Power Window Regulator - Rear

Replacement of the rear window regulator assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including door panel removal, regulator disconnection, and installation of the new regulator mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Window regulator assembly (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel trim clips × 1 — Replace any broken during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Lower the rear window to a position approximately 6 inches from full down to provide access to regulator mounting bolts.
3. If equipped with anti-pinch power windows, disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge.
4. Prepare a clean work surface or blanket to place the door panel face-down during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel trim fasteners
   Locate and remove the Torx fasteners securing the door panel. There are typically 3-4 T20 or T25 Torx screws around the perimeter of the panel - check the door pull/armrest area, lower rear corner, and front edge near the mirror. Inspect carefully as fasteners may be concealed behind small trim caps or within recessed areas.
2. 2

   Disconnect door handle and lock components
   Remove the interior door handle bezel by carefully prying with a trim tool. Disconnect the door handle cable by sliding the cable end out of the handle lever slot, then rotating the cable housing out of its retaining clip. Disconnect the power lock actuator electrical connector if it interferes with panel removal.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use trim panel tools to carefully release the panel retention clips from the door frame. Work around the perimeter, releasing clips progressively. Once all clips are free, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the upper door frame lip, then pull away from door. Disconnect any electrical connectors for window switches or other components as the panel is removed. Place panel face-down on protected surface.
4. 4

   Remove or peel back moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet to access the window regulator area. If the barrier is adhesive-backed, work slowly to avoid tearing. You only need to expose the lower half of the door cavity where the regulator mechanism is located. Use masking tape to secure the peeled portion out of the way.
5. 5

   Support and secure the window glass
   With the window in the partially lowered position, secure it in place to prevent it from dropping. Use masking tape to tape the top edge of the glass to the door frame, or insert wooden blocks between the glass and door frame to hold it in position. Ensure the glass is stable before proceeding.
6. 6

   Disconnect window glass from regulator
   Locate the bolts or fasteners connecting the window glass channel to the regulator lift mechanism (typically 2 bolts, likely 8mm or 10mm). Remove these fasteners to disconnect the glass from the regulator assembly. The glass should now be supported only by your temporary support method.
7. 7

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the power window motor electrical connector. Press the locking tab and disconnect the harness connector from the motor. Move the harness clear of the work area.
8. 8

   Remove window regulator mounting fasteners
   Locate and remove the regulator assembly mounting bolts. There are typically 4-5 bolts securing the regulator track and motor assembly to the inner door structure, likely T30 Torx or 10mm fasteners. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the regulator assembly.
9. 9

   Extract regulator assembly from door
   Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly out through the access opening in the door frame. The regulator may need to be tilted, rotated, or partially collapsed to navigate through the opening. Work patiently to avoid binding or damaging the door structure. Feed the motor and cable/track assembly through together.
10. 10

    Install new regulator assembly
    Position the new regulator assembly and carefully insert it into the door cavity through the access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the door frame mounting points. Ensure the regulator track is oriented correctly and the motor is positioned for harness connection access.
11. 11

    Install regulator mounting fasteners
    Install all regulator mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten securely in a cross pattern. Verify the regulator sits flush against the door structure and operates smoothly by hand.
12. 12

    Reconnect window motor and attach glass
    Connect the electrical harness to the window motor until the locking tab clicks. Remove the temporary window glass supports. Lower the glass into position and align the glass channel with the regulator lift brackets. Install and tighten the glass-to-regulator attachment bolts securely.
13. 13

    Test window operation
    If battery was disconnected, reconnect the negative terminal. Test the window operation through several full up and down cycles to verify smooth operation, proper alignment, and that the window seats correctly at full up and full down positions. Check for any binding, unusual noise, or misalignment.
14. 14

    Reinstall moisture barrier and door panel
    Press the moisture barrier back into position, ensuring complete adhesion around the perimeter to maintain moisture seal. Reconnect any electrical connectors for switches. Position the door panel, engage the upper lip over the door frame, then press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retention clips. Install all door panel Torx screws. Reconnect the door handle cable and lock rod, then reinstall the handle bezel.

Reassembly

1. Verify all door panel trim clips are fully seated and the panel is secure with no gaps or rattles.
2. Test all door-mounted switches and controls to confirm proper electrical connections.
3. Perform final window operation test with door panel installed to verify no interference or binding.

Verification

• Operate window through full travel multiple times, verifying smooth operation with no binding, hesitation, or unusual noise.
• Confirm window fully closes and seals properly against weatherstripping at full up position.
• Verify window fully lowers without obstruction at full down position.
• Check that door panel is secure with all fasteners installed and no rattles or loose trim.
• If equipped with anti-pinch feature, verify it functions correctly by testing with a soft object.

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