How to Replace Window Regulator 98-10 Volkswagen Beetle

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New Window Regulator from 1AAuto.com 1aau.to/ia/1AWRG01340
1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken, cracked, damaged, slow-moving, or stuck power window regulator and motor. This video is applicable to the 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, or 10 Volkswagen Beetle models.
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
1998 Volkswagen Beetle
1999 Volkswagen Beetle
2000 Volkswagen Beetle
2001 Volkswagen Beetle
2002 Volkswagen Beetle
2003 Volkswagen Beetle
2004 Volkswagen Beetle
2005 Volkswagen Beetle
2006 Volkswagen Beetle
2007 Volkswagen Beetle
2008 Volkswagen Beetle
2009 Volkswagen Beetle
2010 Volkswagen Beetle
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oQv/1AXAA00013
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/oJm/1AXAA00017
• T20 Driver 1aau.to/oja/1AXAA00008
• T30 Driver 1aau.to/oja/1AXAA00008
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oTX/1AXAA00016
• 3/8 Inch Drill Bit 1aau.to/oH/1AXAA00092
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Check out our playlist:
Volkswagen Beetle 1998-2011: • Volkswagen Beetle 1998...
How to Replace Window Regulators with Parts from 1AAuto.com: • How to Replace Window ...
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/aae/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@BlanchardJamie]

I am a 32 year old mother of two working full time. I have to rely on myself for almost everything. Thanks to this video I was able to replace this part all on my own! My only cost was the part itself! I can not thank you enough for the step by step instructions! Much appreciation for the time you took to post it!

[@tomjackson3126]

Well done .

[@gazoontight]

You really should have shown the door connector on camera and showed up where the releasing tab is. I have been feeling around for over an hour. I also do not know whether the little black piece on the bottom is the part that comes off or if it is the whole black piece. Please give us a hand here!

[@HorribleOldCrank]

Thanks for the great how-to video.. I was able to replace the regulator in under 2 hours and not screw anything up. The only tricky part is unclipping the electrical plug from the lock assembly. What a pain that is!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Glad it helped! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@merameshi]

thanks for the video, you saved me $200. the window place told me I needed the motor too, I knew it was bs because it works fine now.

[@1AAuto]

On the wires that connect to the switches on the back side of the door panel, you need to squeeze the tabs ob the connector together to remove the wire harness.

[@wendyandruschak6051]

Thank you for including the 4 flathead bolts with my new regulator I purchased from your site. You saved me a trip to the hardware store during the pandemic. And thank you for this helpful video.

[@1AAuto]

+Wendy Andruschak Thanks for the feedback, we appreciate your business!

[@REM75Productions]

Thank you for demonstrating this project. I was successful in accomplishing my own VW window regulator. I also purchased the parts from 1A Auto and the service was awesome, fast and friendly. I have already recommended 1A to a few of my friends.

[@1AAuto]

+Rory MacNish Thanks for watching. If you would like to leave us a review on our Facebook page here is a link to it. Have a great day! facebook.com/1AAuto/reviews/

[@YMorris22]

Purchased this for 2000 bug, video was very helpful the only hiccup was getting the last wire from by the door latch. Shipping was fast, very happy with the outcome. Window works great.

[@1AAuto]

+Yancman Super Man Thank you for your order. If you would like to leave us a review on Google it would be greatly appreciated. Here is a link to our reviews section. Have a great day! goo.gl/i5JFNY

[@1AAuto]

You may be able to apply some of the basic steps shown in the video to your application. We carry new window regulators for your Volkswagen Jetta on our website 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@doctorb5utb]

I had to replace the window regulator on a 2001 Beetle. Watching the video was very helpful in deciding that I could do it myself. It took me about three hours, but that's primarily because of the last connector in the door. Like most people, I had a hard time finding the x@!#X$ tab... Also, I ended up adding some lithium grease on the channels and pulleys to get rid of a squeaky noise. Thanks for the replacement part and video!

[@2leshik0]

Thank you so much Mike! I have a 2001 Seat Leon 1.8 20v and I'm having some problems with the electric window. I've bought a repair kit and tried to replace it however I didn't know how to take that metal panel off. Thanks to your video now I'm able to do it myself and don't have to pay for it :)

[@rolo12543]

Used this video to fix my driver side window that came off the track on my 2003 Jetta. Thanks!!

