Windows don't go down when operating top

[andymiller100]

I have a 2000 Boxster that was just in the (gulp) shop to have a major service done and they replaced the battery while they were at it. Before I take it back to them I thought I would check here.

The windows do not lower when you open the convertible top now. I didn't know if there is a window reset or something, or if maybe it's a bad switch in the latch?

Thanks

Andy

[RFM]

Give it a try with a new or another latch switch, it's not that expensive.

[1schoir]

I have a 2000 Boxster that was just in the (gulp) shop to have a major service done and they replaced the battery while they were at it. Before I take it back to them I thought I would check here.

The windows do not lower when you open the convertible top now. I didn't know if there is a window reset or something, or if maybe it's a bad switch in the latch?

Thanks

Andy

Andy:

If your windows are not automatically lowering by about 4 inches when you unlatch the top, one of the two microswitches that are located in the latch receptacle is the most likely culprit.

Pull the parking brake up, and, after you pull down the latch, stick your finger (or a pen or similar object) into the latch receptacle and poke around and see if that causes your windows to drop. It's relatively easy to replace that switch.

Also, there is a post on this forum by "Dan Hinkebein" that explains the problem he had with his microswitch (a solder joint had a hairline fracture) and how he resolved it. If I find the post first, I will post the link here.

Regards, Maurice.

[CA_Boxster]

I have a 2000 Boxster that was just in the (gulp) shop to have a major service done and they replaced the battery while they were at it. Before I take it back to them I thought I would check here.

The windows do not lower when you open the convertible top now. I didn't know if there is a window reset or something, or if maybe it's a bad switch in the latch?

Thanks

Andy

When you disconnect the battery this happens. The windows switches don't work at all. I don't recall if the automatic window drop when operating the top is affected, but it might be. If this is the cause then after a couple engine off/on cycles the windows will work again.

[waynercarr]

I have a 2000 Boxster that was just in the (gulp) shop to have a major service done and they replaced the battery while they were at it. Before I take it back to them I thought I would check here.

The windows do not lower when you open the convertible top now. I didn't know if there is a window reset or something, or if maybe it's a bad switch in the latch?

Thanks

Andy

When you disconnect the battery this happens. The windows switches don't work at all. I don't recall if the automatic window drop when operating the top is affected, but it might be. If this is the cause then after a couple engine off/on cycles the windows will work again.

I posted a message about my window switches not working.. All of a sudden my window switches stopped working, 2001 996 cabrio. No water anywhere, 30 amp fuse for windows is good. When I put the top down the windows open and shut when closing the top. When I pull the door handle the windows go down 1/2 inch for clearance and back up once closed.. Is there a relay hidden somewhere or another fuse that controls the window switches only, seems like a relay ..I read there is a control box under the seat with a fuse but before I pull the seat.. (the power seat works by the way) I though the brain-trust on this site might be able to help. also the boot or trunk opens and everything else works fine.. Thanks.. Could this be what is happening?? I had the water pump and belt changed and they disconnected the battery to do the work. I was able to get the radio code for this site.. great site btw. When i let the repair shop the windows operated.. now they don't..

[missmonypeny]

Hi,

I have a 2000 Boxster and after reviewing all I could find under the forums this seemed to be the closest thread. I had my Boxster in for a leaking engine seal. The top and driver's side window worked fine prior to the shop repairs. However, when I picked up the car I was told that it had a weak top relay. Now, the driver's side window won't drop the auto 1/2 inch for opening and closing the door. I have to lower the window to open and close the door. Also, the driver's side seat blows a fuse every time I try to adjust the power seat. I'm too affraid to even try the top for fear it will go part way and then stop. Since you guys have had some similar issues with the window I hoped you may be able to offer some insight to fixes to try. After paying what I did at the dealer I can't afford to take it back in so soon. Hopefully, it's a relay or switch that I can replace with little assistance. Thanks so much for any help...it's deeply appreciated!

Lora Dyer

Charleston, WV

[1schoir]

Hi,

I have a 2000 Boxster and after reviewing all I could find under the forums this seemed to be the closest thread. I had my Boxster in for a leaking engine seal. The top and driver's side window worked fine prior to the shop repairs. However, when I picked up the car I was told that it had a weak top relay. Now, the driver's side window won't drop the auto 1/2 inch for opening and closing the door. I have to lower the window to open and close the door. Also, the driver's side seat blows a fuse every time I try to adjust the power seat. I'm too affraid to even try the top for fear it will go part way and then stop. Since you guys have had some similar issues with the window I hoped you may be able to offer some insight to fixes to try. After paying what I did at the dealer I can't afford to take it back in so soon. Hopefully, it's a relay or switch that I can replace with little assistance. Thanks so much for any help...it's deeply appreciated!

Lora Dyer

Charleston, WV

Lora:

From the symptoms and the history you describe, it sounds as though it may be just a coincidence that your window is not droping the 1/2 inch... Normally I would associate new symptoms with whatever may have happened when a car is left at a shop and you are not there to watch over it. :oops:

To narrow down the cause and the fix for you window not dropping the 1/2 inch, see if you get the EXACT same result whether you pull on the INNER or the OUTER door handle. At the same time, listen for any sounds coming from inside the door. You should hear the electric motor that is connected to the window regulator very briefly operate (less than 1 second). If you get the same result after pulling on either handle, and you hear that little noise, then it is most likely a faulty window regulator. Your window regulator cable may have stretched, frayed or one of the plastic sleeves through which it passes may have broken off, etc...

