How to Fix the Power Windows on a 2001 Audi TT (MK1 1999-2006)

This video shows symptoms of a jammed power window, how to remove the door panel, and how to un-jam and lubricate the motor/mechanism. See my follow-up video ( • How to Replace a Wind... ) showing how to replace the window regulator.

[@TheMCRstudios]

It's 2022, I have a new-to-me 2002, and the driver's window would not work at all. Found your video, and now it works. You explained it perfectly. Once I saw it was a cable system I knew it needed lubrication. I have several pieces of gym equipment that use a cable system, and they need lubrication every few years, so a 20 year old car definitely does! Thank you so much, although I had to order a microswitch because the auto 5mm down does not work, you saved me swapping parts from a junkyard, which probably would have had the same problem! You rock!

[@BruceOren]

Thanks, Rusty. I played with the driver's window on my 2000 TT last year. I replaced the regulator because the cable was frayed and it had badly scored the plastic pulleys. It took forever to realize that I'd have to drill out the rivet to replace the regulator. I used a screws, locknuts and bolts instead of buying a rivet gun. Seems to work fine. For the love of god, don't be tempted to unravel the cable from the regulator. I tried that (I don't even remember why now) and sadly regretted it during the too-many hours it took to reassemble the regulator under pressure of the spring. It eventually all worked. IF I can muddle through this, just any anyone can. Last thing: Rusty has a great video about replacing the window regulator. Watch the whole thing before embarking on the repair. Good luck to all.

[@rustyspeidel561]

That's an interesting idea using nuts and bolts instead of rivets. LOL and excellent advice -> For the love of God, don't be tempted to unravel the cable from the regulator. Thanks for the feedback.

[@anthonyrystad]

Verified: 2002 Audi TT Quattro ALMS Add me to the thankful list, researching your trial and error help me save a lot of time and money, not to mention the priceless confidence of taking things apart. Driver's side window not moving, stuck in up position, no small cracking upon door opening and closing. I had to take off the door panel to hear that the motor clicks despite the window not moving. I used 3 in 1 oil for the cables inside the motor you showed and the rails of the regulator. It worked, but in hindsight I'd recommend a lithium or high viscosity grease for the rails so it lasts longer and doesn't run off like oil lubricant. Careful if using aerosol to focus the application on the intended area so you don't overspray a mess onto your glass window.

[@philliplloyd1181]

Just carried out this repair. Went exactly as described in the video, same rotating of the motor to resolve it. Total cost of repair, zero pounds and 90 minutes of my time (because I cleaned the glass inside as I'm like that!) Brilliant, thanks for putting he video up.

[@customizedempireapparel9417]

Thank you for this video!! I just fixed it by adding the silicone lubricant. At the shop they told me I had to replace my window motor and it would cost over $500. Thanks a lot! i appreciate it.

[@lkz6696]

Thank you so much! Today my window would not roll up. I followed your directions and took the door panel off and sprayed lubricant on the cables. Then I pulled on the cables a little, connected and disconnected all of the connectors, and put the door panel back on. The window went up but stopped about 80% of the way up. I was able to push the window up with my hand helping along with the motor. But then I had to do a "Reset" to calibrate the window so the car computer knows when the window is up or down all the way (so it can raise/lower the window a fraction of an inch whenever I open and close the door). Ignition on Windows all the way down Windows all the way up, let go of switches Push the switches up again and hold for 3-5 seconds Ignition off This fixed everything and the window is working perfectly now!

[@rustyspeidel561]

That some great information. Thanks for adding that. And I'm glad the video helped you out.

[@a4monty]

Reset automatic window: actually it may be model dependent. On my 2022 TT cabriolet these directions did not work, so I finally found in the owner's manual (what an idea to look there) to (1) hold switch until window is all the way up; release (2) switch UP again for a second.

[@neontuzo]

Crazy how two years ago, Monty had a 2022 TT. What a privilege!

[@a4monty]

oops. that's 2002. thanks! if you want to buy my 2022 that will cost you

[@jimmyajp]

Brilliant, Worked for me, many thanks :-)

[@marshallsmith9264]

I have a 2001 TT with 16K miles and have the exact problem Rusty describes in his fix the power windows video. You are right, without some direction, taking the panel off would have been a pain to figure out. Looking at and following the video was a breeze. After I loaded up the cables behind the motor the window still didn't move, but you could hear it was trying (clicking from motor). I got out my trusty wooden mallet and after about 5 love taps - bam, it started working! Thank you!!!!!