[@HaroldJohnson]

Excellent video. The window on my 2005 Beetle wouldn’t roll up so yesterday I took off the door panel but couldn’t get the window to stay in the track. I was thinking maybe I needed some adhesive but now I see (from your video) that I need to adjust the torx screws. Heading outside to try it now. Thank you for posting this!

[@HaroldJohnson]

BTW it turned out to be a 10mm bolt (rather than a torx 30) on the ‘05. Same concept though -and now my window works again! It struggles a bit though so I need to find out what’s causing resistance.

[@burnewash]

Thanks for the video! It helped a lot. It turns out only my power regulator clips had given out, so I'm counting my blessings. :)

[@marklesd89]

Thank you, this is going to be very helpful when i need to remove and repair my window regulator!

[@1AAuto]

You will end up having to do what is shown in the video and have the entire window regulator replaced. If you follow the video you should have no issues doing the job yourself.

[@seanmckay2633]

If you're removing the plastic regulator, DO NOT cut the plastic ties on the new regulator until it is in place and all the cable are connected. I made the mistake of cutting them before I connected the cables in place and it all unravelled and added hours to the job. Get all the new cables connected, put the regulator in place and THEN remove the plastic tie and black clamp and any other plastic ties. Thanks for the video. I did eventually get it done and saved hundreds of dollars on a trip to the mechanic. I ordered a replacement kit on eBay the cost $35 and came all the way from Turkey in less than a week.

[@1AAuto]

+Sean McKay Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/WindowRegulators/Volkswagen/BeetleNew/1AWRK00257?KZbin&CTA+Comment&GJzjDr9-_XI

[@mylesleevy2432]

This was incredible helpful as I was working on a 2010 beetle convertible where the window had fallen down, but, two problems A) glass was where the bolts are to loosen the window, wasn’t coming up B) you’re gonna have a hard time keeping the glass raised because the convertible had no window frame to tape the window up with! Fun stuff. 🤣

[@gracemessner2953]

Great video! Love the 1960 pontiac on your left!

[@1AAuto]

There may be a locking tab that holds it in place that you need to release so that you can disconnect it.

[@1AAuto]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@1AAuto]

Look to see if it has a tab that you don't squeeze but might need to be lifted to release it.

[@1AAuto]

You may want to test the wire going to the switch to see if there's power to it.

[@KimberlyOurlian]

thankyou, i thought i needed a whole new panel, but after watching your video , i think it just needs some tweaks because the door latch came unhooked and the window regulator might just need some tightening.

[@luke8250]

i was easing it open with a screwdriver and it came apart looks ok thanks for quick reply and the video

[@1AAuto]

It should be the same procedure as the one shown in this video. We carry new window regulators for the Volkswagon Beetle on our website 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@1AAuto]

You may want to take the door panel off of the door so that you can see what may or may not have broke.1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@surfboy9917]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the detailed instruction. Peace.

[@rojoedelosva]

Thank you sir, you just have saved me alot of money with this video, I appreciate that you took the time to do this tutorial..

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! Glad to be of help. Please let us know how the repair turns out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@1AAuto]

You should be able to follow this video and push it up with your hand if you need to.

[@KryssLaBryn]

Hello everyone! For anyone who's stuck with that connector at the end of the wiring harness, it's shaped sort of like a cylinder (on my 2001 Beetle, at least), and that cylinder pulls straight out from the rest of it. There doesn't seem to be a tab that holds it in but you'll want to wedge a flathead screwdriver in where the cylinder meets the rest of it to pry it loose and get it out. Good luck!

[@dereklarremore]

watched the video and ordered the part from your link. great help. great tutorial.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching Derek. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@1AAuto]

You may want to make sure that there isn't anything inside of the door that the regulator is running into, which could be slowing it down. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@markreid8056]

Thx for sharing your time.

[@stevewaggoner3013]

How do I get the connector off the door. It is the only thing holding me up from having the regulator pulled off. I cant find the tab. Thanks

[@just8625]

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to remove the plug by the door latch. In the video you said there was a tab? Any suggestions?

[@1AAuto]

It won't make a difference in how it is replaced but the parts are different from the convertible to the hard top model

[@rjwintl]

grommets to hold the inside door panel to the frame were all busted by the dealer when I had mine done in 2015 (was $400) ... went to the junkyard and pulled old grommets from several old VW bugs and sprayed them w/ WD-40 before re-installing them into my floppy door, just cost $4 at the junkyard and about 20 minutes of my time ... put 'em back in , in about 10 minutes !!!

