Window Regulator -GEN 3/4 Archilles Heel

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

Just an update on the GenV regulator, all the problems we have seen with the old ones were addressed and when in production (the GenV) these new regulators may be the superseded part for the older Gen 3/4 cars so hopefully when you do have problems the replacement will be to the upgraded version. They are test fitting shortly and will let us know if it is a go.

 

[The_Greg]

*crosses fingers* maybe then we'll get a TSB?!!?!?

 

[Lespauldude]

*crosses fingers* maybe then we'll get a TSB?!!?!?

Better late than never.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Keep in mind that a TSB and a Recall are two different beasts. As I understand it, a TSB generally has not been applicable as a "freebie" to a Viper out of warranty. I coud be mistaken, however.

On the other hand, I personally feel that this SHOULD be a RECALL...as SAFETY is a concern in any car whose windows are prone to failure...especially (but not limited to) cases of car fires or water immersion accidents.

 

[PeterMJ]

Just an update on the GenV regulator, all the problems we have seen with the old ones were addressed and when in production (the GenV) these new regulators may be the superseded part for the older Gen 3/4 cars so hopefully when you do have problems the replacement will be to the upgraded version. They are test fitting shortly and will let us know if it is a go.

And if the dealer replaces a broken regulator using the old part, then what? Is there going to be a directive to dealers not to use the superseeded parts? I have been reading this thread and developing a big distaste for the Chrysler business practices with their flagship model.

 

[PeterMJ]

Keep in mind that a TSB and a Recall are two different beasts. As I understand it, a TSB generally has not been applicable as a "freebie" to a Viper out of warranty. I coud be mistaken, however.

On the other hand, I personally feel that this SHOULD be a RECALL...as SAFETY is a concern in any car whose windows are prone to failure...especially (but not limited to) cases of car fires or water immersion accidents.

Agreed. Where is Ralph Nader when he is needed? This whole thing is putting it mildly, a big bullshit.

 

[Steve M]

Keep in mind that a TSB and a Recall are two different beasts. As I understand it, a TSB generally has not been applicable as a "freebie" to a Viper out of warranty. I coud be mistaken, however.

On the other hand, I personally feel that this SHOULD be a RECALL...as SAFETY is a concern in any car whose windows are prone to failure...especially (but not limited to) cases of car fires or water immersion accidents.

This is my understanding as well on the TSB - a TSB will acknowledge the problem and give a solution, but won't be covered out of warranty by Chrysler. Honestly, I'd be happy with a better replacement part (either from Chrysler or the aftermarket) that adequately addresses this issue. When I asked about the possibility of the 5th gen regulator working in a 4th gen, I was told it would not work, so I'm surprised to see Mark's post at the top of the page.

 

[Black Moon]

You'll never see a RECALL from Dodge in my opinion. I've seen worse safety issues that never got addressed or covered on other cars. What would be great would be an extended warranty on this issue for maybe 10 years but that will probably never happen either. Dodge is too cheap and it would cost them thousands considering the large percentage of failures.

On a side note has anyone done a comparison to see if the failure rate is higher in the verts than the coupes. Don't the coupes have the mufflers further back or are they under the door like in the verts? I was told (and it makes sense) that heat was a large contributing factor in the failure of the plastic tubeing used. Just curious.

The guy designing the replacement part will have a successful business for years to come if he gets it right and makes it affordable.

 

[PeterMJ]

Then maybe a class action lawsuit would motivate Chrysler? I do not think there is enough heat making its way to door cavity to matter in this case. Looks like a case of cheap engineering.

You'll never see a RECALL from Dodge in my opinion. I've seen worse safety issues that never got addressed or covered on other cars. What would be great would be an extended warranty on this issue for maybe 10 years but that will probably never happen either. Dodge is too cheap and it would cost them thousands considering the large percentage of failures.

On a side note has anyone done a comparison to see if the failure rate is higher in the verts than the coupes. Don't the coupes have the mufflers further back or are they under the door like in the verts? I was told (and it makes sense) that heat was a large contributing factor in the failure of the plastic tubeing used. Just curious.

The guy designing the replacement part will have a successful business for years to come if he gets it right and makes it affordable.

