Fixing a Dodge Dakota Window Regulator: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

In this video, we'll walk through the process of replacing the window regulator in a 2000 Dodge Dakota, covering everything from removing the door panel to installing the new regulator and motor assembly.
Topics covered:
- Removing the door panel and disconnecting the wiring harness
- Disconnecting the glass from the regulator
- Installing the new regulator and motor assembly
- Securing the window and testing functionality
- Reattaching the door panel and finalizing the installation
#dodge #dakota #windowregulator

[@TheGasTap]

I BUY AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES! If you decide not to do this you self and go to a repair shop, please ask the business owner if they would consider selling there business. DM me their information if they are interested in selling. If a deal is made then finders reward $$ will be given.

[@miltonbradley9343]

Look no further for another video, this guy shows every single step, he doesn't over explain or under explain it, there's no crazy background distractions he's totally calm and collected turning this simi scary task into a...... Oh I totally got this R&R no problem. Well done guy and thank you.

[@TheGasTap]

Thank you!

[@whateverhappens1140]

Thanks for posting this. It really helped me take things apart and support the glass to keep the rain out until I can get to finishing the job.

[@tommysandovallegos5386]

I'm about to tackle this project with my son for his truck. Thanks for making this video. I never thought I would be doing something like this but you made it clear and easy to understand.

[@TheGasTap]

+Tommy Sandovallegos awesome. Im glad it helped!

[@Jotten32Boss]

Thanks for posting this video, my son and I were able to replace the regulator in his passenger door, 98 Dodge Dakota using this video!

[@czyness]

this is an amazing example of what to do when replacing a window regulator. hats off to this man very simple easy with your explanation my man. thank you so much!

[@lombasto]

Your video is still helping people, just had to do this for my old 2000 Dakota. Thanks for posting it.

[@MuddyBob650]

Awesome and straight forward video. I thought the regulator was a pain in the arse to replace, you make it look easy. Didn't even take you 20 min. Amazing. Now I can have a piece of mind if mine ever goes. I'll replace it myself and save $500...

[@jobiz7061]

Definitely a time saver. I looked at a few others, too, but yours was definitely the best of the bunch. Thanks very much. Liked.

[@HasinaiMan]

Excellent informative video. Just did one of these on an '07 Dakota and your video made it smooth sailing, broke none of the plastic stuff that gets brittle with age! Kudos to you, The Gas Tap!

[@TheGasTap]

THANK YOU!!!!! Glad this helped

[@markbearden7451]

Well done video. I have replaced at least six of these in my Dodge Dakota. I replaced one today. Thank goodness they have all had lifetime replacement warranties on them where I get them.

[@jonnannwillis9028]

Thanks! You explain where things were and that helped.

[@douglasdailey5998]

You made that job look real easy, good job i can sure use this video.

[@CarNGuitarDude]

Just used this on my 2004 Dakota quad cab. Worked perfectly! Many thanks!

[@mitchellleonard4030]

Great video. Shows you what you need to know and not a bunch of junk. Thanks

[@patfisher1795]

Thanks for a great easy to do and understand video. Really thankful I found it before I tried tackling that job without seeing it first. Really quick job. Thanks again!!!!!

[@Yonofui2003]

Very nicely done video. Clearly explained and you make it look simple. I enjoyed watching it and learned. Now I feel I can do mine too. 👍🏻👍🏻 Thank you for sharing this video! God bless you Sir.

[@mfbfg1]

I have an 03 RT and the regulator just went out, I have never had to replace one, so I did not know where to begin. Now after watching your vid, which is explained in perfect detail I am up and running again. Really appreciate the effort and the vid Thanks a lot and Take care.

[@TheGasTap]

Thank you and I'm soooo glad my video was helpful to you!

[@markf3207]

Dude, you saved me 100 bucks! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@larrysepicmovies5044]

What a pro. You make it look easy. You sure helped me out today. Thanks.

[@davidunderwood2259]

Great video ! Mine is a 2011 Dakota and a couple of things were different, but thanks to you it led me where I needed to go. AND saved me a few hundred dollars !😁😁

[@MYBUGS]

Might be best install video ever

[@equalopportunityguns]

Thank You! Video was awesome! Saved me some money fixing the old truck myself 🤑

[@onebadlt123]

Good video, just what I needed to see. Thanks!

