Inside door handle microswitch

[Cefalu]

I just replaced my passenger side window regulator. But during the process the inside door handle microswitch decided to blow its guts out and the tiny parts that blew out are lost.

I cannot figure out how to extract the switch. How do I get the switch out?

1999 996 cabriolet 6 speed.

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

I just replaced my passenger side window regulator. But during the process the inside door handle microswitch decided to blow its guts out and the tiny parts that blew out are lost.

I cannot figure out how to extract the switch. How do I get the switch out?

1999 996 cabriolet 6 speed.

Thanks!

The door lock micro switch in inside the door handle assembly; remove the door handle and lock cylinder, and simply unclip the switch (a small screw driver helps). This is covered in the new Bentley 996 manual (page 57-9) if you have access to one.

If you do not have the Bentley manual, which is a great DIY tool, and would like to acquire one, there is a link on this site to the RennTech Amazon store where you can get a good deal on one, and the site benefits as well.

[Cefalu]

Yes, I have the book and I wish it was outside handle switch because it is covered in the book at page 57-9. But it's the inside switch that senses when the passenger opens the door from the inside of the car.

[JFP in PA]

I have not been able to find any diagrams or photos of how the inside handle switch mounts, but I did locate a part number: Inside handle microswitch: 996.613.123.00 (Same both sides). Perhaps if you can get a look at the switch, it may become more clear on how it mounts.

[Cefalu]

Yes, that's the correct part number. I finally did remove it once I had given up all hope and decided to break it away from the door handle. And it popped out. Now, for the life of me I could never see how a human could ever assemble such a tiny switch. I found one of the springs that shot out. It's 0.5mm x 3mm. Well, i suppose a watchmaker could do it.

And the switch is so fragile that the force required to remove the switch from the door handle will definitely open the switch up, and you'll never be able to assemble it again.

Sucks, but $55 from the local dealer and I'll get it Tuesday.

[JFP in PA]

Shop around, I have found them online for $35-40 each. Have also made progress with some details, it is item #20:

[Cefalu]

Yeah that's it. I can't believe how small the part is, but how expensive it is. The switch is made by a company called Cherry and the only numbers are 40 A7, or 4A 07. I will check around.

[JFP in PA]

Unbelievably, the Boxster service manual for the same year has a better image (the cars share many of the same parts), and it looks like the inside handle assembly has a couple of openings in it that the switch just snaps into, and then the cable plugs in. I’d also try to cross over the part number with a friendly VW or Audi dealer, they all share a lot of components.

Sometimes these cars are just infuriating when it comes to small parts….

[Cefalu]

Yes, the switch snaps into a rectangular hole in the plastic handle. But It's a REALLY tight fit. You are going to ruin the switch if you try to separate it from the handle. But the switch was probably bad if you are trying to remove it anyway.

The part number looks like this:

4 0

A 7

And the word "Cherry" with four cherry's in a 1mm dia. circle. Tiny.

Looking at Digi Keys website shows similar Cherry micro switches retailing for under $2 each. But there are over 500 types of Cherry micro switches and I will probably never find the correct match.

So a $2 switch marked up the $55 at the dealer. Gotta love this game.

[JFP in PA]

So a $2 switch marked up the $55 at the dealer. Gotta love this game.

And who was it that said, "If you want to get into the real money, start a religion......" :eek:

[Marcio Moerbeck]

Where is the switch located. I cannot find it to save my life. I have replaced the switch insight the door handle (the one with the little dongle) but I bought the other switch and cannot find where it goes. Does it go on the external door handle where you place your key to open the car or on the door handle inside the car that you pull to open the door... 

 

I am trying to fix a window that won't drop (or rise) the final 10mm and I have replaced the entire door latch mechanism with a brand new one, the micro switch with the dongle and the window regulator (car needed one)... I bought the other micro switch to replace the entire thing and cannot find where to install it. 

 

The issue I am having is that I press the key fob and the car won't lock. Central lock doesn't work... nothing is locking the car... anyways... this is an old thread but I decided to give it a shot to see if you still remmeber where you placed the switch. 

 

Thank you!

[JFP in PA]

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Boxster door micro switch that lowers the window when handle is pulled