My car is an 03 ap1 with about 25K miles. There are a few threads, a service bulletin, and a DIY on this issue. I've read everything I can find. But, I remain unsure about the diagnosis and fix. The problem is this - the driver's side window (not the passenger side) sometimes does not go down all the way when I lower or raise the soft top. Also, the driver's side window sometimes does not go all the way down when I press the window down switch on the door unless I hold it depressed until the window is fully down (the auto down feature does not always work). The problem is intermittent and so far I have not been able to sort out the conditions the exist when it fails. The passenger side is unaffected. The window will go fully up and down normally if the switch is held down. The problem appears to be that the autodown feature is not working whether it is activated with the window switch or the top up and down switch. Also, as stated, it is an intermittent problem and the "reset" procedure will seemingly correct it, but only temporarily.

At first I thought it was likely the soft top regulator unit under the passenger dash. But, more reading convinced me it is more likely driver side window regulator which is what the Service Bulletin seems to indicate. Now I honestly am unsure. I tried a "reset procedure" which worked temporarily, but ultimately the problem came back. My educated guess now is that the problem is most likely the regulator because it happens with both the switch on the door AND the switch to raise and lower the top.

I read Service Bulletin 01-008 and purchased a new window regulator, (not a cheap item). I have not installed it because I am not confident in the diagnosis. At first I assumed that the early regulators, I have an 03), were defective in some way and changed to a new part - but now after re-reading the Service Bulletin I am not so sure. It does seem that the problem was/is common and that it happens even in low mileage cars.

I am not one to throw parts at problems. Do any of you have any more insight into this particular problem? If not, I'll just throw this replacement regulator in and see what happens.

The service bulletin is attached.

 

I think you might be over thinking it. The TSB describes your issue pretty thoroughly. Why not change the regulator? The TSB has instruction and there are instructional videos available.

 

Yea. I have a tendency to do that.

 

lol