[@d.j.ragain2597]

Excellent video. Nicely explained. I successfully got the job done on my dodge because of this video!! Thanks !

[@TheGasTap]

Glad it helped

[@joeyshmoey8514]

Thanks for this helpful video. Very straight forward. I have the identical truck, a 2003 SLT Quad Cab in the same shade of blue. The Quad Cab glass is different that the Regular Cab glass due to the different door, so this helped a lot. I have to replace the glass instead of the regulator so that requires removing the weatherstripping, but otherwise the same job. Nice work.

[@TheGasTap]

I'm glad it helped. That's my objective.

[@bellstar2.0]

Detailed and to the point, well done.

[@kevinm5563]

Your video was spot on! Thanks a lot!

[@sjwilson1079]

For future reference door stoppers make for great window holders

[@unabAshedVO]

Awesome! That showed me all the pieces! Thanks bro!

[@TheGasTap]

Perfect. Glad it helped you out!

[@DEXB0T]

Thanks for the help with this video man! As a KZbin creator I appreciate the time you took to make it. Helped me out today! Subbed!

[@TheGasTap]

+DEXB0T Thanks! And im glad it helped you!

[@xTHEPIPERx]

The Gas Tap question food sir. Would the process be the same for the rear window?

[@xTHEPIPERx]

Lmao. "Good*"

[@blackvr11]

Thanks man, saved me so much time, very much appreciated.

[@TheGasTap]

Glad it helped👍

[@Bt26x]

Nice man! I've got to replace the window motor assembly on my driver side too. You defiantly made it look a lot easier than it is. This gave me a little insight of what to expect. This will be my first time changing one.

[@TheGasTap]

+Bt 26x thanks cuz. Glad I could help.

[@k4myLIFE]

Bt 26x how did it go? I'm to do the same as a 1st timer.

[@Bt26x]

Well 😳 I've yet to order a motor lol. It was working here & there, enough to keep me avoiding it but then it almost got stuck for good, so I haven't touched it. I promised myself I'd do it this spring🙂.

[@ajmc5]

Thank you for posting this!

[@etheroar6312]

Great job. You made it look a lot easier than it is. Well done.

[@TheGasTap]

+Ether Oar THANKS!

[@davidwhittington2248]

Great video. I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota Club Cab - almost 20 year old vehicle - and the ONLY problems I have ever had with this truck are the damn power windows - which is ironic because I HATE power windows - the old manual roll-up windows were just fine - never had problems - and if you drive your car into a lake you can still roll down a manual window and save your life - dozens of people have drowned when they accidentally drive into a lake and the power windows and power door locks short out and the car becomes a watery coffin for those trapped inside the vehicle. I HATE power windows - but I'm not sure the old roll-up windows are even available on any new cars. Power windows add unnecessary weight and unnecessary complexity to the vehicle. I paid a mechanic to fix my power windows about five years ago. This video is gonna allow me to fix my own damn power windows this time. Thank you for the video.

[@TheGasTap]

I'm happy this will help. I know this is a big problem for these trucks and repairs are expensive so if I can help ppl save money I'm glad to have helped.

[@robertpayton3795]

Thanks a million.. keep em coming!

[@shaneirish9814]

Thank you so much for the great video. Really easy and It saved me a ton of money.

[@TheGasTap]

Yay!! Awesome!!

[@jasonfrench8851]

Thanks great video. Clear and to the point

[@robertschoessel4414]

Awesome! Instead of using a stick I just use a screwdriver inserted in the upper left door panel hole to hold up the window. great video though, thank Bro God bless you!

[@moosemcguirk1640]

Shame on you other 90,000 viewers that did not hit the like button on this guys demonstration. He deserves more likes. Guess yall were just too busy fixing your window LOL

[@TheGasTap]

Comment of the week! Lol

[@Abom79]

Hey man!! We need to do that to ole Rango!! Good job cuz!👍

[@TheGasTap]

+Abom79 we can do it. I need to plan a trip over there

[@michaelnohrenberg962]

Wow. I’m so IMPRESSED at the quality, fast forward, time at important steps. SUSCRIBE

[@NewtownGraphics]

Thanks for the help.

