Rain Sensor Brackets and Trim Configurations
Determining the correct windshield for this truck comes down to whether your rearview mirror base houses an automatic rain and light sensor. On base Sport models, the windshield is a bare, green-tinted piece cataloged under NAGS DW01723 (matching Mopar 57010113AB, 68033222AA, or 68033222AB). On Limited editions equipped with moisture-sensitive automatic wipers, the glass uses NAGS DW01724 (Mopar 68043518AA), which comes manufactured with a factory-bonded mounting bracket and an optical port situated directly behind the mirror mount.
When swapping a DW01724, the existing electro-optical sensor module has to be detached from the damaged glass and transferred. This requires a fresh optical gel disc, specifically the GGS 1724 KIT pad, because an air bubble or reused gel pad causes the sensor to miscalculate light refraction and run the wipers across dry glass. Whenever I replace glass on these trucks, I supply high-grade aftermarket options from manufacturers such as Pilkington, PGW, FYG, or XYG rather than original dealer parts. Neither variant uses acoustic interlayers, heating grids, or embedded radio antennas, making the presence or absence of that rain sensor bracket the only structural choice.
Cowl Paneling, Wiper Linkages, and Water Leaks
Working around the base of the windshield involves removing a two-piece plastic cowl grille that covers the wiper transmission. Unlike vehicles where fluid nozzles mount directly to the hood sheet metal, this assembly houses the washer spray jets right inside the plastic cowl grilles. The wiper arms themselves bolt through dedicated openings in this panel. If you drive a 2008 model, this area was subject to Chrysler recall K24 (NHTSA Campaign 10V550000), where excess adhesive inside the front wiper motor could trigger water intrusion and cause the wipers to stop mid-sweep.
Water intrusion inside the cabin is an issue I frequently encounter on this body style, and it is often misdiagnosed as windshield seal failure. Chrysler addressed this in STAR Case S1823000053, which targets seam separation along the lower A-pillar body joints and urethane perimeter corners. Furthermore, pine needles and road grit regularly clog the hidden drain troughs beneath the plastic cowl panel; when blocked, rainwater spills directly into the HVAC cabin fresh air intake, soaking the passenger-side footwell carpet. If your vehicle has the full-length fabric Sky Slider roof or the traditional glass sunroof, blocked overhead drainage tubes also route water down behind the interior A-pillar grab handles, trickling onto the dash in a way that looks identical to a leaking windshield bead.
Can I install the DW01723 windshield if my vehicle has automatic wipers?
No. The DW01723 lacks the factory-bonded bracket required to anchor the rain sensor module against the glass. Without that integrated bracket and clear optical window, your automatic wiper system will cease to function, and the mirror harness cover will not snap into place properly.
Do the washer sprayers need to be disconnected during replacement?
Yes. Because the fluid jets are pressed directly into the two-piece cowl grille rather than the hood, the fluid supply hose underneath must be detached before the plastic grilles can be lifted free to clear the lower edge of the glass.
Why is my passenger floor wet after heavy rain?
While a breach in the lower glass adhesive is possible, the culprit is often a clogged cowl basin drain directly below the windshield. When debris plugs that cavity, water pools up and overflows through the cabin air intake box, dumping runoff into the passenger footwell.
