Hi all - I've done searches and read threads - need some guidance from the collective wisdom after reading conflicting fixes.


My 04 TT cab doesn't like to dip the driver's window enough to clear the frame when I close the door, which causes it to automatically lower the window on its own when it makes contact. It is happening more frequently (not always), and really only fails to drop enough when the door is opened from the inside.


First question - is this the microswitch inside the inner door handle, the window regulator, or a latch?


Second question - is it a DIY for someone without a lot of skill? I don't want to screw up airbags, door clips, etc and would rather pay to have it done if it is an easy job for a pro. However, over the phone without seeing the car in person, RAC quoted me over $700 to fix - so I'm asking if it is reasonable if I can save some coin and do it myself.


Thanks!


Todd

 

Your symptoms point to a worn window regulator as opposed to a bad switch.
Replacement is quite straightforward, especially if you have the interior trim removal tools that help get the door card off without damaging it.
Plenty of "how to's" on the interwebs.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...+regulator+996

I have done this a few times now on both my 996 and 987. I originally had the same reservations about messing things up as you, but after I had finished I realized that the job is probably a 2 or 3 on a scale of 1(easy)-10(hard).

One piece of advice, buy an OEM regulator, NOT a cheap knockoff. I tried using an "ebay special" and ended up having the re-do the job with a proper Porsche part. The knockoff part had so much play, the window didn't drop far enough to clear the roof trim - exactly the problem I has with the old, worn/stretched regulator.

Good Luck!!!!!

 

for me it was the microswitch. door panel removal is fairly straight forward. the microswitch is a little piece and touchy to install but a 3 out of 10. this is definatly a diy if you have some patience and are willing to search the forums and youtube for instructions on removal and reinstall. plastic moulding tools from harbor freight are a cheap way to keep from marring up the leather. i also recommend you order new plastic pieces for the edges of the door card since they tend to break on removal

 

For me it was a switch. Porsche told me they need to replace the handle as the whole mechanism is part of it. Clearly perhaps not the case? However, the cost was only 250 bucks at the Porsche dealer. 700? WTF!

 

microswitch is sold separete. heres the link

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=804-20

 

Yeah I can see this now, as I said, Porsche told me porkies! The bastards.

 

problem is, failing window regs and failing switches often share symptoms. but agree, this sounds more like the reg. I've had both issues more than once in both cars. the window reg failing usually exhibits uneven deployment up/down in an inconsistent manner and will often be accompanied by a "crunching" sound. while the door handle mechanism failing will *usually* exhibit the symptom you describe in which the window will not "dip" upon using the latch and activating the microswitch. for those reasons, it's not as clear cut symptomatically, but it is certainly one of the two! ( ducking..)

 

i agree completely but the microswitch is 1000 times easier to instal than the regulator! so i would start there.

 

agree certainly less ( none? ) adjustment w the handle!

i love the fact i cannabilized from dead boxter the door handle the first time a switch went. i didn't mess with the switch.

also LLane.. make sure if you get a handle mech and not just the microswitch ( and many do..) there is a L & R handle.

 

I don't think it is as hard to determine the source of the problem as some seem to suggest... If the window moves at all when you lift the latch, the micro-switch is fine. If it moves but doesn't move the correct amount, it is the regulator.

Edit: P.S. There are NO micro-switches in the door handle! They are all in the door lock mechanism:

 

mine would drop slightly or not at all. i replaced the regulator and the problem persisted. removed the microswitch and replaced it and the issue was fixed.

if you look at #14 in the diagram i posted theres a door window microswitch in the door handle assembly

 

I've had to fix both parts, I don't remember ever having to disconnect a wire to remove the door handle (... my brain could be failing though - sometime I do these things without noticing). There is a linkage (#12) that connects the door handle to the door lock assembly that activates a micro-switch in the door lock assembly. When my window didn't drop, it was a micro-switch in that assembly that had failed.

 

Definitely a window regulator issue, as I had the same issue on my 2003 996 Twin Turbo. I order a brand new window regulator from Deutsche Parts for $99 dollars & my window is now working perfectly.

GOOD LUCK !

 

that's not entirely so. the improper up/down motion of the window can indeed be attributed to the door latch mechanism, which has been correctly pointed out as one of two probable sources of his issue!

were that not so? then my replacing a door latch to restore the proper opening upon activating the handle would never have been possible. again, that's why i mentioned many of the symptoms overlap. in my experience, of course. YMMV.

 

exactly. i agree..which is why some of us ( or only you and i ?! ) are suggesting it could be one OR the other as causative!