The driver's side seat blowing the fuse is another issue. Possibly a wire under the seat that is getting pinched when you put the seat back.

1. Does the fuse blow as soon as you depress the button or is there a slight delay?

2. Does it happen in either direction?

3. Is it the seat front to rear movement or the seat back incline angle switch that causes this?

BTW, there is no such thing as a "weak" top relay. It's possible that there is some surface corrosion inside the relay, but other than that it either performs all of its functions or it doesn't. A strong "rap" of the relay against a semi-hard surface usually "unsticks" any reluctant contacts inside the double relay.

Don't be afraid to operate the top. There are lots of ways to deal with that and all of them have been dealt with. If you want to save some money and are not afraid to tackle the malfunction, we can guide you through just about anything involving the top.

Back to the window drop. The regulator is a DIY item, cost of the part is under $200, and the most difficult part is the removal of the door panel. After you have done that once, it gets really easy and the repair takes less than 3 hours for a semi-skilled DIY'er.

Regards, Maurice.

[missmonypeny]

Maurice,

I can't thank you enough for your insight. I will print your response and go over it with my dad. He is a heavy equipment mechanic/operator and former Navy Sea Bee. We usually can figure things out together on cars (I enjoy working on them with him but this being a grown up/work thing puts a kink in our time together). The Porsche has been a challenge at times. It is my first foreign auto. I'm not good with electrical but dad is pretty good. We replaced a blown fuse on the back of the radio earlier this year.

I'll put another fuse in the seat and check, but my best recollection is that it blew when I moved the seat back and the fuse "pop" was fairly instantanious when I hit the switch. I will have to double check whether it also blows in the other directions of movement. I'm the only one that drives the car so it hasn't been a big issue, but it would be nice to address it so others can actually drive the car if needs be...I'm only 5"2' so most people would look like they were driving a go cart... ;)

I'll pull the relay and give it some percusive pursuasion and see what it does.

The door sounds like a job I could handle with your and dad's help. I'm a pro a taking things apart and going "well there's the problem." It's the putting everything back together that sometimes gets me when I work alone...

After dad and I give it a look in light of your insights I'll get back with you about what we find. I really love my little car and I do hate having other people work on it...no one does the job you would to your own car (I crindge when I see air wrenches).

Again, thank you so much!

Lora

[1schoir]

Maurice,

I can't thank you enough for your insight. I will print your response and go over it with my dad. He is a heavy equipment mechanic/operator and former Navy Sea Bee. We usually can figure things out together on cars (I enjoy working on them with him but this being a grown up/work thing puts a kink in our time together). The Porsche has been a challenge at times. It is my first foreign auto. I'm not good with electrical but dad is pretty good. We replaced a blown fuse on the back of the radio earlier this year.

I'll put another fuse in the seat and check, but my best recollection is that it blew when I moved the seat back and the fuse "pop" was fairly instantanious when I hit the switch. I will have to double check whether it also blows in the other directions of movement. I'm the only one that drives the car so it hasn't been a big issue, but it would be nice to address it so others can actually drive the car if needs be...I'm only 5"2' so most people would look like they were driving a go cart... ;)

I'll pull the relay and give it some percusive pursuasion and see what it does.

The door sounds like a job I could handle with your and dad's help. I'm a pro a taking things apart and going "well there's the problem." It's the putting everything back together that sometimes gets me when I work alone...

After dad and I give it a look in light of your insights I'll get back with you about what we find. I really love my little car and I do hate having other people work on it...no one does the job you would to your own car (I crindge when I see air wrenches).

Again, thank you so much!

Lora

Lora:

It sounds like you are in very good hands with your dad. :thumbup:

If you determine that it is the window regulator (and it usually is when the symptoms I described occur), you and your dad will have no problem whatsoever in replacing it. Get the part on the internet, either from board sponsor Sunset Imports or from AutohausAZ.com. The latter has free shipping for any orders over $75, IIRC, and no tax. Sunset and Autohaus always beat the dealer's prices by a very wide margin.

The website that everyone was using (ecoutez.net) for its instructions on removing the door panel is not functioning at the moment, but I'm sure someone on here will locate the instructions again. BTW, there are not that many parts involved in removing the door panel and replacing the window regulator, so you won't have any parts leftover! LOL!!!

While some mechanics are competent, some others are not, and some of them only care about getting the job done as quickly as possible because the pay structure that a lot of dealers have instituted (commission + base salary). That's a formula that screams for DIY!

Since you have a 2000 Boxster, if your rear vinyl window ever goes bad or needs replacing, check out Mike Focke's website for comprehensive instructions on how to replace the top with an OEM '03 or '04 glass -windowed soft top, here: http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/installi...ndframeona%2797

Regards, Maurice.

Edited October 26, 2009 by 1schoir

[1schoir]

Lora:

I found the alternate website for door panel removal/window regulator replacement:

http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/window/

Regards, Maurice.

[JeTexas]

I'm a pro a taking things apart and going "well there's the problem." It's the putting everything back together that sometimes gets me when I work alone...

Don't worry, you'll find that most things really don't need all the pieces put back anyway. I have a tendency to leave out unimportant screws/bolts in trim and whatnot if they're in hard to reach places. Plus, it gives me spares for the ones that rolled down the driveway and got lost.

Good luck.