[@stevenpeters1792]

Mechanic advised me that I needed a new winder and motor and was looking 300 odd quid, I fixed myself after watching your video. Great !!

[@oncewerekiwis]

Well, this old video helped me out yesterday, and I followed the instructions exactly as mentioned - and my passenger window is fully operational! Thanks buddy, TT owners can use this info with confidence - PS: It was the gentle tapping of the motor that did the trick.

[@rustyspeidel561]

Thanks for the feedback Shaughan. Glad it worked for you.

[@JeffHanlen]

Thanks for the great video. I just fixed my passenger side window with exactly the same problem! Followed your instructions, and even though nothing seemed to happen (I ended up putting the door together before testing one last time), after a good soak in spray lubricant - voila! Window operates as good as new. Cost me a $10 can of lubricant and about 30 minutes of my time. :)

[@bik3rjon]

Just FYI, The star shaped bolt is called a Torx bolt, hence the T.

[@loicpeletan6963]

Thanks for your video. I had the exact same symptoms on the exact same car and I was able to fix the issue by doing exactly what you did in this video. You saved me a lot of time and money! Cheers

[@slickchick8292]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! I'm having a problem with my window not rolling up. It just happened now. Every time I tried to roll it up it started to go back down as though something was in the way. Finally on my third try it just stoped going up anymore than about an inch from bottom. No noise is being made it just plain stopped as though it had reached the top. I will be giving this solution a go once husband comes home from work with the socket wrench. Thanks again & I'll keep u posted on outcome! Kat

[@rustyspeidel561]

+Kat Athay I hope this works for you. If it doesn't, check out my follow up video that shows how to replace the windows regulator here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4fGhaShbchlo8k

[@protovu]

Thank you for this this ! Just got a 2001, and the first problem....window stuck..in the down position. Will give it a go.

[@TheOnlineKook]

Hi I used your tutorial it worked a treat really stoked less than an 1hr to fix the problem thanks mate

[@CertiSymeon]

2020 and still effective although when the crunching sound is heard I reckon the wire is usually so frayed that it wraps around itself and will eventually need a new replacing. (well I my case anyway) I am so appreciative, thank you.

[@marshallsmith9264]

I have a 2001 TT with the exact same problem (only have 12K miles on it) and assume the problem is because I just don't drive the car. Am going to try your fix - thank you!!

[@CarlosPerdomo]

Thanks Rusty, I will try this with mine. I seem to have the very same problem that you did.

[@drdrwho4178]

Same over here :(

[@JoshSmithDenverCO]

Great video! I did exactly as shown and the window is working again. Much easier than expected and maybe 35 minutes of time in total. Thanks for making this!

[@azadbal]

Perfect, thanks. The hardest part of the fix was getting the door pannel to line up properly for the first bolt to go back in

[@90nadz]

Fixed my windows I never took my door panels off as I've other symptoms so thought I'd take + Car battery cables - off for a couple minutes to reset the car. After connecting the power cables to the + battery - I turned the car ignition on *Two turns* and my drivers window automatically went further down by a touch. so I held it untill it went all the way down, close the door and back up till it got to the same position as previous. I let go then up again and it fully went up to my amazement. did the same to passenger side and sorted. Now onto the next fix- (P) light is Dim but [On] my dash when my handbrake is fully down.. I believe I need to start with checking the brake fluid as it could be low for a top up... Happy fixing guys! #Peace

[@Seansterification]

I got a busted speaker that I have to replace, didnt know how to and now I do. Thanks for uploading video!

[@inverted_g]

I truly appreciate you making this video, thanks!

[@christophe168]

Thank you so much. It was as described for me, and I had to remove 2 screws and wiggle the mechanism once, to get it unstuck.

[@mauricehawkins5251]

Awesome! It worked great after all these years!

[@tazzygeoff621]

Thanks for the vid. I'm going to do my drivers door in the morning.... same symptoms. 😎🐨🦘

[@mk6woods855]

Great video sir, worked perfectly on my mk1

[@rustyspeidel561]

No, I didn't look at that while I was in there. But I have the exact same lose mirror problem on my passenger side. I googled it and it looks like you follow my video to open up the door and then you can access the screws that tighten the mirror. If you fix yours before I get to mine, please post here and let me know how it went! Thanks.

