Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

Remove and replace the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper coupe, including door trim panel removal and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly with motor × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Door panel retaining clips (replacement) × 1 — Assorted pack recommended
• Pop rivets (if regulator uses riveted mounting) × 1 — 1/8-inch aluminum pop rivets

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental window motor activation during service.
3. Lower the rear window to approximately mid-travel position if motor still functions, as this provides optimal access to regulator mounting points.
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door trim panel fasteners
   Remove the fasteners securing the door trim panel. Check the door pull/armrest area, lower door panel edge, and behind any visible trim caps or covers for fasteners. Verify the exact fastener type and size against factory service documentation for this vehicle before proceeding. Count and note the fastener locations to ensure all are removed before attempting to release the panel.
2. 2

   Disconnect window and lock switches
   Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry up the window/lock switch bezel from the armrest. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the rear of the switches by pressing the release tabs and pulling the harness connectors free. Set the switch assembly aside.
3. 3

   Release door panel clips and remove panel
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use a panel removal tool to disengage the plastic retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work gradually around the panel edge, applying outward pressure to release each clip. Once all clips are released, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the door lock mechanism area at the top edge, then pull the panel away from the door.
4. 4

   Remove or fold back water barrier
   Carefully peel back or remove the plastic water barrier film adhered to the inner door structure. Work slowly to avoid tearing the barrier, as it must be reused or replaced to maintain water intrusion protection. If the barrier is one large piece, fold it back to expose the window regulator area. Secure it out of the way with masking tape if needed.
5. 5

   Support the window glass
   Place masking tape across the top edge of the window glass and onto the door frame to temporarily hold the glass in position. Alternatively, have an assistant support the glass from outside the vehicle. This prevents the glass from dropping into the door cavity once the regulator is disconnected.
6. 6

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the release tab and disconnect the harness connector from the window motor. Tuck the harness aside to prevent interference during regulator removal.
7. 7

   Separate glass from regulator carrier
   Locate the attachment points where the window glass connects to the regulator carrier bracket. These are typically secured with bolts or nuts accessible through access holes in the inner door structure. Verify the exact fastener size against factory service documentation before removal. Remove the fasteners and carefully lift or tilt the glass to separate it from the regulator carrier. Raise the glass fully upward and secure it in the up position with additional masking tape if the temporary support method is not sufficient.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts or rivets securing the window regulator assembly to the inner door structure. Verify the regulator mounting method (riveted or bolted), the number of mounting points, and the fastener size against factory service documentation for this vehicle. If riveted, drill out the pop rivets with the correct bit size, being careful not to enlarge the holes in the door structure. If bolted, use the correct-size socket to remove the bolts. Note the location of each mounting point for reinstallation.
9. 9

   Maneuver regulator assembly out of door
   Carefully tilt and angle the regulator assembly to navigate it through the access opening in the inner door structure. The regulator arms and motor assembly may need to be rotated or collapsed slightly to clear obstructions. Remove the regulator and motor as a complete assembly from the door cavity.
10. 10

    Install new regulator assembly
    Position the new window regulator assembly into the door cavity, maneuvering it through the access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the corresponding holes in the door structure. Install the mounting fasteners (bolts or new pop rivets) at all mounting points and tighten securely. If using pop rivets, ensure each rivet is fully seated and secure.
11. 11

    Reconnect glass to regulator carrier
    Lower the window glass down into the door cavity and align the glass attachment points with the regulator carrier bracket. Install the glass-to-carrier fasteners and torque them to the factory-specified value to clamp the glass into the carrier. Ensure the glass is properly seated and aligned in the carrier before fully tightening.
12. 12

    Reconnect motor electrical connector and test operation
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the window motor. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal and test window operation through full up and down travel. Verify smooth operation without binding, unusual noise, or misalignment. If operation is incorrect, check glass alignment in the carrier and regulator mounting. Disconnect the battery again before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reinstall water barrier
    Reposition the plastic water barrier film onto the inner door structure, ensuring complete coverage of all openings and access holes. Press firmly around the edges to re-adhere the barrier. If the original barrier is damaged, replace it with a new water barrier film, ensuring a complete seal to prevent water intrusion into the door panel.
14. 14

    Reinstall door trim panel
    Align the top edge of the door trim panel with the door lock mechanism area and hook it into place. Push the panel firmly against the door at all clip locations around the perimeter to snap the retaining clips into their receptacles. Replace any broken clips as needed. Reconnect the window and lock switch electrical connectors and snap the switch bezel back into the armrest.
15. 15

    Install door panel fasteners and finalize
    Install all Torx screws to secure the door trim panel, ensuring each fastener is in its correct location. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test window operation through multiple full cycles to confirm proper function and verify all switches operate correctly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before reinstalling fasteners to avoid panel rattle or looseness.
2. Verify the water barrier is completely sealed to prevent moisture damage to the door panel and interior components.
3. Test window operation multiple times to confirm smooth travel and proper motor function before considering the job complete.

Verification

• Operate the rear window through full up and down cycles multiple times, verifying smooth operation without binding, noise, or hesitation.
• Check that the window glass aligns properly with the door frame and seals correctly when fully closed.
• Verify all door panel fasteners are installed and the panel is securely attached without rattles or gaps.
• Confirm all window and lock switches function correctly and that no electrical issues are present.

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