[@1AAuto]

If you need to hold the harness in place, possibly try some electrical tape of maybe a zip tie to secure it in place. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@stevewaggoner3013]

Got it off, took me awhile but finally got lucky and got it off.

[@V10PDTDI]

Hi when you pulled the wiring harness you broke the retainers the best way is to go from the back and squeeze the retainer so when you put it back the harness is the same way it was the idea is the same for all vw of the era and a other thing is to watch the way you hook the cable to the inner door handle so the hook is installed form the top not from under and make sure that it click tight.

[@1AAuto]

You could test them with a test light.

[@Rangerman9404]

one of my friends has one with a window that's stuck down and he told me he needed a "special tool" to fix it, I 'd LOVE to know where he heard that, I didn't see you use any tool that I don't already own. He actually left the car at my house b/c his apartment complex won't let him keep it on their property with the plastic trash bag "window" on the door, (looks like shit). I'm going to fix it myself, using what I learned here. Thanks for the help

[@weeniewawa]

it was probably because VW has special tools for everything, mine uses triple square fasteners for the lock actuator which he didn't remove in the video here.

[@chucknorrisevolved]

Are the screws on the bottom of the door panel a T20 or a T25? In the tools list it says you need a T25 but in the video he says T20 while taking the panel off.

[@terrenceveheul5029]

hi there it was a great video. I have to replace the whole regulator but the window is all the way down. what is the best way to lift the window up so i can get it into place so i can repace the regulator.

[@Brookedoos]

I drive a 2004 beetle convertable. Will that make a difference in how this is done since the window drops down about half an inch when it opens?

[@professorjedi1024]

Do you put sealant on the metal panel when you replace it or just bolt it in?

[@SonOfTamriel]

VW dealer said this is about an $850 job... glad I found your video, i saved $800! lol

[@rjwintl]

that dealer oughta be horse-whipped !!! ... what a gouger !!!

[@indyhotdog7652]

I'm getting ready to order this regulator. Do you have a part at 1AAuto for the 4 bolts? I'm sure I can get at hardware store, but if you have them I'll buy them from you.

[@Marhear2010]

Saved me lot of money. Thanks and Merry Christmas,

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. Have a great holiday season. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@qwertyuiopasdfghjkhh]

Thank you so much for this helpful video, you are a good man, I always watching your videos and buying part from your website always a good price, God plus you man and keep the good work.*****

[@josecouto7892]

very nice video guys thanks a lots for the help that will be usefull to me to get the elevator on the place without spent any monney...

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers need to replace the window regulator on their vehicle, we carry the one shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them. We also offers free shipping on all orders in the US www.1aauto.com/volkswagen-beetle-window-regulator-front-pair/i/1awrk00257?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@Ymnar]

Do you have any advice for if the tab at 7:50 is missing? I'm working on a 04 convertible

[@mrj246]

Hello, great video. It made the job easy. Thanks!

[@boringstein]

Hi, apologies for the dumb question but is this a procedure where the battery needs to be unhooked first? I've been operating under the assumption of YES but wanted to confirm. Thanks so much for this helpful walkthrough.

[@jonnygunsuk]

My door panel seems to be stuck fast at the top against the glass, which I have tapes closed. Does the glass have to be down to allow the door panel to lift up and off?

[@1AAuto]

It sounds light the window could be hitting something and getting stuck.

[@TheBowie7]

Can I get the regulator part at auto zone? My window won’t go up. Or if I have to order it can I just pull the window up and then re tighten those bolts?

[@MsCarla1886]

I have a 2003 VW Beetle Convertible. What is different about the installation on a convertible? The regulator has gone bad and I have purchased the interior panel with the regulator and wires already attached. I just need to put the motor on and figure out how to take the interior panel off and then put it back on.

[@heatherryder1749]

8 Minutes into the video it says there's a tab and to just pull it down. Mine will not budge. What can I do?

[@hessmann5356]

Where exactly is that tab on the last connector? I cant get the darn thing off and its driving me crazy lol. Thanks for the video tho very helpful.

[@1AAuto]

+Mitchell Hess The tab is on the back side, right where you can't see it. Maybe use a small mirror to see the back side to give you a better idea of what to do. For anyone else who might be doing this job, we carry the parts shown in the video on our website. Order from us and we'll cover the shipping. Here's a link:www.1aauto.com/1A/WindowRegulators/Volkswagen/BeetleNew/1AWRK00257?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@Orphan937]

I'm about to try and replace the power window regulator on my 1996 VW Jetta, is the 1996 jetta's window regulator similar to the 98 beetle?

