Power Window Regulator - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear power window regulator assembly in a 2007 Ram 3500 Mega Cab, including door panel removal and window stabilization.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Door panel retaining clips (assortment) × 1 — Use OEM clips
• Window regulator mounting bolts or rivets × 1 — Use OEM specification if replacing

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental window operation during repair
3. Roll rear window down approximately 4-6 inches from full up position for access to regulator bolts
4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel screws and fasteners
   Remove the Phillips screw from the door pull handle cup. Remove the T20 Torx screw behind the interior door handle trim. Carefully pry off the small triangular trim piece at the front upper corner of the door panel near the mirror. Remove any additional T20 or T30 Torx screws around the perimeter of the door panel (typically 2-3 screws along bottom edge).
2. 2

   Disconnect door lock and handle linkages
   Carefully pry up the interior door handle bezel using a trim removal tool. Disconnect the door lock rod by lifting up and unhooking it from the lock cylinder. Disconnect the interior door handle cable by pressing the release tab and sliding it out of its mounting bracket.
3. 3

   Remove door panel from door frame
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use door panel removal tools to carefully release the retaining clips securing the door panel to the door frame. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing approximately 8-12 clips. Once all clips are released, lift the door panel up and away from the door frame to clear the window sill. Set the panel aside on a protected surface.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Locate the electrical connector for the window motor on the back of the door panel or inside the door cavity. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the window motor harness. If equipped with power locks, disconnect the door lock actuator connector as well.
5. 5

   Remove water shield access
   Carefully peel back the plastic water shield (vapor barrier) to expose the window regulator assembly. Only remove the portion necessary to access the regulator mounting bolts and window attachment points. Use masking tape to keep the shield out of the way if needed.
6. 6

   Support and secure window glass
   Have an assistant hold the window glass or use masking tape to secure the window glass to the door frame in the raised position. This prevents the glass from falling into the door cavity when the regulator is disconnected. Ensure the glass is stable and will not shift during regulator removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect window from regulator
   Locate the two bolts securing the window glass channel to the regulator lift plate (typically 8mm or 10mm bolts). Remove these bolts while supporting the window. Carefully lift the window glass up and out of the regulator mechanism. Secure the window in the full up position using masking tape across the top of the door frame.
8. 8

   Remove window regulator mounting fasteners
   Locate all regulator mounting bolts or rivets (typically 4-6 fasteners). If equipped with bolts, use a 10mm socket to remove them. If equipped with factory rivets, center-punch each rivet and drill out the rivet heads using an appropriately sized drill bit (typically 3/16 inch to match the rivet body), verifying rivet size before drilling to avoid enlarging the mounting holes. Note the position of any mounting brackets or guides attached to the regulator assembly.
9. 9

   Remove regulator motor connector and extract assembly
   If not already disconnected, unplug the window motor electrical connector from the regulator motor. Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly through the access hole in the inner door frame. The regulator may need to be rotated or tilted to clear the door frame structure. Remove the complete regulator and motor assembly from the door.
10. 10

    Install new window regulator assembly
    Position the new regulator assembly inside the door cavity, routing it through the access hole. Align the regulator mounting holes with the door frame holes. If the original equipment used rivets, install the new regulator using the provided bolts (typically included with aftermarket regulators). Install and tighten all mounting bolts to secure the regulator firmly to the door frame.
11. 11

    Reconnect window glass to regulator
    Remove the tape securing the window glass. Lower the glass carefully into the door cavity until the glass channel aligns with the regulator lift plate bolt holes. Install the window attachment bolts and tighten securely to prevent any play between the glass and regulator.
12. 12

    Test window operation before final assembly
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery cable. Test the window operation by cycling it up and down several times to ensure smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises. Verify the window seats properly at full up position and retracts fully at down position. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.

Reassembly

1. Reposition the water shield and press firmly to ensure proper adhesion; replace with new shield if adhesive is damaged
2. Reconnect all electrical connectors for power windows and door locks
3. Align the door panel with the window sill and press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips
4. Reinstall all door panel screws in reverse order of removal
5. Reconnect the door lock rod and interior handle cable
6. Reinstall interior handle trim and triangular mirror trim piece
7. Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Test window operation through multiple complete cycles from fully up to fully down
• Verify window seats properly against weatherstrip at full up position with no gaps
• Check that window operates smoothly without binding, hesitation, or unusual motor noise
• Verify all door panel clips are seated and panel is secure with no rattles
• Test door lock and interior handle operation to ensure linkages were properly reconnected
• Verify no air leaks or wind noise from door panel area during test drive

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