   The door check is mounted between the door frame and the body A-pillar area. On the Viper, locate the check strap mechanism visible in the door opening area near the door hinge. The check will be a metal strap or rod assembly connecting the door to the body pillar with mounting hardware at both ends.
2. 2

   Access Door-Side Mounting Point
   Identify the door-side mounting point of the check assembly. This is secured with fasteners through the check bracket into the door frame structure (verify exact count and drive type on the vehicle before removal). Clear any protective covers or edge trim if present to fully expose the fastener heads.
3. 3

   Remove Door-Side Fasteners
   Using a T30 or T40 Torx driver (verify size that fits), remove the 2 fasteners securing the check assembly to the door frame. Retain these fasteners for reinstallation. Support the check assembly as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Access Body-Side Mounting Point
   With the door-side end free, locate the body pillar mounting point. This is secured through the check mounting bracket into the body A-pillar structure with mounting hardware (verify fastener count and type on the vehicle). Inspect for any edge trim or weather stripping that may need to be moved aside for access.
5. 5

   Remove Body-Side Fasteners
   Using the appropriate Torx driver, remove the 2 fasteners securing the check assembly to the body pillar. Support the check assembly during removal. Once both fasteners are removed, extract the door check assembly from the door opening.
6. 6

   Inspect Mounting Points and Clean
   With the check removed, inspect both the door-side and body-side mounting surfaces for damage, corrosion, or stripped threads. Clean mounting surfaces with a shop towel. Check that mounting holes are clear of debris. If replacing rather than servicing, compare new check to old to verify correct replacement part.
7. 7

   Position New or Serviced Check Assembly
   Position the door check assembly with the body-side mounting bracket aligned to the A-pillar mounting holes first. Insert fasteners finger-tight but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the check strap orientation allows proper operation through the door's range of motion.
8. 8

   Install Body-Side Fasteners
   Secure the body-side mounting bracket with the 2 Torx fasteners. Tighten evenly to the appropriate torque specification for bracket mounting hardware. Ensure the check pivots freely at this attachment point before proceeding.
9. 9

   Align and Secure Door-Side Mount
   With the body side secured, position the door-side end of the check assembly to align with the door frame mounting holes. Insert the 2 Torx fasteners finger-tight. Verify the check is not twisted or binding before final tightening.
10. 10

    Torque Door-Side Fasteners
    Tighten the door-side mounting fasteners evenly to the factory-specified torque (verify exact value in the 2005 Viper service manual before final tightening). Ensure the check mechanism moves smoothly without binding at either pivot point.
11. 11

    Lubricate Check Mechanism
    Apply a small amount of white lithium grease or door hinge grease to the pivot points of the check assembly if servicing or if the new part requires lubrication. Wipe away any excess to prevent dirt accumulation.
12. 12

    Test Door Operation
    Remove any door support. Slowly open and close the door through its full range of motion. Verify that the check provides resistance at designed detent positions (typically one or two intermediate open positions). Check that the door holds securely at each detent and releases smoothly when additional force is applied. Listen for any unusual noises or binding.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any trim panels or edge guards that were moved during access
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts remain in the door opening area
3. Test door operation multiple times to confirm proper check function before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• Open door to first detent position and release - door should hold firmly without creeping closed
• Open door to second detent (if equipped) and verify it holds securely
• Close door from various positions to ensure smooth operation without catching or binding
• Verify no rattles or loose components when opening/closing door
• Confirm door check does not interfere with door seal or weather stripping throughout range of motion

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