[@saintsmw]

Can anyone tell me where the tab is on the final connector before I lose my mind?!?! I am working on a 2004 beetle. Thanks!

[@duodesignpartners3155]

Hi there. Thanks for the detail in this video. My window is all the way down-I won't be able to lift the window up and hold it in place with tape. Will this be a problem?

[@tomjackson3126]

Put some tape on a pair of pliers and lift slowly take the rubber strip off till you can get your hands on both sides of the glass and use duct tape to keep it up,

[@leaettahyer9175]

That’s some pretty clever engineering by using all of the plastic to almost guarantee that the unit will fail and need to be replaced. The old GM automobiles were built so heavy duty they could cut off a child’s head in the window and they rarely had problems like this.

[@SamiRueda]

hey! good video! i have a broken window but its not motor is just the one you roll up and down, idk what happened but it keeps rolling but the window dosnt go up or down. the car was taken and they say to fix it is 450 dollars, i think thats a little bit too much, is there a way i can do that myself? i think something just got loose or the part that conects the rolly thing to the window broke... thanks in advance for your help

[@ezequielpadilla3209]

EXCELENTE VIDEO, muy útil,.

[@1AAuto]

+EZEQUIEL PADILLA Thanks for checking us out. 1AAuto.com

[@Niurkioks]

Thank you for video, it helps me very mutch.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! Glad to be of help. Please let us know how the repair turns out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@jstump1972]

Maybe post a video of how to fix the rear one on the beetle?

[@callumbalodis1760]

The window rails in the Cabriolet are in the door?

[@vwfanatic881]

You should point out the door lock module it attached to the window carrier with ribbots. Youra didnt have it attached anymore. Or try and slide it off ita plastic bracket.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for your order it's greatly appreciated. Have a great day! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@RobbyHouseIV]

My 2004 Beetle has the same problem with the driver's side window having difficulty rolling all the way up so I decided in all my wisdom to "help" it by pulling it upwards and I guess that must have somehow caused it to become unharnessed from the regulator I'm guessing as when I tried rolling up the window the whole window was coming up diagonally angled and soon after just fell into the inside of the door. But I still would think the problem was the engine going bad and not the regulator?

[@erikadevine8143]

Hi. I have 2000 VW Beetle and it has power windows. My issue is the driver side window does not go all the way down but the passenger side does. No other issue with the windows. Push on the button goes down, pull up on the button window goes up with no assistance. Can this be just something that is lodged in the way?

[@whostolepiratepotato]

Folks I don't know how he undid the door latch tab with his fingers but after using a small mirror I poked around with a flathead bit in the hole facing the door...bit was handy as it's shorter than a screw driver ...and it came away easily then. Took an hour to figure out because he seemed to be just pressing something.

[@whostolepiratepotato]

...also you need bolts and washers...I had to drive out and get some halfway through, climbing out passenger door at hardware!Otherwise thanks for the video!

[@pambrighton84]

i installed a brand new regulator today on my 03 beetle and my window is rolling down about the time it gets half way up. the front of the window acts like it is rolling up slower than the back side, i'm not sure how to adjust it. any advise

[@samuelchacko4814]

Great video! Thank you...

[@1AAuto]

+Samuel Chacko Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@chriskay3139]

I have my door panel off, took the motor off, but my window will not move up past 1/3 of the way. It goes up and down to there. What would be causing that? I am able to use the power button to move up 6' and then it stops. Its obviously not the regulator. Is something jammed? Thoughts?

[@1AAuto]

The window motor could be getting tired on it. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@CarmenHernandez-kv8ty]

You're wonderful and did a great job ?but that is a 2 man job i have been trying to put my back on my own but is not easy for me

[@KryssLaBryn]

Hi! Just about to tackle the job myself. What sized bolts do i need? I gather they need to be flat heads and I'll need washers, but what length? Too long and I imagine they'll interfere with getting the door panel on again, but too short and they won't go all the way through. About a half inch? What diameter? Thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+@KryssLaBryn As long as your original hardware is still in good condition, you may reuse it.

[@PlayHawke]

Fantastic video! I have 1 question, I am getting ready to tackle the job myself, but I have the same problem as some others. My window is all the way down, how do I raise it before taken the panels off?? I read through all the questions and reply's but could not find the answer. Can you clarify the way to raise the window please?

[@PlayHawke]

Opps - Raise the window, after taking the panels off.

