How to replace a window regulator on a 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle MK4

The passenger window regulator is about to fail on my wife's 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So, we're going to replace it before it ends up stuck in the down position. I have never replaced a window regulator and this will be a first we can do together.

[@CoachingByGeorgia]

Thank you ever so much for making this video. 🚘

[@copenhagenblue8417]

Thank you for watching, glad I could help!

[@kkampy4052]

Looks like I might be doing this on my neighbor's 2004. This looks a little different than a one of the other videos I watched, this one looks at least from the outside exactly like my neighbor's car but apparently there's some differences even in the same model years

[@copenhagenblue8417]

Not the worst job in the world, but very nice of you to do it for your neighbor. Good luck!

[@kkampy4052]

@@copenhagenblue8417 So, had to do this with a regulator already mounted on the plate, couldn't find one locally without it. Drilled out the regulator rivets to release the window so I could pull it up to get at the clamps. Had to remove the wiring harness from the plate, but getting the connector off of the lock mechanism was a real pain. Once the plate is off you realize that the speaker must be removed. This requires the rivets to be drilled out but the "drillable" part of the rivet is hidden under the speaker so the other side has to be ground flat to drill. Once all that is done, the speaker is bolted in the new plate and everything is reinstalled. Definitely harder this way.

[@copenhagenblue8417]

@@kkampy4052 certainly not my favorite job to do. But it sounds like you got it taken care of pretty well.
You’re a heckuva neighbor!

[@kkampy4052]

What happens if the window is down and it won't go up because of the cables are messed up?

[@copenhagenblue8417]

Honestly, what I would do is drill out the rivets, then try and take the panel off. You should find the window attached to the window regulator, and then be able to undo the bolts and the regulator from the window. 😀

[@ericopadua320]

Have to take black plate off