2003 convertible won't roll down window 1"

[orangebug]

I have a 2003 convertible and the windows on the front doors will not roll down when the door is opened. The manual says that the windows should roll down 1 inch and when the door is shut the windows should go back up. All four windows roll down 1 inch when the top down control is activated.

[veedubmechanic]

sounds like you have a faulty driver side door latch, the microswitch in the latch informs the module to roll down the window when the door is opened. Since the switch failed the window never rolls down.

[hako]

If the window does roll down 1" when the "passenger" door is opened then that would confirm veedubmechanics diagnosis.

[orangebug]

The windows don't roll down with either of the doors when they are opened. Is the microswitch easily accessed inside the door panel?

[hako]

If the windows don't roll down with either of the door being opened then I'd guess that would rule out the bad microswitch theory.....unless both microswitches went bad at the same time which is 'almost' beyond the realms of possibility. So you need to look elsewhere. First check the fuses.

[orangebug]

I have the Bentley service manual for the 2003 bug convertible, but I can't seem to find anything about a microswitch. I also can't find where it talks about the windows automatically going down to open the doors. It's kind of a secret it seems. Could there be something that is set in the computer system?

[hako]

As far as I'm aware your problem should not be due to a faulty microswitch as the problem occurs with both doors as mentioned previously. FWIW there is a microswitch in each front door latch assembly - its used to prime the fuel system (the whirr you hear when opening the door) plus turn the courtesy lights on and also something to do with the security system. In the convertible they (probably) would use the microswitch to roll the windows down that 1 inch. The microswitch can only be replaced by installing a complete new latch assembly ....about $500 Australian.
If the courtesy light still comes on the microswitches should be OK.
All the above is from deduction!!
Good Luck.

[orangebug]

Now that you mention the courtesy lights, I don't have those come on either when the doors are open.

[hako]

Maybe you have a fuse blown. I've read on other forums that if the microswitch does go bad, use the unlock button on the remote to make the window drop so you can get in/out of the car.

[veedubmechanic]

beetle convertables especially 2003 my are notorious for bad door latches. The microswitch is part of the door latch and can not be removed. You must replace the door latch as a unit. Also I would reccomend a dealer installing it because you have to re-adjust the window glass so the window will seal correctly and also the window clamp bolts must be torqued to specs because over-torqing will shatter the window glass. I have done it before and its not pretty!

[orangebug]

Thank you everyone for your help. It looks like I may have to get an estimate on the latch replacement. Another problem popped up yesterday, the bearings are going out in my alternator.

[dexterthedog]

Before you get any estimates go to the dealer.
I had all of my switches replaced under warranty for this problem.
It was a first year production problem that they worked out in '04

[orangebug]

Do you have any idea the length of warranty that is typical?

[orangebug]

I took the car to our local dealer and had them look into the problem and they found that both of the microswitches in the door latches were shorted and they both needed to be replaced. About a $650 bill. It didn't come up on the computer as a waranty issue. There was a brake light switch that was recalled that they fixed.