[@robertschoessel4414]

BTW: So if you go to the junkyard to get a window regulator like I did today (29 NOV 19) you will find one obsobsticle; If the window is already rolled up in the track you will not be able to lower it down to access the bolts even if you unbolt the regulator. You have to break the window or cut the door panel out. Breaking the door glass is much easier using a pointed hammer etc.

[@cojones8518]

A couple sets of 2 inch suction cups and some short 1 or 2 foot long bungee cords wired onto the hooks of the suction cups makes that job easier. I found the suction cups once in a dollar store that were for hanging wreaths and decorations in windows at Christmas.

[@TheGasTap]

+CO Jones they make a wire with suction cups on it made for windows but i have never invested in one. I like your idea tho. Def cheaper

[@cojones8518]

+Alex's Garage Yeah, can't see giving 15-20 for something like that. I like bungees better because you can "float" the window glass if boltholes aren't lining up. It's really easy to pull it down or raise it up a little. The wires make you push up the whole weight of the glass to move it. Anyway, just use the largest cups you can find. Another good place to look is in the bathroom stuff. They sell them to hang stuff in showers and on mirrors.

[@mitchelllowe7769]

Good video brother

[@jthall19]

Great video. Thanks for the help

[@TheGasTap]

+jthall19 Absolutely! Thanks for tuning in

[@rickt1866]

thanks man. really helpful

[@dylanwalker2111]

Good video dude. That dodge is tidy!

[@TheGasTap]

+Dylan walker Thanks a bunch!

[@chriswhitaker329]

Thank you so much for this video. I just got cleaned up from doing this repair myself on my 2006 dakota. The only question i would have left is how would you suggest i get the duct tape residue off the windows? Lol

[@MC-rc8so]

Couple of tips anytime you have a job like this involving connecting/disconnecting or screwing/unscrewing something that has small plastic pieces (such as the door handle rod with the 90 degree bend): the warmer the air temperature (and therefore the plastic) the better. Much more pliable in 90 degree heat than 30 degree cold, and less likely to break. Obviously you don't get to choose when a part will break, so if it's mid winter, a heated or at least insulated garage might would help. A hairdryer or other heat source that is safe (ie, not using a propane heater in a confined area) can help. Also, these little parts have been connected and sitting in place for years/decades; spray with a little WD40 or something, gently move the parts around if possible to help it penetrate better, give it a few minutes to do it's job, then try with increasing force using your hands, not a force multiplier like wedging a screwdriver in somewhere for greater leverage. Start off with the minimum amount of force needed and increase, rather than jumping up to a high level of force too quickly.

[@TheGasTap]

Hmm

[@ericcorse]

Good job Alex I get the feeling you have done this before.

[@TheGasTap]

+Eric Corse Thanks! This is def not my first!

[@terryk4331]

thank you very much for the help from this video

[@TheGasTap]

+Terry K no problem. Thanks for watching!

[@djedwards8394]

Appreciate your videos and how much you take care of your Dakota like I do, but I am missing some door seals and would appreciate if you would let me know where all the seals are located so I can get them back on

[@TheGasTap]

That truck is gone. I can’t be of help to you. Sorry.

[@mtdewandal]

Very helpful.... thanks!!

[@jonfraley975]

Thanks, sir.

[@Peter-od7op]

Ty so much

[@BuTtErZ2727]

Thank you boss!

[@AD4MRick]

We've had three of those go out on my wifes car. I never did know what I was paying for. Now I know. Thanks. R

[@TheGasTap]

+AD4MRick Thanks for watching!!!

[@stevewagner8941]

nice video, thanks for the link.

[@TheGasTap]

+steve wagner Thanks 👍

[@Poordirtfarmer]

Just got one to work on

[@TheGasTap]

Hopefully this helps you.

[@63256325N]

Nice job. Man those things are cheesy! You'd think they'd make 'em a bit tougher considering the price you pay for a vehicle these days. Thanks for the video. A pretty good thing to do is use a silicone spray in the window track for a smooth gliding window.

[@TheGasTap]

+Duncan “DunMac” Mac Some parts of these newer vehicles are super low quality. Esp the window regulators.

[@cojones8518]

+Duncan “DunMac” Mac I'd like to have a talk with the bean counter who thought steel cables sliding over plastic was a good idea. Preferably in a nice quiet dark alley.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

If I had a dime for all the motor / reg. I did in my dealership days.