[@jamalkhalil7719]

Many Thanks, you saved my MONEY AND Time.

[@rustyspeidel561]

I recently had to replace the window regulator in that door to fix the problem permanently. Once I replaced the regulator , the squeaking went away. I got the part off parts geek for $150+shipping. I'll upload a video soon showing how to replace the window regulator.

[@DarkstarDarth]

Did the regulator switch today on my MK1 and to my surprise the thing is rivited and needed to drill them off then buy a rivit gun and 4 hours later was fixed, I got part from eBay for 39.95, we'll see how long it last.

[@troyglasgow4477]

Kinda just watched this video to verify something with the speakers... Great video though, it helped me 👍🏽😅

[@rustyspeidel561]

I'm glad it helped!

[@Argonm3]

Ow thanks great video it shows me exactly what I need to do! I have got the same symptoms.

[@rustyspeidel561]

Yes. I'm trying to get time to edit the video. I should have it up in the next couple weeks.

[@peterleenicholson]

Thanks for this video... a other person helped here

[@rustyspeidel561]

I fixed my loose mirror problem. Just had to be snapped back into place. I posted a video showing the mirror assembly opened up and what the clips look like so you should be able to get into yours and figure out why it's lose. KZbin won't allow me to add a link to that video in this comment. To find it, just click on my videos and you'll see it there.

[@ismaeldelrio7633]

thanks for posting this video you help me fix my window

[@rustyspeidel561]

They just call them T bits or star bits. They are a six-pointed star shape. They come in various sizes like T-10, T-50, etc... I recommend you purchase a socket set of them if you don't have them already. They are often required in doing automotive repairs.

[@trip_n_dale]

Thank you for uploading this.

[@rightimageplus]

Excellent Video. Fixed it like a dream. Thank you for uploading.

[@rustyspeidel561]

My window kept messing up so I finally had to replace the window regulator and that seems to have fixed the problem for good. Look for a video of how to replace the regulator soon. I just need to edit and upload it.

[@tonyhogan1635]

Great video! What should cable on the spool inside the regulator? What's the easiest way to reinstall the door panel?

[@rustyspeidel561]

Really it's just a matter of doing the disassembly in reverse. It's easy. You won't have a problem getting it back together.

[@cedricbottom2932]

Brilliant video many thanks

[@addyear1]

Hey great video, i just did mind and it worked like a charm.

[@EnemyBritBomber]

Same symptoms for me, both sides. Tried this fix including turning the motor to manually wind window and move it and still just a click from the motor. :(

[@rustyspeidel561]

Check my video on replacing the window regulator. That's what I finally had to do for a permanent fix.

[@rustyspeidel561]

Finally finished it. It's uploading right now. Let me know what you think.

[@MattBills]

Hi, I just bought an 2002 Audi tt and the window seems to be doing the same thing. Will you be adding the regulator install video soon? Need the help! Thanks

[@rustyspeidel561]

I got the exact same surprise when I replaced my regulator. Ran out and bought a rivit gun too. Yet my regulator cost about $100 though from parts geek if I remember correctly.

[@ronaldyan9881]

That's help a lots thanks!

[@ronnieginsburg4943]

Thanks for useful info

[@jean-charlescanat9257]

thank you for video !

[@DarkstarDarth]

How's the editing going on the regulator replacement? I gotta replace mine next week. Thanks

[@rustyspeidel561]

I'm not sure how similar your car will be to mine. The 2007 is the second generation (MK2) of the TT and my car is the first (MK1) so they could similar or completely different.

[@thynehi941]

omg you save Me a lot of dollars..thank you very much for this!

[@stevenpeters1792]

What kind of head did you use to take that bolt out? is it called a thorax?

[@robertmark2505]

I tried it as in the video, no luck. I can hear the clicking sound in the door, so I assume the switch is fine. I pulled the motor and reel assembly out rotated more than you show in the video, but still no luck. Anybody know what the next step is when you get to this point?

[@robertsciammarella4811]

thank you this was very helpful!!

[@rodentroads4342]

It's happened on my 2007 audi t 3.2 drivers side would it be same on my car like yours any help would be gratefully

[@johnti8603]

Mmmmm, great video. I really learned something there. I was wondering.........my window stays up when the door opens, the interior lights do not come on, and Im thinking there must be a sensor somewhere, so the car knows when the door is open. Do you happen to know where there might be?. Oh, and the window goes up and down just fine.

