Stephen Hughes's strike a minute before the break was the difference on Sunday at Fir Park.
Both sides had good chances to take the lead before half time but The Gers made the breakthrough when Craig Moore's pass found Michael Mols in the box.
The Dutchman cut the ball back into the path of Hughes for him to slip his shot home for 1-0.
In the second half, the visitors had a chance to add to their lead when Hamed Namouchi was hauled down just outside the area by the Well's Phil O'Donnell.
However, Paolo Vanoli's resulting free kick curled just over the crossbar.
In the end, Alex McLeish's side held on for the three points while Terry Butcher's Motherwell stay mid-table in the SPL.
Click below for a match summary:
Scottish Premier League
Motherwell 0-1 Rangers
Click here for an updated SPL table.
