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2003 Volkswagen Beetle Repair Question


Topics covered: Window, Window regulator, Door.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on December 13, 2009

2003 Volkswagen Beetle Window is stuck...

2003 Volkswagen Beetle Automatic

When I roll my powered window down, it goes down all the way. When I roll it back up, it only goes halfway. If you continue to try to roll it up, it only goes down. A mechanic told me that the window track needs to be replaced. I wanted to DIY if possible. Can you tell me if it is the track, where I can buy a new one and how to replace it. Thanks.
Avatar Asked by bubblychik22

Answer

Replied on December 13, 2009

Hello –

To better assist you is your model the GL, GLS, GLX or Turbo S and also what is your engine size in liter?

Not always does the manufacture provide the proper information on this but once you give me the specific model we will check and do the best we can.

Thank you very much for the donation

Please let us know if what the final fix was for your car so we can better assist others. Thanks!

Find a car repair manual for your car repair questions.

Tiny Answered by ImpalaSS (expert)
3,179 answers provided
Replied on December 14, 2009

Model is GLS, Engine is 2.0.

Tiny Response from bubblychik22
1 question asked
Replied on December 14, 2009

Hello –

Thanks for the info.

The manual provides info for a convertible but I would think once you get it apart, you will be able to see and do the similar.

Many of these don’t run on a track per say…..so I believe the mechanic was talking about a window regulator.

Many of the ones I have taken apart the regulator – some have a cable that begins to brake and then gets bound up in the rollers or the motor.

Some the motor has the power to lower, gravity to help but not the strength to push up.

Also, you can check Auto Zone or O’Reilly’s but this may be a dealer part. I did a quick check but did not see it for the motor, regulator.

Now it did have a regulator cable and a guide, but I didn’t see a motor.

So, once you get the door panel off look it all over really good and check the bottom of the door for any parts in the bottom.

If the regulator is bad, in my experience it is better to replace the motor and regulator as one part at the same time. The motor has the same time on it and will soon wear out. Some, the motor and regulator cost only a little more together. A better buy.

Once apart also unplug the motor if you don’t see any regulator/cable damage. Put 12v and ground to one side of the motor then swap and see how the motor does.

Also, be very careful in there…..door/window parts are sharp and you can cut yourself really quick….not much room to move around.

Front window regulator, removing and installing (Convertible)

Assembly overview

Fig. 453: Front Window Regulator, Assembly Overview (Convertible)


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Graphic_9.jpg



Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

1 - Door
2 - Combination nut
• 4x
3 - Buffer plugs
4 - Door window regulator
5 - Window regulator motor
6 - Bolt
• 3x

Removing

o Remove subframe →
o Remove door window from window regulator →

Fig. 454: Front Window Regulator, Assembly Overview (Convertible)


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_454_1.jpg



Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

o Remove window regulator motor - 5 - from window regulator.

Fig. 455: Front Window Regulator, Assembly Overview (Convertible)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_455_1.jpg



o Remove plugs - 3 -.
o Remove combination nut - 2 -.
o Unclip window recess cable.
o Move window regulator to center of door and remove.

Installing

o Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal.

Fig. 449: Door Handle, Assembly Overview
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

o Unclip clip - 1 - from door handle.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_449_1.png



Thank you very much for the donation

Please let us know if what the final fix was for your car so we can better assist others. Thanks!

Find a car repair manual for your car repair questions.

Tiny Answered by ImpalaSS (expert)
3,179 answers provided

Replied on December 14, 2009

Hello –

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.

Please make sure you check these out. There are two on there that are pretty important……the brake master cylinder and the air bag one.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture1_99.jpg



Thank you very much for the donation

Please let us know if what the final fix was for your car so we can better assist others. Thanks!

Find a car repair manual for your car repair questions.

Tiny Answered by ImpalaSS (expert)
3,179 answers provided