The door switches on these cars seem to be a known failure issue. Seems like all Porsches have the same problems with the plastic chrome pieces breaking off or the plastic switch bodies cracking. Usually the driver’s door switches fail, presumably because they are the used the most. I have a teenager who like to fidget so guess what switch broke on my car? Yup passenger rear where he sits as i chauffeur him between activities!

I presume the dealer will charge you through the nose to do this simple replacement. The dealer quoted me almost $100 CDN just for the cheap plastic switch. I sourced an identical aftermarket switch off of AliExpress for $15 (all in including shipping from China). Crazy! Knowing the Porsche switch was poorly made and prone to break I was happy with an aftermarket option.







Here is a pic showing the Porsche part number for this window switch. It is the same switch for both rear doors and the passenger door too:



You cannot pry the switch out from the top (finished side of the door panel). It MUST be pushed out from behind. Some people describe removing the speaker grill and then blindly reaching up to the back of the switch to push it out. It takes ALOT of force to push it out so I think this would be difficult. Apparently it is also easy to break the clips holding the speaker grill in place.

I removed the door panel to do this DIY. Full disclosure…my son had also left a half eaten chocolate bar in the storage compartment of the door during the summer! Yes…it melted and covered the bottom of the storage compartment so I needed to clean it properly with the door panel off!

1. I followed this video on removing the rear door panel on a 970 Panamera:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wliP4SM3PMM

2. Pushing the switch out is easy once done from behind. There are 4 metal clips and multiple plastic “catches” that make it impossible to pry it out from the front.



3. The wire harness unclips easily.



4. To install the new switch, use a plastic trim removal tool to help lever it down so that you don’t damage the finish on your door panel.



I can confirm the Chinese aftermarket switch looks identical, fits perfectly, and works flawlessly. I have the “power sunscreen for rear doors” option and the switch works perfectly for this too!

Hope this helps others!

 

Good job man!