Rear Window Problem

[dr2152]

The left rear window will start up and about 3/4 of the way will reverse and go down. If you stop before the 3/4 spot it will stay there and go down as normal. Any ideas what would cause this.

Thanks

[CGK]

Yep.
The plastic cable carrier that pulls the window up and down is broken and is hitting the middle guide support on the window carrier and the pinch protection is causing the window to go back down.
Eventually, it will cause the cable to jam and render the window inoperable.
The only fix is to remove the window and use a repair kit to replace the cable and carrier.
I just did both rear windows on my vert myself. Not the easiest job to do and you MUST have the proper tools to do it.
The repair kits are about $70 per side and I did both at the same time. The repair involves removing the entire rear interior to access the window carriers. Then you have to remove the glass window with the carrier from the car in order to replace the cable.
Two special VW tools are needed to install the new cables on the window motor and to adjust the windows after they are reinstalled.
If you're not up for a pretty involved repair you can have it done by dealer but I know it will be pricey because of the labor involved. I can post up the TSB detailing the repair if you're willing to attempt the repair yourself.
Sorry for the bad news but that's the only fix.
Good luck

[pencilneck]

A suggestion.... When you get the repair kit, only use the black plastic piece that failed, do not replace the cables. The reason for this, the cables that are in your car now have stretched out a little, so when you replace the failed part, there will be less stress on it, less likely to fail in the future.

If you replace the cables, you would be amazed as how tight they are... the stress loads on the plastic piece is crazy.

I never replaced the cables if they were not damaged. I've seen several times where cables where replaced, and less than a year later, the same failure happens. Those cables are a hair too short.

[CGK]

Replacing just the plastic cable carrier is a real bad idea.
The cable tension on the original cables was way too tight and the material used on the original plastic carrier was inferior.
The repair kits include a plastic carrier of different and stronger material and the new cables have less tension, once installed, than the originals.
If the repair was to replace just the plastic carrier then that's all you would get in the repair kit.
If you repair your rear windows, use the complete kit!!

[SilverNBC]

I am having the same issue with my back passenger side window, it won't go up...

CGK can you link me to this kits you are talking about?


I don't wanna put my other window down it might get stuck aswell

[CGK]

I got my repair kits from ECS Tuning:
Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8T > Interior > Window > ES#325738 Window Regulator Repair Kit - Left Rear - 1Y0898291

I'll stress again that this is a pretty involved DIY repair and you need to know the proper procedure to disassemble and reassemble the interior. You also need the correct tools to install the new cables onto the lower window carrier pulley and to adjust the window fitment for proper closure and sealing when rolling up into the top weather seal.
This is a great "how to" for the windows and the top:
Volkswagen Technical Service Training - Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Top and Window Repair Self-Study Program *-* Bentley Publishers - Repair Manuals and Automotive Books
I used this for reference while doing my window repair.

[dr2152]

I orderd the kit and next week I'll take it apart. What special tools do you need?

Thanks

[CGK]

OK guys,
Here's the TSB that covers the rear window cable repair.
You will need these VW tools to do it properly. You can try to do this repair without these but you risk damaging the locking nuts on the adjusters and breaking the plastic pulley and kinking the new cable.
This does not cover the disassembly of the rear interior and side panels. It is pretty involved and you should have, at a minimum, the Bentley manual and having the Self Study guide for the windows and top is a huge help.
Good luck with this project hope this info helps.
Adjusting tool:
VAG 1739
Cable installation tool:
VWM 100
You can order them from a dealer.
TSB follows:

[dr2152]

I got the repair kit and put it in this morning. It took 3 1/2 hours and I only need a extra hand getting the cable over the pulley. Thanks for the help.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by CGK

I got my repair kits from ECS Tuning:
Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8T > Interior > Window > ES#325738 Window Regulator Repair Kit - Left Rear - 1Y0898291

I'll stress again that this is a pretty involved DIY repair and you need to know the proper procedure to disassemble and reassemble the interior. You also need the correct tools to install the new cables onto the lower window carrier pulley and to adjust the window fitment for proper closure and sealing when rolling up into the top weather seal.
This is a great "how to" for the windows and the top:
Volkswagen Technical Service Training - Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Top and Window Repair Self-Study Program *-* Bentley Publishers - Repair Manuals and Automotive Books
I used this for reference while doing my window repair.

Thanks for the Bentley Link!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by dr2152

I orderd the kit and next week I'll take it apart. What special tools do you need?

Thanks

Good luck with your project!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by CGK

OK guys,
Here's the TSB that covers the rear window cable repair.

Do you have this as a PDF file that you can post, or can you email me the file in the format you have it in? It would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[Beltaine]

Refuse to pay $100+ for a VWM100 tool I'll only use once.

Of course, I've spent the last 3 hours trying to get the cable around the pulley with no luck.

There's gotta be some other way to engineer it.

If the nearest dealer weren't an hour away, I'd just haul the thing down there and hope they didn't charge me $100 to do it for me.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Why not someone with the tools, rent them around? But I suspect the C note will be way cheaper than the Dealer labor chg!

M.

[pencilneck]

I have replaced a boat load of those cables for rear regulators, never have I used those tools. The VAG1739 is needed if you are installing a new regulator (a complete unit) so fine tune the adjustment. VWM100, can use a large screw driver if really needed.

If I ever do another rear regulator again, I'll film it and break down the finer points of how it is done. I got to where I was knocking these things out in 30 to 40 minutes when I was in my prime.