OFFICIAL Beetle window issue thread

[graybug]

about to buy a 2013 beetle tdi. been reading about the window issue. just wanted to know if anyone is getting any reliable fix for this yet. still doing to buy the bug (no pun intended) but gee, would like to know they are fixing the problem. Just called my future service department to see if they have any news. thanks....

[ridgemanron]

about to buy a 2013 beetle tdi. been reading about the window issue. just wanted to know if anyone is getting any reliable fix for this yet. still doing to buy the bug (no pun intended) but gee, would like to know they are fixing the problem. Just called my future service department to see if they have any news. thanks....

They have the fix completed. New software in the motor was the key to the problem. Problem is that the new motors are going, first, into the 2013 Beetles. Then, from what I heard on this site,
it will be 6 - 8 weeks before the hundreds of motors needed for 2012 Beetles, that are listed as
back-orders, will be filled. 2012 Beetles sitting on lots will most assuredly have the old motor. If
it malfunctions after sale of the car then you would have to be placed on your service dept's list
for a replacement.

[Babie]

They have the fix completed. New software in the motor was the key to the problem. Problem is that the new motors are going, first, into the 2013 Beetles. Then, from what I heard on this site,
it will be 6 - 8 weeks before the hundreds of motors needed for 2012 Beetles, that are listed as
back-orders, will be filled. 2012 Beetles sitting on lots will most assuredly have the old motor. If
it malfunctions after sale of the car then you would have to be placed on your service dept's list
for a replacement.

Right, my cousins b left port, and the salesman said they are checked for the caca windows prior to loading and has to be signed off, whatever.

[vdub10golf]

I got a huge surprise yesterday, my window went up on the first try! It's sad that this is exciting to me! lol. But of course I tried again and it didn't work.

[ridgemanron]

I got a huge surprise yesterday, my window went up on the first try! It's sad that this is exciting to me! lol. But of course I tried again and it didn't work.

Try once more, for as Meatloaf said in his song, 'two out of three ain't bad!'

[vdub10golf]

Try once more, for as Meatloaf said in his song, 'two out of three ain't bad!'

haha.

[cbugrun]

Stopped by my dealer yesterday to see if he had an updated on the new window motor from Germany. He told me the VW Rep told him the motors would be released for shipment to the dealers in two weeks. He also told me that I am at the top of the list to get this repair done and would call me as soon as the motor arrives.

[ridgemanron]

Stopped by my dealer yesterday to see if he had an updated on the new window motor from Germany. He told me the VW Rep told him the motors would be released for shipment to the dealers in two weeks. He also told me that I am at the top of the list to get this repair done and would call me as soon as the motor arrives.

You might want to mention to him that VW was replacing guide gears (inexpensive plastic
part) and then when the problem remained, the motor would be ordered. He should at least
have his installer of the motor also check to see if the guide gears look worn, and if so,
be ready to replace that part as well.

[cbugrun]

You might want to mention to him that VW was replacing guide gears (inexpensive plastic
part) and then when the problem remained, the motor would be ordered. He should at least
have his installer of the motor also check to see if the guide gears look worn, and if so,
be ready to replace that part as well.

Thanks. Will do. My service writer is also an avid reader of this forum and has been fowling this thread closely.

[ltlebug]

My service writer is also an avid reader of this forum and has been fowling this thread closely.

You are so lucky, because the service department at Northland VW, Cincinnati, OH, has no clue! First, it has been over a week since they ordered the gears for me. Second, yesterday while I was there looking at a 2013 beetle, they told me there is no fix to the window issue and kept insisting on that after I mentioned new motors with new software is the fix. They do not follow this forum at all!

[ltlebug]

They have the fix completed. New software in the motor was the key to the problem. Problem is that the new motors are going, first, into the 2013 Beetles. Then, from what I heard on this site,
it will be 6 - 8 weeks before the hundreds of motors needed for 2012 Beetles, that are listed as
back-orders, will be filled. 2012 Beetles sitting on lots will most assuredly have the old motor. If
it malfunctions after sale of the car then you would have to be placed on your service dept's list
for a replacement.

