Strange goings on with my Boxster's driver's side window

[Michael Larkin]

So I just bought a 2002 Boxster base a couple months ago.  Very happy with the car, but as it's elderly I have a decently long punch list.  It's had an intermittent issue with the driver's side window that has me perplexed.  When I first got it the window would randomly adjust up and down while driving.  I searched online and discovered that most wacky window behavior could be traced to the micro switch or door latch, so I ordered both.  Prior to installing the switch and latch the problem suddenly went away for about a month.  Unfortunately it recently returned and since I don't like the idea of not being able to lock my doors I decided it was finally time to install the new parts.  Needless to say, it did nothing.  I was ready to go ahead and order a convertible top switch when I discovered that pulling on the door handle made it stop most times.  I also discovered that both door lights were missing, so the previous owner was hip to the issue and neglected to tell me about it.  Oh, well.  I'm guessing that I'm gonna be on a bad wiring hunt this weekend.  Any ideas of where to start?  Anyone else dealt with this phenomena?

[Loren]

 

Have you tried re-training the window?

Here is what you do - press and hold the window down - once it is all the way down continue to hold for 10 seconds,

Next do the same for window up - hold until up then hold another 10 seconds.

 

Let us know if that fixes it.

[Michael Larkin]

Tried it several times today but no luck.  I got it to close the window completely twice but had to return both times to shut off the alarm as the window had auto-dropped again while I was gone.  Tonight when I got home from work I tried one more time as when I closed the door I got a rapid fire auto-drop and back up symphony.  Luckily it wasn't raining on the way home so I just cracked the window a bit to prevent it.  On the way to work this morning I drove with one hand pulling the handle most of the way due to it raining.

[Loren]

Chances are you are going to need to get into the inner door by removing the panel. Besides the microswitches look for wear on the the latch mechanism (for remote locking) as those wear out also. Check the windows regulator (cable) if it is worn replace it.

[Michael Larkin]

So I took the door card off today.  The window regulator is tight.  There is no movement at all near the tension adjustment pins.  Both bottom cables appear tight and there is no movement from the green caps.  I've sprayed all the electrical connections with contact cleaner and I'm waiting for them to dry to test things out.

[Michael Larkin]

The outside door handle cam is pushing down on the microswitch.  I can see it and hear it clicking.  I brought the window down several times and managed to get it all the way to the top.  It then dropped when I opened the door, went back up when I closed it, then after a minute or two went up and down about a half inch several times until it settled in the auto drop position where it stays no matter what.

[Michael Larkin]

So it turns out I'm a total idiot.  I tried every window calibration procedure I could find except the one in my owner's manual.  Everything seems to be fine now.  Thank you for the assistance.  On to the next project.

[Michael Larkin]

And it's back!  It worked great for a day or so, but shortly thereafter within an hour of locking the vehicle I was told my alarm was going off.  I came outside and found my window had dropped 1/2 inch.  When I drove home I reset the window and it stayed up until I got home.  Locked the door and the alarm went off again within an hour.  Now today while driving it started going up and down 1/2 inch, as if the door was possessed by Beelzebub, before finally setting on down 1/2 inch.

 

So as far as functionality after calibration (while it lasts,) I can put the window all the way up.  When I pull on the interior door handle the window drops as it should.  Close the door and the window goes back up.  Open the door from the outside and the window drops.  Close the door and the window goes up.  If the window suddenly goes down or jumps up and down the interior lights come on as well.  If the door is closed and the window is up, usually within an hour the window drops and the interior light comes on.

 

All I have left to replace is the regulator, motor, and interior microswitch.  This sucks.

 

Edited September 24 by Michael Larkin

[Michael Larkin]

Had to give it another go today.  Window was working fine since my last post but suddenly two days ago it started jumping up and down again, which is a pain because I just replaced the door courtesy lights.  Now I have a light show in addition to the jumping window.

 

So I replaced the interior door handle microswitch and sprayed every electrical connection except the big door latch with electrical cleaner.  I then put dielectric grease in each socket and put it all back together and...still have the jumpy window and the light show.

 

It seems like the trigger for this activity is driving over bumps and when I push on the door handle near the storage cubby.  Am I right in thinking that there is a problem with the wires connecting to the back of the interior door handle?  

[PorschesInTheRain]

10 hours ago, Michael Larkin said:

Had to give it another go today.  Window was working fine since my last post but suddenly two days ago it started jumping up and down again, which is a pain because I just replaced the door courtesy lights.  Now I have a light show in addition to the jumping window.

 

So I replaced the interior door handle microswitch and sprayed every electrical connection except the big door latch with electrical cleaner.  I then put dielectric grease in each socket and put it all back together and...still have the jumpy window and the light show.

 

It seems like the trigger for this activity is driving over bumps and when I push on the door handle near the storage cubby.  Am I right in thinking that there is a problem with the wires connecting to the back of the interior door handle?  

Hey there, I’m actually experiencing something similar with my own Boxster! Based on your description, it’s 99% likely that the issue with your driver’s side window is related to the window regulator. Over time, the cable inside the regulator can develop slack, which causes the window to behave erratically (moving up and down on its own, not staying closed, etc.).

Replacing the regulator should fix the problem. Be sure to check the cable tension before going ahead with a full replacement, but from what you’re describing, the regulator seems like the culprit.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes!

[Michael Larkin]

Well since the regulator is one of two remaining items left I can replace I might as well go ahead and try it.  By the time I'm done my door should be trouble free for the next 20 years!  (Year, right.)  Thanks you for the advice.  I have checked the regulator in the usual area that shows slack (at the bottom of the door) and there doesn't appear to be any play.  I may just replace the regulator and the motor since they are the last two replaceable items left other than the harness.

[elav01]

I had my car alarm randomly going off.  Replaced and/or tested ever micro-switch.  I finally replaced the ignition switch and have never had the issue again.  Weird things can happen with that ignition switch - cheap part and not too terrible to replace.