[@richardbates2367]

I have a 2000 dodge ram laramie slt quad cab long bed 1500 4x4 that the Dr door is a older second gen front door from a regular cab or a club cab truck and the Dr side hardly ever wants to roll back up the previous owners are sure it is the power window switch that needs replacement im pretty sure they don't realize the power window motor is going out...

[@RUBENV1960]

Thanks

[@gino2033]

It would be nice to see the door handle release removed and replaced

[@tyronewalker5764]

OMG this my (2000) truck with the same issue!

[@MC-rc8so]

common with these vehicles. went to 1aauto to get the part and it says "this is one of our most popular products" :) LOL

[@sandygrungerson1177]

Good video, you may want to add an annotation about not cracking the glass by tightening the bolts that hold it in the regulator too much

[@TheGasTap]

+Sandy Grungerson will do. Thanks for watching!

[@sandygrungerson1177]

thx for taking the time to make a great vid

[@richardmartinez7541]

Cool

[@chazoray1]

This is a good video simple and helpful..... Thanks for sharing

[@TheGasTap]

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad it helped you

[@warrantyvoid100]

Hey Alex do you think you might pull down the motor and pulley section and show us what's in there? Are there limit switches or does the controller use current sensing to decide when the window is fully open or closed?

[@TheGasTap]

+warrantyvoid100 I'll try to get that done for you. It is only a two wire motor so I'm guessing it's amperage that tells it when to stop.

[@warrantyvoid100]

Thanks for responding Alex, I have to admit I dug one up and cracked it myself, going to try changing out the rotor in my current problem regulator, just changed one with a bad cable so I have a spare motor.

[@Godshole]

+warrantyvoid100 Aye, a teardown, cool.

[@warrantyvoid100]

Hey +Godshole, your avatar pic is from Iain Banks' Excession is it not?

[@Godshole]

Shhh ;)

[@larrysbk]

Let's say the door window glass is broken. What parts of the door do you remove to get the new pane in?

[@TheGasTap]

+larrysbk same as in this video but also take off the inner weather strip/belt molding. the glass will have to be turned down in the front (tilted forward 20 degrees or so), slid down into the channel of the window runs then turned upright to have it set in the correct position. I dont know if that description makes since but thats the best way i can explain it in words. One of those things you have to see being done.

[@jeffgraham4133]

What happens when you can't get the window I am having that problem the window seems to be stuck upwards Hank boneco down so I decided to take all the screws off the motor and everything hopeingthat might make the window come down but that didn't work it's still stuck up there so I put everything back together again 😔

[@TheGasTap]

Hold down the window button and hit the motor with your fist. The motor is probably stuck and need a good wack!

[@girardsun4780]

question...i have an 04 dakota club cab. i live where it gets below freezing during the winters. one wintery day when i went to open the drivers window, the window or something was frozen and i heard a crack and the window stopped moving. i moved it around a bit and got lucky i guess and the window must have popped back into its track/(regulator?). it worked fine until it happened again a winter or two later after some more freezing temps and ice. unfortunately it didnt go back in track. finally got around to see whats going on with it and the long track was laying on the bottom of door. I also see the scissor type apparatus.( is this the regulator?) is missing one of the small little wheels that ride in the track. will i need a new assembly or are those small little wheels for sale?? the motor works fine. any opinions/help is greatly appreciated.

[@TheGasTap]

sounds like the regulator needs replacing. The little parts aren't sold individually. i'd buy the regulator and motor together even though the motor still works. It will save you from replacing it later on when it dies too.

[@girardsun4780]

thats kind of what i thought. thanks for the reply.

[@danamccurry8651]

Hey so I have a 02 Dodge Dakota. Needed a new regulator and motor. Got the part and removed the old parts. Everything went great till the window went up and was off just a couple inches. After doing some research I was told I was missing a window clip? There was no clip on my window when I took out the old regulator. Now I am looking for the part and no one even has it? I'm so confused. Please help! Thanks so much in advance.

[@TheGasTap]

Take some pictures and send them to me in an email. I dont know of a clip that would cause that. [e-mail]

[@danamccurry8651]

@@TheGasTap ok will do. Thanks so much!

[@HappyHands.]

Does the panel really pop off that easily??

[@TheGasTap]

Pull up. It has hooks not clips.

[@neonafterglow4451]

I just did my driver side last weekend and my passenger side is next, now my passenger side the cables are still good but the motor is burnt out, and I was wondering how to move the glass, is it just push down on both sides?

