🔧 Rear Window Regulator - Replacement

This job replaces the rear door window regulator assembly in your Ram. The regulator moves the glass up and down, and a worn or broken unit can cause slow movement, clicking, or a window that drops into the door.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing the rear door panel. Door wiring and side airbag circuits are nearby.
• Support the window glass with tape before removing the regulator.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves when drilling rivets or working inside the door.
• Do not power the window motor while the glass is loose.
• Work one door at a time.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• Extension set
• Trim panel removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Drill
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• Rivet gun (specialty)
• 4.8mm aluminum rivets
• Window glass suction cup
• Painter's tape
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear window regulator assembly - Qty: 1 per door
• Rear window regulator motor - Qty: 1 per door if not included
• Door panel retainers - Qty: 1 set per door
• Aluminum rivets - Qty: 1 set per door if regulator is riveted

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Lower the rear window slightly if it still moves, then disconnect the negative battery cable.
• If the window is already stuck, leave it where it is and tape the glass to the door frame.
• Have a helper ready if the glass feels loose.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door trim panel

• Use the trim panel removal tool to pop off the bezel covers and visible trim pieces on the rear door panel.
• Use the Phillips screwdriver and Torx T20 screwdriver to remove the fasteners behind the handle and in the armrest area.
• Use the trim panel removal tool to release the panel clips around the edges.
• Lift the panel straight up to unhook it from the window ledge.

Step 2: Disconnect the door wiring

• Use the 10mm socket to confirm the battery is disconnected if needed for any terminal access.
• Disconnect the window switch and any speaker or courtesy light connectors from the trim panel.
• Set the panel aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Secure the glass

• Use painter's tape and the window glass suction cup to hold the glass fully up against the door frame.
• If the glass is loose, add extra tape from the glass to the door frame.
• Do not trust the regulator to hold the glass.

Step 4: Remove the moisture barrier

• Peel back the door water shield carefully by hand.
• Keep it clean so it can be reused later.

Step 5: Remove the regulator fasteners

• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4-inch ratchet with extension to remove the regulator mounting bolts, if equipped.
• If the regulator is riveted, use the drill with the 1/4-inch drill bit to drill out the factory rivets.
• Support the regulator with one hand while removing the last fasteners.

Step 6: Disconnect the glass from the regulator

• Use the 10mm socket or Torx T30 screwdriver to loosen the glass-to-regulator clamp bolts.
• Slide the glass up slightly if needed, then separate it from the regulator tracks.
• Keep the glass taped in place while you work.

Step 7: Remove the old regulator

• Use the 1/4-inch ratchet and extension set to maneuver the regulator out through the access opening in the door.
• Rotate it as needed to clear the door shell and motor opening.

Step 8: Install the new regulator

• Feed the new regulator into the door cavity and align it in the same position as the original.
• Install the mounting bolts with the 10mm socket, or install new rivets with the rivet gun if your door uses rivets.
• Torque to 9-11 Nm (80-97 in-lbs) for small regulator mounting bolts if equipped.
• Start every fastener by hand first.

Step 9: Reattach the glass

• Lower the taped-up glass carefully into the regulator clamps.
• Use the 10mm socket or Torx T30 screwdriver to tighten the glass clamp bolts.
• Torque to 8-10 Nm (71-89 in-lbs) for the glass clamp bolts.
• Remove the tape only after the glass is fully secured.

Step 10: Reconnect motor and test movement

• Reconnect the window motor electrical connector.
• Temporarily reconnect the battery negative cable.
• Use the window switch to run the glass up and down slowly.
• Check that the glass tracks straight and does not bind.

Step 11: Reassemble the door

• Disconnect the battery again if you need to finish trim work safely.
• Press the moisture barrier back into place.
• Reconnect the wiring to the trim panel.
• Hook the panel on the top edge first, then press the clips in around the perimeter.
• Reinstall the screws with the Phillips screwdriver and Torx T20 screwdriver.
• Torque to 2-3 Nm (18-27 in-lbs) for trim screws if applicable.

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✅ After Repair

• Cycle the rear window several times and listen for rubbing, clicking, or popping.
• Check the window seal at the top and make sure the glass sits evenly.
• Verify the door lock, speaker, and window switch all work.
• If the window has auto-up or auto-down, relearn it by holding the switch fully up for 2-3 seconds after the glass closes, then fully down and back up again.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$750 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $260-$530 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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