c4 2003 996 C4 Cabrio passenger window will not go all the way down

[TA Davis]

All of a sudden my passenger side door window will not go down all the way.  It WAS working fine, no noise, and it drops a bit when I open the door and comes back up when I close the door...as it should.  But all of a sudden will not go down all the way.  Otherwise it works fine: Up and down, just it will only go down until it reaches the last inch or inch and a half, then stops as normal.  The windows also work as they should when raising or lowering the top, but of course that pass-side window stops at the last inch or so.

 

So, where should I look, and in what order?

[creekman]

Does the motor continue to run once the window stops?  If the motor stops then I'm guessing it's an adjustment on your limit switch.  I would think the answer is removing the door panel and not a computer problem.

[TA Davis]

No, it stops at the top and bottom as it should.  Just on the trip down, it stops just about an inch short.  Anyone who could help me with advice about how to ID and adjust the limit switch would be much appreciated.  I have never taken apart at 996 door before.  I have seen videos and have taken many American doors apart, just never a Porsche.  Thanks!

Edited August 26, 2017 by TA Davis

[creekman]

Just to clarify, the window raises and lowers to accommodate the opening and closing of the door, but when you ask the window to lower all the way down it stops short.  Do you have a Benley's Repair Book, I'm sure everything you wanted to know about removing the door panel and adjusting the limit switches will be found there.

[dporto]

Did you just replace the regulator? If so, there's a stop on it that's there for the Boxter (same regulator as the 911but the boxter doors aren't as tall - hence the stop). The stop comes standard, but needs to be removed if installing the regulator on the 911...

[TA Davis]

Nothing has been replaced since purchasing the car except the IMS bearing.  Worked OK when I bought the car.  This window problem just started.  Thanks!

[Loren]

I agree with dporto - on an eleven-year-old car chances are it is a worn out window regulator.

[creekman]

Wow, if it is a worn out regulator that seems like a poor life cycle...

[TA Davis]

I kind of doubt is, as the car has less than 50K mines on it, but I will check.  Someone told me there is a "memory" for the down window position that can be reprogrammed.  Anyone heard of this?

 

Thanks again.

[Loren]

Yes, press and the down window button and continue holding another 10 seconds.

Do the same for up window.

If that does not fix it then you are likely going to have to open the door panel and inspect.