Driver window not working

Rainmanbab

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 11, 2025
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Downers Groove, Illinois
I know this has been discussed to death, but I am new to club and could use some help.I own a 1996 GTS that the driver window is not working. If I try to open the window it goes down about 1/2 an inch and stops. So I don't think it's the switch or the regulator- I hope. Anybody in the Chicago area that can fix this. I really could use the help.
 

steel snake

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 26, 2004
Posts
251
Reaction score
19
Location
Nevada, Washoe county
Hi, I have a 2oo2 RT10, having the window problem too. Always the driver's side as it gets the most use. I bot mine with 5k miles on it and wire work had already been done (poorly). Mine stopped working in the down position (at 14k) and will not move, period. Probably wires since there is no sound at all when the switch is moved. Your diagnosis may be correct. If it proves to be wires, it's the design of the wire path thru the body boot thru the door. The constant excessive bending in that section ultimately kills the wires. Most cars run them vertically which moves the wiring at a minimum. Passenger door is fine, not much use. I searched eBay and Amazon for "super flexible auto wire" and found several options which I'm hoping will lengthen the repair intervals. Since there is enuf room for excess wire under the dash, I plan to park it there, so the next person (or me) has plenty of wire to work with. It's a tedious, tight quartered job at best. Good luck! SS
 

GTS Dean

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 22, 2000
Posts
4,153
Reaction score
480
Location
New Braunfels, Texas
As a very temporary stopgap attempt, you can try squeezing/jiggling the bellows between the foot box and door while operating the switch. It may get you a few cycles.
 

daveg

Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 26, 2006
Posts
572
Reaction score
127
Location
Mass...
So my 96 had issues as well. I always have problems with the switch. I replaced it and it was fine for a year or 2 and then the new one starts acting up. I would look at the switch first and then go to the door wiring.
 

wibago

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 7, 2023
Posts
3
Reaction score
0
Location
United kingdom
Hi, I have a 2002 RT10, having the window problem too. Always the driver's side as it gets the most use. I bought mine with 5k miles on it and wire work had already been done (poorly). Mine stopped working in the down position (at 14k) and will not move, period. Probably wires since there is no sound at all when the switch is moved. Your diagnosis may be correct. If it proves to be wires, it's the design of the wire path thru the body boot thru the door, similar to how the Polaris RZR Pro XP Soft Rear Window has to flex repeatedly with movement. The constant excessive bending in that section ultimately kills the wires. Most cars run them vertically which moves the wiring at a minimum. Passenger door is fine, not much use. I searched eBay and Amazon for "super flexible auto wire" and found several options which I'm hoping will lengthen the repair intervals. Since there is enuf room for excess wire under the dash, I plan to park it there, so the next person (or me) has plenty of wire to work with. It's a tedious, tight quartered job at best. Good luck! SS
If the window only drops about ½ inch and then stops, it’s almost always the window regulator, even if the switch seems fine. The cables inside the regulator tend to fray or bind with age, and the motor will still try to move the glass but can’t go any farther. Less commonly, it can be a weak window motor, but the regulator is the usual failure point. A quick check is to remove the door panel and see if the glass moves freely by hand. If it doesn’t, the regulator is bad. In the Chicago area, any Viper-experienced shop, classic Mopar specialist, or a good independent body/interior shop should be able to handle this. It’s a straightforward repair once diagnosed.
 
OP
OP
R

Rainmanbab

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 11, 2025
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Downers Groove, Illinois
I have done some investigation on driver window inoperable on my 1996 Viper gts. This is a real stretch but I would like somwe input:

My GTS only has 800 miles on the odometer. thus it really qualifies as a garage queen. Someone suggested tha because it has been used so little, maybe the window glides have dried out, and all it might need is some grease in the glides. This sounds a little far fetched. I am wondering if anybody has had a similar issue.
BTW- the switch does operate, and it sounds like the regulaor is running. The window does go down about an inch and stops.
 

daveg

Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 26, 2006
Posts
572
Reaction score
127
Location
Mass...
I have done some investigation on driver window inoperable on my 1996 Viper gts. This is a real stretch but I would like somwe input:

My GTS only has 800 miles on the odometer. thus it really qualifies as a garage queen. Someone suggested tha because it has been used so little, maybe the window glides have dried out, and all it might need is some grease in the glides. This sounds a little far fetched. I am wondering if anybody has had a similar issue.
BTW- the switch does operate, and it sounds like the regulaor is running. The window does go down about an inch and stops.
For me its always been the switch on my 96. I dont drive my car that much and find the switch contacts get oxidized and fails.

The 96 switch is a one off and I have learned to take the switch apoart and clean the contacts.
 
Top