[@johnti8603]

Thk

[@johnti8603]

Appreciate your comments, and I agree. I have a new micro switch and will give it a try.

[@robertborchert932]

This is a common issue, the door latch has an internal microswitch that tells the door CM that the door is open, activating the window drop feature and the dome lights plus warning chime. The remedy is a new door latch. The driver door sees the most cycles, and the latch wears as a result.

[@megan8494]

thank you thank you THANK YOU. helped so much.

[@lycagesulga6021]

Megan Frai

[@horacebond9394]

The window comes down when you open because of the way the window seals are made. If the window did not lower, it would pull and bind on the rubber. When the door closes, the window pushes up into the rubber forming a tight seal. Has nothing to do with lowering air pressure

[@whitepatch8619]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@pomtl6684]

cable wounds behind the window motor? your other video reveals there’s nothing but a gear attached to it. so is there random cable wounds or not behind the window motor, need an update?

[@rustyspeidel561]

I'm not sure I understand your question? The fix in this video turned out to be temporary in my case. Per my other video linked in the comments, I ended up needing to replace the window regulator. If that doesn't answer your question, please restate it and I'll try to help.

[@vincentcostales]

thanks for sharing....

[@90nadz]

I just got this issue today and along with it is a list of Soft top not functioning, on the dash I have the (P) sign up but my handbrake is fully down- which is really odd aswell as my central locking/immobilser not working so I have to use my keys to lock the doors and the petrol cap switch and boot switch not functioning either... Any ideas guys would be much appreciated! I have checked the Fuses on the drivers side dash and all seem ok, is there another fuse box in/outside the car that needs investigating? Thanks

[@90nadz]

..and my interior light is not working, checked the bulbs they seem fine. Really odd! I did however notice my Time/date and year has gone back to 2001. So I'm thinking could it be a loose connection to the battery. The battery is brand new. :/

[@BenjiXbass]

I have one for you. Neither window goes up or down with either driver or passenger side switch, but if i open and close the door, i can get them down in 1/3 increments.

[@rustyspeidel561]

You've got me stumped on that one. Anyone know what's going on here?

[@BenjiXbass]

I seem to be the only person I can find with this problem as well. I'm thinking an electrical problem, maybe something is shorting out when the door moves.

[@Poutnik666]

Thanks, you help me ...

[@gregh7457]

4 years later... does it still work?

[@rustyspeidel561]

No and yes. I had to eventually replace the window regulator. See my follow-up video on that.

[@a4monty]

What lubricant would you use on wires and rails?

[@rustyspeidel561]

A silicone spray. I don't know if that's what Audi recommends or not. It didn't last long. I ended up replacing the window regulator to fix this problem.

[@exxcaliber79]

I tryd to lubricate but no succes, also is my motor getting hot and keeps ticking.

[@11heia]

Nice Tuto

[@wiltd001]

Do you know how to change the cabin filter on a 06. 3.2. tt ?

[@rustyspeidel561]

I don't. I need to. I still have this Audi.

[@terjavec]

I'm pretty sure if you would have just disconnected and reconnected your battery it would've fixed that also

[@BrilliantB5]

Anyone wanna add a follow up on how long this fix lasted??

[@rustyspeidel561]

Several months then I had to replace the whole regulator. See my follow-up video for that. That repair is still going strong.

[@DailyFunFacts111]

Is your windows tinted?

[@rustyspeidel561]

+berkant6cool Yes they are.

[@DailyFunFacts111]

+Rusty Speidel They look really sick, can you please tell me how much percent tint did you use. Thank you.

[@rustyspeidel561]

+berkant6cool Sorry, but I don't know. They were tinted already when I bought the TT.

[@DailyFunFacts111]

+Rusty Speidel No problem, thank you anyways :)

[@AriJustinRothenberg]

Were you getting any clicking from your motor and it heated up when it was jammed by chance? Trying to trouble shoot this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4qvaY2Nfph2qpI

[@rustyspeidel561]

Ari Justin Rothenberg No, it was't clicking. I could just barely hear a noise when I tried the window switch while it was jammed. The motor was hot. I eventually had to replace the window regulator. See video of that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4fGhaShbchlo8k

[@tim-robins]

Please call it a mark 1 an not Mk1 lol ❤

[@DrCrazyAzz]

Great video mate

[@peelovesbeca]

U legend. Well done

[@ronnieginsburg4943]

Thanks for useful info