Accordign to Northland, VW, as of yesterday, there is no fix to the window problem. It is very clear that this dealer has no clue!!!! It is so frustrating that depending on the dealership and its size, the information is different. VW needs to send the same info to ALL its dealers!!!! I am changing dealers and going back to Columbus for service (an hour and a half away).

[ridgemanron]

Accordign to Northland, VW, as of yesterday, there is no fix to the window problem. It is very clear that this dealer has no clue!!!! It is so frustrating that depending on the dealership and its size, the information is different. VW needs to send the same info to ALL its dealers!!!! I am changing dealers and going back to Columbus for service (an hour and a half away).

Since the driver's side window motor's part number hasn't changed, see to it that the parts
dept places an order for #5C5-959-801-D-Z01 and see if they can tell you when it would
be expected to arrive? They are no longer allowing the malfunctioning motors to be released
so any projected arrival shipping information they get on their computers will concern only the
new motors.

[ltlebug]

Since the driver's side window motor's part number hasn't changed, see to it that the parts
dept places an order for #5C5-959-801-D-Z01 and see if they can tell you when it would
be expected to arrive? They are no longer allowing the malfunctioning motors to be released
so any projected arrival shipping information they get on their computers will concern only the
new motors.

Thank you! I am putting a call in for the dealer in Columbus and see if they will place the order for me.

[the beet]

You are so lucky, because the service department at Northland VW, Cincinnati, OH, has no clue! First, it has been over a week since they ordered the gears for me. Second, yesterday while I was there looking at a 2013 beetle, they told me there is no fix to the window issue and kept insisting on that after I mentioned new motors with new software is the fix. They do not follow this forum at all!

Don't think there is a new solution to the window. Programming up to date/new gears/new motor...

same problem after a week or two...

[ridgemanron]

Don't think there is a new solution to the window. Programming up to date/new gears/new motor...

same problem after a week or two...

Coupled with the fact that my windows are now working properly, after the motor with the
new software in it was replaced a week ago, it must be noted that my motor replacement
was flown in 'Red Flag' rush from Germany and it would be lunacy on VW's part to do this
for a motor that was not one they have deemed as solving the problem. My VW dealer's
chief mechanic told me flat out, 'the problem was the software and that has been corrected!'
These 'new software' motors are in the 2013 Beetles that are arriving on the dealer lots as
I speak and should, shortly, be arriving for the 2012's waiting for them.

[the beet]

Coupled with the fact that my windows are now working properly, after the motor with the
new software in it was replaced a week ago, it must be noted that my motor replacement
was flown in 'Red Flag' rush from Germany and it would be lunacy on VW's part to do this
for a motor that was not one they have deemed as solving the problem. My VW dealer's
chief mechanic told me flat out, 'the problem was the software and that has been corrected!'
These 'new software' motors are in the 2013 Beetles that are arriving on the dealer lots as
I speak and should, shortly, be arriving for the 2012's waiting for them.

I hope you are correct...

[Babie]

I heard dealers are sending techs to some special training for window repair.

I think they are going to start some campaign soon. Window mechanisms are more complex for the average Joe tech. Just that feeling

[ridgemanron]

I heard dealers are sending techs to some special training for window repair.

I think they are going to start some campaign soon. Window mechanisms are more complex for the average Joe tech. Just that feeling

Was told by the installer of my motor that there are specific installation instructions that all
VW mechanics have access to. If need be, ask your service mgr to confirm that his mechanics
have this info at hand. I don't believe they should have to contact a VW mechanic who installed
the new motor but in the event they do, they can call or fax Bay Ridge Volkswagen in Brooklyn,
N.Y. and direct their communication to Service Dept - Attn: Gus (Mechanic).