[@1AAuto]

Katie ray Thank you for watching. You want to cut the cable. That will free the regulator and you can move it as needed. Here is a link to the part on our website. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393 www.1aauto.com/1A/WindowRegulators/Volkswagen/BeetleNew/1AWRK00257?KZbin&VideoReply&ATony

[@PlayHawke]

1A Auto Parts Thank you for such a quick answer. Your videos are so precise and clear, excellent job! I went to the link and saved the video and the page with the part number as well.. I am going to watch the video several times to make sure I have everything in my mind correct. Will let you know what happens, :) Yesterday I checked out several other videos on KZbin from different people and yours was the best of the all, no exaggeration . Again Thank you.

[@wotruannwah5678]

Thanks man

[@miguelalmeida6667]

Anyone know if the lock on the driver side it´s on the back?

[@1AAuto]

If you follow our video you should be fine.

[@r.c.b.8087]

Do you have a video for replacing the rear regulators?

[@1AAuto]

+R. Barton We currently do not have an auto repair video that covers this particular repair. We will keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future. 1aauto.com

[@biancareyes3017]

Can this replacement of the regulator be done on the convertible as well?

[@1AAuto]

+Bianca Reyes Thank you for checking us out. The convertible will be slightly different in appearance and size, although some of the steps may be the same. 1aauto.com

[@arqilelondo4991]

kam 1 pasat stejshon nuk me hapen xhamat dua m te di problemin ku eshte

[@mattspangler8714]

I have a quick question. My window on my 2001 VW beetle rolls up but when it get 3/4 the way up it gets really slow and sometimes even stops. I can sometimes push up while holding the switch up and it will go but I am not sure if the motor is bad or if the window is off track or what. Anyone know what I can do to fix this without paying an arm and a leg?? I was hoping it is just off track but just need to know if it's the regulator or motor or what??? Thanks!

[@melellington4892]

The channels where the window slides up and down may need some silicone lube. The two slides with clips that hold the window and move it up and down may need lubricant along their channels. The motor may be weak, i.e. bad, i.e. shorted out inside and thus lacking normal power. Take the window regulator panel off the door, plug in the power and see if the window regulator goes up and down fully without being attached to the window. Add a little pressure with your hand to see if it looses power. Observe the action to see if the cable is binding somewhere. Then also move the window by hand up and down to see if it is binding anywhere (while the windows is not attached to the window regulator & motor).

[@rjwintl]

I waxed the glass inside and out w/ Meguire's car wax and buffed it out ... works a helluva lot better now !!!

[@PrinceKumar-wo5oo]

when i connect wire to battery all indicator light turn on . what problem in security system

[@PrinceKumar-wo5oo]

wagon r car

[@iscsystem]

Thank you ^_^

[@SwayShay_AsItWas]

My window fell of the track so I need to do this and it looks so much easier than it is. LOL!

[@1AAuto]

+Shannon Sour Thanks for watching. Hopefully this video made your repair go a little more smoothly.

[@Mitchs]

My Regulator is not bolted on to the panel? its bolted on to the door?

[@1AAuto]

+Mitch FTB These particular models should all have the design shown in the video where the regulator is bolted to that panel. 1aauto.com

[@cheyennekistner2334]

I just need to get my window back up so that I can drive on the freeway thanks

[@1AAuto]

+Cheyenne Kistner Thank you for checking us out. You may need to loosen up the bolts and manually lift the window up or disconnect the power to the motor and see about moving it up by hand but this is not the best way to keep the window and we recommend replacement as soon as possible. 1aauto.com

[@ceciliagurgo9065]

I had the window regulator replaced about 6 months ago and today, when I closed the window a rubber cable came out. What could it be? I see the cable on the left side of the demo but I have no clue what it operates. What is the function of that cable? Everything seems to be working fine.....

[@1AAuto]

+Cecilia Gurgo It sounds like the cable might have stretched and came off of the assembly. We carry the window regulator shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them. Hope this helps you out. www.1aauto.com/1A/WindowRegulators/Volkswagen/BeetleNew/1AWRK00257?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@bfunmaker]

Show the tab in door.

[@maxmcgloin]

What would a mechanic charge for this repair?

[@1AAuto]

+max mcgloin The average cost is between $367 and $393.

[@bobbysauer7826]

isnt very esay when the regulator tangles itself up -.-

[@luke8250]

i'm working on the passenger side golf mk4 i cant do that friggin connector either i am going to break it in a minute hear me yell all the way from saff london