How to Install a Power Window Motor on a 2003 Dodge Caravan

The 2003 Dodge Caravan was available in three trim levels, powered either by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.3-liter V-6 engine. The Caravan was intended as an economical yet comfortable mini-van that could seat eight with the addition of third-row seating. With the exception of the base SE trim level, the Caravan was equipped with one-touch power windows. Over time, however, the electric motor that operates the window regulator can burn out and lock the window into position. In order to replace the motor, the entire regulator and its guide rails must be replaced.

Instructions

1

Open the door completely. Pry out the plug from the bottom of the armrest cup using the tip of a flat-head screwdriver. Unscrew the armrest cup screw, using a Phillips screwdriver, then pull the armrest cup out of the door panel.

2

Pry the switch panel out of the armrest using a flat-head screwdriver. Unplug the switch panel connector.

3

Remove the screw from the inner door latch handle panel using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the screws below the map holder at the bottom of the door panel using a Phillips screwdriver.

4

Separate the door panel from the door frame using a trim clip removal tool. Lift the door panel up and off the door frame. Pull the door latch linkage rod out from the back of the inner door latch handle. Set aside the door panel.

5

Remove the front speaker from the door panel using a Phillips screwdriver. Unplug the speaker from the wiring harness. Pull the inner water shield off the door frame.

6

Secure the window to the door frame using masking tape. Pry out the glass clip from the regulator lift plate at the bottom of the window using pliers. Unplug the electrical connector from the window regulator at the center of the door frame.

7

Loosen the screws attaching the window guide rails to the door frame using a Phillips screwdriver. Slide the guide rails up until the guide-rail screws slip out of the keyhole-shaped slots cut into the door frame. Remove the window regulator screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the window regulator out from the center of the door frame. Remove the guide rails from the access holes cut into the front and rear of the door frame. Remove the guide-rail screws completely.

8

Slide the new window regulator's front guide rail into the door frame's front access hole, then the rear guide rail into the rear access hole. Mount the window regulator onto the door frame. Align the guide-rail screw holes with the broader portion of the keyhole-shaped slots in the door frame. Loosely screw the guide-rail screws into place, then slide the guide rails into the narrow portion of the slots. Completely tighten the guide-rail screws.

9

Slip the window lift plate into the window regulator guide rail, then push the window clip into place. Reconnect the window regulator connector. Remove the masking tape, then plug in the window switch. Turn on the Caravan's ignition and move the window from a fully opened to fully closed position. If the window does not open or close, check that the window is attached securely to the window regulator lift plate. Turn off the ignition switch and unplug the window switch.

10

Hold the water shield against the door frame and firmly press the shield into place over the adhesive strip along the perimeter of the door frame. Install the front speaker onto the door panel, and plug the speaker into the wiring harness.

11

Hold the door panel against the door and push the door latch linkage rod into the catch at the rear of the inner door latch handle. Hook the top of the door panel over the door frame, then push the door panel clips into place.

12

Screw the mounting screws into place below the door panel map holder and the inner door latch handle. Reconnect the window switch connector, then push the window switch panel into the armrest. Push the armrest cup into place, then screw the cup screw into place. Push the screw cover into place.