[Babie]

Was told by the installer of my motor that there are specific installation instructions that all
VW mechanics have access to. If need be, ask your service mgr to confirm that his mechanics
have this info at hand. I don't believe they should have to contact a VW mechanic who installed
the new motor but in the event they do, they can call or fax Bay Ridge Volkswagen in Brooklyn,
N.Y. and direct their communication to Service Dept - Attn: Gus (Mechanic).

Wow great info.

[silverspeedbuggy]

I heard dealers are sending techs to some special training for window repair.

I think they are going to start some campaign soon. Window mechanisms are more complex for the average Joe tech. Just that feeling

Or maybe they know this is a very sensitive issue and are ensuring the work is done correctly the first time to make sure owners don't have to come back a second time. Unlike what happened with the first TSB for the windows that didn't work.

Just a thought.

[Babie]

Or maybe they know this is a very sensitive issue and are ensuring the work is done correctly the first time to make sure owners don't have to come back a second time. Unlike what happened with the first TSB for the windows that didn't work.

Just a thought.

That is what I think to, and to cut redo cost.

[puma1552]

Anther window thread? Seriously? Give it a rest already.

[cbugrun]

Anther window thread? Seriously? Give it a rest ready.

My sentiments exactly. Now that we know there is a fix you would thing people would just shut up and wait for the call to get their windows repaired. Apparently not! What did we ever do without the internet. A lot less whining back then.

[ridgemanron]

Until some concrete information as to when delivery at the dealers is supposed to be
happening, owners with the problem window motor will continue to discuss amongst
themselves the latest information available. I've heard everything from 'arriving in
August' to 'expected in six to eight weeks'. Since they are coming out of Germany,
someone able to contact VW there for information would go a long way in helping
the situation. I still am amazed at how a Brooklyn dealership was able to send a 'Red
Flag Rush' request for the motor to Germany and actually get them to ship one so
that it would arrive about four days later, which is also when it was installed. P.S. - It
has been a little over one week since the install and all continues to go well. Hope you
guys & gals get yours soon !

[TexasBulldog]

Still having issues. VW said to TAPE the window shut. They are screwing with the wrong person... I know my stuff and am not an idiot who just drives a car mindlessly in a fog.

I will NEVER own another VW or anything made in MEXICO... Their country has turned to complete crap why did we think they could make a car correctly?

I called a guy today about Vinyl Wrapping the beetle all YELLOW and print a bunch of the crap they have told us to do and make it known that their cars are garbage with no customer service. I'll let my fiancee drive my truck and I'll drive this piece of crap everywhere I can and park it next to the dealership if possible.

I really hope people would start spreading the BS they are telling us and reach out to as many people as possible.. I will bad mouth VW till the day I die

[agtwonderbread]

They have the fix completed. New software in the motor was the key to the problem. Problem is that the new motors are going, first, into the 2013 Beetles. Then, from what I heard on this site,
it will be 6 - 8 weeks before the hundreds of motors needed for 2012 Beetles, that are listed as
back-orders, will be filled. 2012 Beetles sitting on lots will most assuredly have the old motor. If
it malfunctions after sale of the car then you would have to be placed on your service dept's list
for a replacement.

Thanks for the info. I'm scheduled to go Wednesday to have them look at it, I'll have to bring info from here when I go. When I called last week that had no idea about a window issue

[ridgemanron]

Don't know if this is something of importance but when I dropped my car off at the
service dept for a motor that was then found to be the wrong motor, I refused to
take the car, telling them I couldn't use it if the window could come down at any
time, without warning. That was when I received a call at home telling me that they
had 'Red Flag' rush ordered a new motor for the 2013's to be shipped in from Germany.
Perhaps the fact I was leaving the car in one of their 'work' bays with the inner door
dismantled, allowed them to get permission for the special order to be rushed in. In
any event, I have a proper functioning window for over a week now.

