A3 power window fix?

With the power windows on these cars, the window regulators are known to fail much more often than the motor. I have a 95 GTI VR6, my wife a 95 Jetta GLS and we had 4 regulators broken between us. I've just replaced both driver's regulators on them. I the ordered the part from

-- cheapest I could find anywhere and they both seem to be holding up well. $65.71 with free shipping. Great people to deal with as well! The regulators seem almost identical to the OEM units I took out, so I figure if I get a few years out of them I'll be happy.

It is possible to convert to manual windows, which would require new door cards, a manual window regulator, and a hand crank. No need to swap the whole door. 5 bolts and a little wiggling and the regulator comes right out. It's really a horse apiece now with the prices dropping on the regulators.

Other things to watch out for? Well, try to find out when the timing belt was last changed--that could leave you stranded if it snaps! The wires that run inside the rubber boot between the door jamb and the door are know to crack, fray, and cause havoc with the factory alarm and window switches. Aside from that, drive it, look it over real good, and take it to an independent shop for an inspection if you can. The 2.0L engines are tough as nails and seem to run forever if properly maintained.

HTH, Mike

Brett,

Pretty much what Mike said.

Did the '96 GL have power windows? I don't think the '95s did.

I'll add that if/when the wiring harnesses go bad, you'll have better luck if you repair them with crimp on splices than if you replace it. I repaired one of my rear doors, and replaced the other side a couple months later. The repaired side is doing fine, but the other side needs some TLC again.

I've found the rear doors to be MUCH more problematic than the fronts. I think I've had about 6 regulators in the rear so far, but only two up front.

I think by your model VW fixed the IP lamps melting their sockets due to being on all the time with DRLs. I haven't had that problem, but I run my dimmer pretty low.

Don't know if the layout is the same for '96, but if the +ve post of the battery gets corrosion on it, it'll run down the side of the battery and eat into the wiring harness that runs beneath it (brilliant!)

The vent fan switch tends to crud up and overheat. Look at the knob for a melted spot.

Door rubbers, the things that are supposed to keep other cars from hitting the door - uh huh, tend to loosen and will fall off if not tended too. They're taped on. Supposedly VW had problems with the old clip on system causing rust problems. Just watch it, and if they loosen,

The main problem tho', has been the cheesy window regulators and door harnesses.

Mark '95 Jetta GLS

Mike,

Is that the right URL? I tried it but it didn't work. I'd be REALLY interested if someone's fixed the regulators. Especially since I think I'm about to go to my 3rd front one (making not-so-funny noises)

Thanks, Mark '95 Jetta GLS

Oops, i misspelled it! It should be:

--Mike