Driver window does not drop when door handle is opened

[jborchel]

All of a sudden the driver side window does not slide down when the door is opened nor close when the dood is closed. Coincidentally, when it first happened the alarm went off. I'm guessing this is not something new. Can anyone help me on this.

[thom4782]

I make two guesses. Either your dirver side window regulator has broken or a sensor in you door latch thinks the door isn't being opened. If you open the door and push gently down on the window, does it drop a 1/4" to 1/2". And is this different than what happens if you do the same thing on the passenger side. If so, I'd guess window regulator. In not, then I go with my second guess - door latch.

[1schoir]

Does this happen with both the inner AND the outer door handle, or only one or the other?

The answer to that question will help narrow down the cause.

Regards, Maurice.

[thom4782]

On my car, I think it happend on both the inner and outer handles. I say think because I open the passenger side door 99% of the time from the outside and just don't remember precisely.

If it happens on both, then I would favor the regulator. If it happens just on one, then I would think its the latch. I'm far less certain of the latter guess because I don't know if the inner and outer handles activate different sensors. I would think a defective latch would trigger some trouble codes, but a broken regulator might not.

[1schoir]

There is a separate microswitch behind the inner door handle and another behind the outer door handle.

There are also a number of microswitches INSIDE the door lock assembly.

Regards, Maurice.

[towney]

Mine is drivers side with window not going down both inside handle and outside handle but I can push it down that 1/2 inch.

Is there a DIY link to the window regulator replacement. Anyone ever replace one? When you take the door panel off do you need to disconnect battery because of airbag? Any quality repair shops in Central Florida besides the dealer?

Dealer want's $250 and another $400 for labor for part and Ebay has OEM's for $115

Edited April 25, 2013 by towney

[1schoir]

Here is a link to a good DIY that includes door panel removal for a Boxster: http://www.bombaydig...rojects/window/Here's a link to another thread here where the original poster had "too much play" in his window regulator:http://www.renntech....cle#entry189868Regards, Maurice.

[towney]

Thanks 1schior. Can't seem to find the link/thread on the bicycle brake adjuster fix.

There is also mention on a zip tie fix, where are the zip ties to be installed on the requlator?

[1schoir]

Here is the link to the bicycle brake adjuster fix on the 986forum: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/25704-window-regulator-permanent-fix-stretched-cable-2.html

IIRC, the zip tie fix did not hold up well, but the bicycle brake adjuster fix has been "permanent".

Regards, Maurice.

[psquared39]

A lot of info already out there on this issue. If you're interested here is my experience (2002 986...) I tolerated pushing down my driver side for about a year, then the passenger side stopped dropping also :( I had reviewed the "how too's" in the links above in preparation and decided to have a go on a slow January weekend... After removing both door panels I played with the slack on both sides and the "zip tie" method seemed to be working good in my scenario. So, the driver side lasted about two months, I could tell when working on it that it was in much worse shape that the passenger side to begin with. I too wasn't hyped about paying $250+ so I bought the $100 one on ebay. Installed it a couple months ago and is functioning as expected. As a side note, I do use the passenger door every day as I place and retrieve my laptop bag from that side. So far working perfect with the zip tie fix. If you enjoy taking things apart this is an easy "do it yourself".