[@TheGasTap]

What is it doing? Usually if the motor isn’t working, I’ll push the down button and hit the motor with my hand. It will get the motor working again.

[@neonafterglow4451]

@The Gas Tap its just there, I don't hear anything trying to engage, and both that side switch and driver side switch for that side doesn't seem to make it do anything, I'm only assuming the cables are still good because the window isn't free falling

[@tessatugo3656]

How do you replace the window if it needs replacing as well?

[@TheGasTap]

Thats tricky to explain but here we go.....after the glass is free from the regulator and the inner glass belt molding removed, hold the glass approximately half up and tilt it forward. You may have to force it a little. Once you get the glass at about a 45degree angle from it's normal position it should slide up and out through the window opening exiting from the outside of the door, don't try to get it out of the inside of the door. It wont go. I cant remember on which vehicles, but sometimes you may have to take the bolts out of the window channels (in the bottom of the door) to allow the window to have more room to move around to get it out. Hope that makes since. Alex

[@GlynRobinson]

Did you have to grease the regulator before installing?

[@TheGasTap]

No. It comes ready to install

[@micahmarrietta2059]

Ap if my window caves I have to get a new regulator? Because both front and driver windows feel in

[@TheGasTap]

Sounds like the cables broke. Once you get into the door panel, you should be able to lift them up.

[@micahmarrietta2059]

Lift up the cables?

[@TheGasTap]

pick up the window. It should move freely

[@KigekiYorokobi]

How long should the piece of wood be to hold window up?

[@TheGasTap]

No wood.

[@KigekiYorokobi]

@@TheGasTap you literally have a pice a wood holding the window in place while you attach the motor I’m asking about that

[@TheGasTap]

I haven't watched this video in years. Are you wanting to use a piece of wood instead of fixing the window? If you screw the wood in then I imagine it would hold until the wood rotted away which would probably be many years since the wood is not subject to the weather.

[@cjohns2377]

Hey look another video that gives me absolutely no info I actually searched for!

[@TheGasTap]

🤣

[@blufreak806]

What were you searching for

[@williamlarson2759]

No grease needed?

[@TheGasTap]

My unit was greased from the factory.

[@papelariaavenidaavenida1955]

Good Mornig teria comomandar um jogo de maquinad de vidro da dakota sport

[@s99614]

I really hate that you have to take the whole thing apart just to get to the motor. On normal vehicles the motor is right there and you can remove it from the regulator without having to remove the regulator.

[@DonaldAJr]

Can you just change out the motor?

[@TheGasTap]

yes but the regulator is the item that fails most often. I don't think it costs much more for the entire assembly.

[@thedisconnectedwife4165]

what if you can't get the window down?

[@TheGasTap]

+The Disconnected Wife with the key on, hold down the window switch with one hand and use the other hand to hit the window motor with your fist (hammer fist). The motor is probably stuck and if you jar the motor while the switch is pressed it will usually start working again.

[@novamist7484]

i need a link for a driver side regulator plz

[@novamist7484]

1993 dodge dokota

[@TheGasTap]

Use Rock Auto to look it up for your model.

[@brandonmcconnell8132]

Your video is good but it doesn't show which end the the window guide goes up

[@TheGasTap]

Sorry

[@m.redleg252]

I have a 2000 Dakota Sport and my regulator looks nothing like this. It looks like a X.

[@TheGasTap]

Hmmm. I consider this one to look like and X when it is layed out. Dunno. Ask the dealer if there are two types for this year, make, model. I dont think so though.

[@soflo_cini]

How do I get my glass down🤔

[@TheGasTap]

Is the motor stuck?

[@soflo_cini]

The Gas Tap I guess it was I ended up cutting the cable to get it down

[@1970chevelle396]

The newer car window regulators are junk. They never hold up very long. You must like Mopars as much as I like Chevys.

[@TheGasTap]

+1970chevelle396 MOPAR or no car for me!!!!

[@Abom79]

We're a Dodge family..... But we did enjoy the Malibu when I had it.

[@1970chevelle396]

I put a 70 Dodge Challenger together for a customer about 10 years ago. The big problem with the Mopars is the parts are so expensive compared to the Chevy's.

[@TheGasTap]

+Abom79 yeah that was a fun ride