[TexasBulldog]

Don't know if this is something of importance but when I dropped my car off at the
service dept for a motor that was then found to be the wrong motor, I refused to
take the car, telling them I couldn't use it if the window could come down at any
time, without warning. That was when I received a call at home telling me that they
had 'Red Flag' rush ordered a new motor for the 2013's to be shipped in from Germany.
Perhaps the fact I was leaving the car in one of their 'work' bays with the inner door
dismantled, allowed them to get permission for the special order to be rushed in. In
any event, I have a proper functioning window for over a week now.

I hope that works because im doing the same thing tomorrow. Im dropping the car off and they are going to do something or pay my monthly payments until its fixed.

I refuse to take it home again, they dealed with my fiancee now they are dealing with me. I feel bad for the manager at this place, im going to give him hell.

On another forum im on a guy there is a parts manager at a dealership. I am going to ask him if the part numbers for the window motors on the 12 and 13 are the same or different. I have read multiple places that they are the same.

If it fixes yours please let us know. Try and get any part numbers if you can be to possibly help us.. it would be appreciated

[Babie]

I hope that works because im doing the same thing tomorrow. Im dropping the car off and they are going to do something or pay my monthly payments until its fixed.

I refuse to take it home again, they dealed with my fiancee now they are dealing with me. I feel bad for the manager at this place, im going to give him hell.

On another forum im on a guy there is a parts manager at a dealership. I am going to ask him if the part numbers for the window motors on the 12 and 13 are the same or different. I have read multiple places that they are the same.

If it fixes yours please let us know. Try and get any part numbers if you can be to possibly help us.. it would be appreciated

My BF says, it does not matter what the part number is, as long as they are marked Made in Germany on the box. Ones made in Mexico were not putting out enough torque, oooops.

Well, I feel for ya, cause is sucks to pay for something not right, I hear VWOA is overwhelmed with calls about this. The poor reps did not make this car, the blame goes to some engineers.

[ridgemanron]

The part number hasn't changed. It is #5C5-959-801-D-Z01 . The ones from Germany
have new, improved software built into the motor itself.

[TexasBulldog]

My BF says, it does not matter what the part number is, as long as they are marked Made in Germany on the box. Ones made in Mexico were not putting out enough torque, oooops.

Well, I feel for ya, cause is sucks to pay for something not right, I hear VWOA is overwhelmed with calls about this. The poor reps did not make this car, the blame goes to some engineers.

Yeah but it was their great "Cost cutting measure" to send manufacturing to MEXICO to save a buck. I can blame the Engineers because i am a mechanic and they don't give a crap on how difficult some parts are to get to or ridiculous it is to put them there so long as it fits lol...

VW was wrong in putting out this car with this being a known problem. The 2013's are already out and still no fix that is pure greed and not giving a rats ass about the customer.

[TexasBulldog]

The part number hasn't changed. It is #5C5-959-801-D-Z01 . The ones from Germany
have new, improved software built into the motor itself.

I want to get my hands on one of these motors. I want to look into them and see if i can work around all the BS and just get 12 volts to 1 leg and then another when you use the switch. I don't want software in it, i don't want "Pinch Protection" we are bubble wrapping the world for stupid people and its ridiculous. You put your finger in it and it will hurt, don't do it next time

[Babie]

Yeah but it was their great "Cost cutting measure" to send manufacturing to MEXICO to save a buck. I can blame the Engineers because i am a mechanic and they don't give a crap on how difficult some parts are to get to or ridiculous it is to put them there so long as it fits lol...

VW was wrong in putting out this car with this being a known problem. The 2013's are already out and still no fix that is pure greed and not giving a rats ass about the customer.

13 don't have the issue.

[TexasBulldog]

13 don't have the issue.

Ive read some here say they did???

[Tomparis]

Hello all.

does anyone know if replacing the pinch sensor with another from another VW car helps and if other motors from other cars Example: Nissan will it fit in the 2012 Beetle? The reason I ask I have a older Nissan car from the 90's and it has power windows and they still work today, 19 years later still good, this is why I am asking,
And can the power windows be rewired to bypass the pinch sensor.


thanks