Window regulators broke! How do I replace?
 

Hi there. I really need your help!

I am the owner of a 1999 VW Jetta Wolfsburg. Recently all of my windows have came off the tracks and one even fell down into the door, but I managed to get them all back up for the time being, but it's a real pain to not be able to use my windows at drive-thrus and tolls and stuff!

I've been told that the window regulators in this car are made of plastic, and that is why they so frequently break. It sucks!

Anyway, I looked on Ebay and found 'em for about $50 each window. I just need to know how to install them! Is it something I can do myself, or do I need to take it to the dealer or a shop?

Any input is appreciated.

RE: Window regulators broke! How do I replace?
 

you need to take off the door panell inside look for screws around the pannel door latch and handel compare the parts before you take anything out you may not need a part it must be exactly!!! the same.If you go to the library and photocopy the info out of a repair book.sometimes the info is quite general but it will help some.If in trouble try calling a body shop but stay away from the dealer if you can they will soak you

RE: Window regulators broke! How do I replace?
 

thanks for you help.


i'm having an impossible time getting the door panel off. i took out all the screws and it still seems to be locked in there some how near the handle by a screw i'm unable to get to. :(

RE: Window regulators broke! How do I replace?
 

the trim around the door latch slides off pushing towards the back of the car use a flat head to remove the cover trim on the door handle undo the screw un screw the door handle.the top part of door trim should lift off unscrew the the door lock button. All that is left is snaps behind the door panell which pull off carefully but firnly

RE: Window regulators broke! How do I replace?
 

DON'T!!! Repairing the window regulators will be a money pit for you. At the very most, repair the driver's window only. I've got a 1996 Jetta GLS and three of the windows have been non-operational for the past 8 years. Luckily for me, the driver's window is still working. Go figure. I took mine to the dealership and the lied and told me it was the motor, which could be replaced for $400. Ouch. I wasn't that desperate, but eventually took it to another dealership, which said it was never the motor, only the regulator... cost $200. I got it fixed (the duct tape and plastic look was becoming annoying). 1 week later the window was dead again. The dealership repaired it again (for free). I was sure shocked. Soon afterwards it failed again. As it turns out, I think that the problem was NOT the regulator at all. I think the window gets cocked sideways in the very inadequate and poorly made window guides. My reasoning is that when it broke the 2nd time, I got it up by first pushing the down button, thereby realigning the window in the guide, and then it would go all the way up. Once you get it up, cut the wire ASAP so your passengers don't inadvertently hit the down button... usually during a snow or rainstorm. Ugh. This has happened to me many times. Just grin and bear it, but don't fix it... you'll just be throwing away good money. Focus on the positive side of things... the engine and trannie are built to last for the long haul and that's really all you need to get you to your destination. I'll bet your cruise control stopped working too!

-1996 Jetta GLS 2.0L Manual 5-speed with 237,000 original miles