 

[PeterMJ]

Has anyone notified NHTSA about it? This seems like a safety issue. If enough people registers their complaints, the feds will look into it. Anyone counting on Chrysler's good will may be waiting for a long time.

 

[PeterMJ]

Here is the link to online complaint form. Chrysler should love this one right before new Viper coming out.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

 

[malcoll]

Dodge gave ACR owners new sets of wheels and let them keep the original wheels...but they won't fix this issue...that is pathetic..if SRT engineers monitor this site they need to get us a fix..... they have replaced my driver window regulator twice now... under the extended warranty.... I've got the warrant till May 2013....maybe this fix is in place before the warranty expires...

 

[fastandloud]

I have both windows locked in the up position because of these regulators... Don't have a spare 2k to temporarily fix this issue. Come on Dodge/SRT!!!

 

[TexasTorred]

I have both windows locked in the up position because of these regulators... Don't have a spare 2k to temporarily fix this issue. Come on Dodge/SRT!!!

On the bright side---it's getting colder in our neck of the woods........Sorry---couldn't resist......We can waive to each other through our tinted windows.....knowing rolling the windows down is out of the question

 

[lagalaxy13]

I have two bad ones on my 03. Driver side has been bad since i bought the car. Passenger side just took a crap daughter put window up a few times on a trip and it broke awesome. 15k miles is bad.

 

[latamud]

This should be a selling/buying point for these cars. Kind of like putting new tires on a car before selling it. Demand new regulators before you commit to buying,especially if buying from a dealer. I imagine someone out there has a gen 3 sitting in their garage with less than 3k miles on it. 9 years of winter/summer storage later the plastic tubing in the regulators is so brittle the windows get stuck the first day of the season.

 

[JohnnyH]

Well isn't this a cluster mess of an ordeal to go through. I replaced my passenger side exactly one year ago this month. Today I notice the driver side is starting to act the same way the passenger side act before it completely went to crap. I hear the click noise as I roll up the window. Wish there was a fix....

 

[Steve M]

I think I already know the answer, but any updates?

 

[JAY]

Good Luck to All ! This should Not be an Issue !

 

[Flexx91]

So what if the newly designed version can be retrofitted onto the Gen. III/IV. No one wants to pay $1k + labor for a replacement - especially if it costs less than $100 to manufacture.

 

[bluesrt]

maybe they will step up to the plate and replace those regulaters on these cars

 

[Lespauldude]

maybe they will step up to the plate and replace those regulaters on these cars

It sure WOULD be nice if they took ownership of this obvious design flaw but I really don't see them doing that. That really bothers me.

 

[FLATOUT]

It sure WOULD be nice if they took ownership of this obvious design flaw but I really don't see them doing that. That really bothers me.

Agree, completely rediculous.

 

[Flexx91]

maybe they will step up to the plate and replace those regulaters on these cars

Unfortunately, they are not required to unless there are legitmate safety implications. A class-action lawsuit may be a way to get their attention. The insult to injury is the pricetag on the these things........

 

[Chelseasnake]

should put up a poll to see how many had problems

 

[Synergy]

should put up a poll to see how many had problems

Agreed! Isn't SRT/Dodge staff on this forum?

 

[Lespauldude]

Agreed! Isn't SRT/Dodge staff on this forum?

A poll is a great idea. Whether or not the Dodge/SRT staff chooses to acknowledge the results is the ultimate question. The Viper Nation (as current owners and potential buyers going forward) needs an answer regarding this
design flaw. Good or bad, let's hear it Dodge/SRT. We have already stepped up to the plate - how about a little in return?

 

[TowDawg]

I just used the link to file a complaint. It's maddening to me that Dodge knows this an issue (on their halo car) and have refused any help to the owners since 2003. I know they see the threads on here. Maybe enough complaints will get their head out of the sand.

 

[JohnnyH]

So... Should I just bite the bullet and replace my driver side?

 

[malcoll]

Anyone set up the poll? I've had the drivers side replaced twice under extended warranty... my concern is that it just keeps re-occurring, so it's clearly a design/manufacturing issue... I am very concerned with the realization that it will just keep happening and the extended warranty expires in mid-2013