987 - possessed driver side window
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: NJ
987 - possessed driver side window
HELP!,
My 2005 987 (base) has an intermittent issue: at random times the driver side window will drop about 1/2 inch, from closed position, then rise to the top repeatedly. Then stop, for no apparent reason. VERY similar to this short video I found:
Unlike the video, my car will do it a few times, generally, then stop. Some days it doesn't happen at all!. Some clues to the mystery:
Thank you!
My 2005 987 (base) has an intermittent issue: at random times the driver side window will drop about 1/2 inch, from closed position, then rise to the top repeatedly. Then stop, for no apparent reason. VERY similar to this short video I found:
Unlike the video, my car will do it a few times, generally, then stop. Some days it doesn't happen at all!. Some clues to the mystery:
- I've tried the reset window memory procedure many times. It doesn't seem to make any difference at all.
- The battery is only about a year.
- The latch has never, ever, failed to lower the window when I pull the latch to open the door.
- The latch has never, ever, failed to keep the window low when I release it after opening the door. And the window comes up again automatically after closing the door.
- The small microswitch for the roof latch has never, ever, failed to drop both windows about half way to lower the top, or to raise the windows after the top is locked.
- I replaced the door lock mechanism already (had problems locking) and the regulator was also just replaced.
Thank you!
Last edited by J_V; Feb 2, 2020 at 12:20 AM.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,208
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
I would about guarantee you that the problem is not in the window motor. It's in the control circuitry. Something is triggering the circuit that lowers the window so the door can be opened and closed. I believe there is a microswitch in the latch assembly, or it possibly could be wiring from one of the doors into the chassis (tends to fail where it bends...) Your video shows the standard window/door drop.. that's where you should be concentrating your troubleshooting. Do you have a Porsche specific diagnostics tool? Or access to a PIWIS? That's what I'd want to look at first.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 404
Likes: 46
HELP!,
My 2005 987 (base) has an intermittent issue: at random times the driver side window will drop about 1/2 inch, from closed position, then rise to the top repeatedly. Then stop, for no apparent reason. VERY similar to this short video I found:
00:30 sec YouTube video
Unlike the video, my car will do it a few times, generally, then stop. Some days it doesn't happen at all!. Some clues to the mystery:
Thank you!
My 2005 987 (base) has an intermittent issue: at random times the driver side window will drop about 1/2 inch, from closed position, then rise to the top repeatedly. Then stop, for no apparent reason. VERY similar to this short video I found:
00:30 sec YouTube video
Unlike the video, my car will do it a few times, generally, then stop. Some days it doesn't happen at all!. Some clues to the mystery:
- I've tried the reset window memory procedure many times. It doesn't seem to make any difference at all.
- The battery is only about a year.
- The latch has never, ever, failed to lower the window when I pull the latch to open the door.
- The latch has never, ever, failed to keep the window low when I release it after opening the door. And the window comes up again automatically after closing the door.
- The small microswitch for the roof latch has never, ever, failed to drop both windows about half way to lower the top, or to raise the windows after the top is locked.
- I replaced the door lock mechanism already (had problems locking) and the regulator was also just replaced.
Thank you!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I would about guarantee you that the problem is not in the window motor. It's in the control circuitry. Something is triggering the circuit that lowers the window so the door can be opened and closed. I believe there is a microswitch in the latch assembly, or it possibly could be wiring from one of the doors into the chassis (tends to fail where it bends...) Your video shows the standard window/door drop.. that's where you should be concentrating your troubleshooting. Do you have a Porsche specific diagnostics tool? Or access to a PIWIS? That's what I'd want to look at first.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Hi oldbutslow.... I just recently replaced the regulator so it's fairly smooth pressure for the motor to raise and lower the window. After installation, it occurred to me that I could "test" a sluggish mechanism by simply helping the motor with my hands to raise and lower the window. To do this, simply hit the low switch all the way, then help the motor with your hands gently pushing the window down as the motor lowers the window. Then do the opposite: hit the up switch all the way, then help the motor by gently pulling the window up as it closes. In my case, this test did not fix it when the problem was happening. Nevertheless, I will apply silicone to all related areas. It can only help things for sure. Thanks for the suggestion!
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,208
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
Thank you for the suggestion! Unfortunately, I don't have a sophisticated diagnostic tool. And you're correct: there is a microswitch right behind the latch that tells the motor electronics the position of the handle so it acts accordingly. This switch has never failed me when I pull the handle so I kind of doubt it. However, the next time I am in there, I will certainly test it with a meter to be sure. My current theory is that the pinch sensor (which I think it's a purely electronic system) is at fault. It's my understanding that the sensor will detect a spike, in amps, drawn by the motor, indicating that the motor has been abruptly stopped by something, a body part, an object, etc., so the window stops and does not try to amputate you. I theorize that it's triggering at the very top of window position, retracting, then the system detects that it's at its low position with door closed, so it tries to close it again, goes to the top and then enters a repetitive loop. Both the motor and control circuitry and in one module piece. If the problem persists, I will remove the motor+circuitry and disassemble it to try to check the electronic circuitry. Hopefully it's not all IC's. Thanks again!
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Just a quick update for whoever has the same problem in the future: since replacing the regulator the window has not had a single epileptic seizure. Granted, I have not driven the car much since the corona virus, but the old regulator mechanism was a little sluggish when pushed/pulled by hand, after removal, but I did not think it was the problem. Apparently, as of today, 4/29/20 that might have been it after all. So for other people who run into the same issue: The "regulator" doesn't regulate anything, it's simply a wire that winds around 2 rails and around a plastic spool mechanism. That's it! The spool is spun by an electric motor, but that's a separate part entirely. The wire is attached to 2 clamps which hold the glass window so it lowers and lifts the window along the rails as the wire is rolled and unrolled around the spool. This wire was originally greased when the car was assembled and things get worn out and sluggish and dirty after so many years of use. Try cleaning and applying plenty of good lubricant to this wire and all its contact points first, including the rails and spool, before replacing this $190 part.
Last edited by J_V; Apr 30, 2020 at 11:22 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 404
Likes: 46
I think they mean regulator in the sense that it regulates the height of the window. I was similarly surprised at the cheaponess of the window regulator in my BMWs. Common failure item and once you've examined one you can see why.
