Power Window Motor - Rear

Remove and replace the rear window motor on a 2008 Dodge Viper by accessing through the interior trim panel and disconnecting the motor from the regulator assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Lower the rear window to approximately mid-travel position for easiest access to motor mounting bolts
4. Protect window glass exterior with masking tape along the edges to prevent scratching during trim removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior door trim panel
   Locate and remove the T20 Torx fasteners securing the door trim panel. There are fasteners along the perimeter of the panel and behind the door pull/armrest area. Insert a trim panel removal tool at the lower edge of the panel and carefully release the retaining clips working around the perimeter. Lift the panel up and away from the door once all fasteners and clips are released.
2. 2

   Disconnect door control switches
   With the trim panel partially removed, locate the electrical connectors for the window switch and any other door controls. Press the locking tab on each connector and disconnect them from the switches. Set the trim panel aside in a safe location where it will not be scratched.
3. 3

   Remove vapor barrier access
   Peel back the vapor barrier sheet enough to access the window motor mounting area. The barrier is typically held with adhesive and can be carefully peeled back without tearing. You need access to the lower portion of the door where the motor mounts to the regulator assembly.
4. 4

   Support window glass
   Place blocks of wood or foam between the window glass and the door frame to support the glass in position. Ensure the glass cannot drop once the motor is disconnected. Tape can be used to secure the glass to the door frame as additional security.
5. 5

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector near the motor housing. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the T30 Torx fasteners securing the window motor to the regulator assembly and door structure. Remove all 3 motor mounting fasteners. The motor is mounted to the regulator drive mechanism and will separate once the fasteners are removed.
7. 7

   Separate motor from regulator
   Pull the motor away from the regulator drive assembly. The motor shaft engages with the regulator gear mechanism. You may need to rotate the motor slightly while pulling to disengage the drive coupling. Remove the motor through the access opening in the door.
8. 8

   Inspect regulator and mounting points
   With the motor removed, inspect the regulator drive mechanism for wear, damage, or debris. Check the motor mounting points on the door for cracks or stripped threads. Clean any corrosion or debris from the mounting surfaces and electrical connector with wire brush or contact cleaner.
9. 9

   Install new window motor
   Position the new motor to the regulator assembly, aligning the drive shaft with the regulator gear mechanism. Rotate the motor as needed to engage the coupling fully. Push the motor into position against the mounting surface.
10. 10

    Install motor mounting fasteners
    Install the 3 T30 Torx mounting fasteners finger-tight, then tighten them in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten as the mounting points can be stressed.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the window motor, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated.
12. 12

    Test window operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Remove the glass support blocks or tape. Test window operation in both up and down directions to verify smooth movement and proper motor function before reinstalling trim. The window should move smoothly without binding or unusual noise.
13. 13

    Reinstall vapor barrier
    Press the vapor barrier back into position, ensuring it seals completely around the edges. Replace any damaged adhesive sections to maintain moisture protection.
14. 14

    Reinstall door trim panel
    Reconnect the window switch and door control electrical connectors. Position the trim panel onto the door, aligning the mounting clips with their receptacles. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips, then install the T20 Torx fasteners in their original locations.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify vapor barrier is properly sealed to prevent moisture intrusion
3. Check that all trim panel clips are fully engaged before driving

Verification

• Test window operation through full up and down travel multiple times
• Verify window moves smoothly without binding, jerking, or unusual motor noise
• Check that window seals properly at full up position
• Confirm no rattles or loose trim panels when closing door
• Verify window switch operates correctly in both directions

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