What controls the window in 996/boxster?

[smdubovsky]

What controls the window 'one touch down' in a 996/boxster? I don't have the schematics but it APPEARS the console switch runs directly to the regulator in the door (why else would it have 50 wires going to it?) Is the door motor/controller the whole brains of the operation?

My problem is that every now and then when I turn the car off, the driver window rolls itself all the way down when you pull the door handle a little (which should only initiate the 1/2" roll down to allow the door to open.) Its annoying.

Alternatively, schematics for one of these would help. The manuals I have dont appear to have any.

[HoodPin]

What controls the window 'one touch down' in a 996/boxster? I don't have the schematics but it APPEARS the console switch runs directly to the regulator in the door (why else would it have 50 wires going to it?) Is the door motor/controller the whole brains of the operation?

My problem is that every now and then when I turn the car off, the driver window rolls itself all the way down when you pull the door handle a little (which should only initiate the 1/2" roll down to allow the door to open.) Its annoying.

Alternatively, schematics for one of these would help. The manuals I have dont appear to have any.

If an earlier car (say pre-2005), I think some of the action is controlled by a relay in the fuseblock. In our '00 Boxster, I purchased a replacement relay for the convertible top that enables some one-touch actions.

The action may also be controlled by the ECU. A shop with the requisite programming equipment may be able to confirm the various programming options that might be available. IIRC, they can program various settings for door locks, window action, etc.

[Landjet]

There is a sub-system in the door key mechanism that allows the windows to be lowered with the key. Wonder if that relay is crossing over to your input. You might try recalibrating your window switch by lowering the window, running the up switch until the window stops, then push the front half of the rocker switch to store the end position of the windows in the control unit. You may also want to use the key a few times in the door to open and close the windows to see if that might clear it.

[markwemple]

I believe that the top and rear windows are part of the ECU on a cab. The safety system can only be overridden by purchasing a flash-over for the ECU so I wonder if the 1/2 inch down opperation is part of it. Has to be atleast a few boxster owners who have experienced this (as it is part of every 986/996- car)

[BlackTalon]

If an earlier car (say pre-2005), I think some of the action is controlled by a relay in the fuseblock. In our '00 Boxster, I purchased a replacement relay for the convertible top that enables some one-touch actions.

The action may also be controlled by the ECU. A shop with the requisite programming equipment may be able to confirm the various programming options that might be available. IIRC, they can program various settings for door locks, window action, etc.Great -- we've reached the point where we can't open car windows due to issues with computer programming :grrr:

[Lupin..the..3rd]

996's have cheapo window regulators, apparently. I had to have both of mine replaced. Taylor @ German Auto changed them out, and he said it's a common 996 issue. He said that the glass separates itself from the mechanism inside the door, and then they start acting strangely. Eventually, the glass will fall off of the mechanism altogether, and just fall down inside the door.

[pjalexandre]

+1 what you describe is classic in a 986/996 when the window regulator is starting to go.

I used to come back to my 996 and find the passenger window part way down. It was closed during my drive and when I left the car.

996's have cheapo window regulators, apparently. I had to have both of mine replaced. Taylor @ German Auto changed them out, and he said it's a common 996 issue. He said that the glass separates itself from the mechanism inside the door, and then they start acting strangely. Eventually, the glass will fall off of the mechanism altogether, and just fall down inside the door.

[Dr K]

Uh oh, watch out Antonio...

[pjalexandre]

Yes, and then I replaced it. LOL

Uh oh, watch out Antonio...

[smdubovsky]

Tnx everyone. Lupin/ Paul, thats the gist of what I was reading on the internet but I didn't find anything exactly like mine. I'll hunt down a new regulator to replace it. They look to be $2-300 new so maybe I'll hunt for a used one first. It only does it once or twice a month now but I just have a bad feeling about it...

[slbates]

Tnx everyone. Lupin/ Paul, thats the gist of what I was reading on the internet but I didn't find anything exactly like mine. I'll hunt down a new regulator to replace it. They look to be $2-300 new so maybe I'll hunt for a used one first. It only does it once or twice a month now but I just have a bad feeling about it...

My 996 did this for years before the regulator failed. I purchased a regulator from Sunset for about $160 IIRC. Will take you about an hour and a half to replace the first time. BTW, one side failed and a couple of months later the other side failed. Will only take you an hour when you do the second one. If you hear grinding or your window fails to drop when you open and shut the door, failure is not far away.

Tips:
You need to remove the upper stop on the regulator for the 996 or the window will not drop completely. Upper stop is left in place for Boxsters.
Mark the glass location with a sharpie along the existing frame, this will save you time with adjustment. I also marked the bolt outlines on the door.
Use a hair dryer to soften up the adhesive for the liner.

[Dr K]

SMD,
I have a few grease pencils ("China Markers") which will mark the window well but wipe off more easily than Sharpie. You're welcome to one or two. Pick up your spacers when you come buy to pick it up :D

Peter

[smdubovsky]

FWIW, I don't think its the mechanical regulator thats failing (I own a VW - I *KNOW* what those problems are.) Its the electrics on the one-touch down control. Happened again this morning:(

[SRISER]

I wonder if this problem is exacerbated by people using the frameless window to close their door. Repeated pushing over time may be enough to separate the glass from the mechanism.