I've seen an increasing number of posts on this recently, and I just had 2 of mine replaced (driver AND passenger windows). VW of America covered the entire cost of the repair for my 2000 GTI GLX. My car had 47,000 miles on it, and it was WELL out of warranty. How? Here's how:
1. DIAGNOSE:
If your window doesn't roll up/down, and you heard a cracking noise the last time you used your window, your regulator is probably toast.
2. FILE A COMPLAINT W/ VW OF AMERICA:
Call this number: 800-822-8987, and tell them what happened to your window(s). Ask them if you can get "assistance" with payment for the repairs. They will assign you a CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER, and ask you to visit a dealership to get it "officially diagnosed". Ask VW what the chances are of getting assistance - if they say "fairly good", go ahead and get a diagnosis. If not, well, read on....
3. GET AN "OFFICIAL" DIAGNOSIS:
Make an appointment and take your car to a VW dealership, preferably one with an excellent service department. Tell them the problem with the window, and ask them to diagnose the problem. Tell them you have a customer care number, and are asking for VW of A assistance for payment. The dealership will tell you that it costs $$$ to diagnose (they quoted $210 for me), and if VW of A doesn't agree to assist, you will have to pony up the estimated cost for diagnosis.
Here's the risk - if you aren't confident VW will cover the repairs, get a diagnosis at your own risk. Really, though, if you are going to get it repaired anyway, you might as well at least give this a shot.
4. GIVE YOUR CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER TO THE DEALERSHIP:
They will call VW of America after they diagnose, and VW will inform them whether or not they will cover the cost of the repair.
NOTE: I installed an Alientech window controller. For those of you wondering whether this would be considered a problem or arguing point - well, the dealer didn't even mention it.
That's it! Hopefully you'll get your windows repaired for free. The parts are then warrantied for a year, so you're covered for at least another 12 months.
I hope this was helpful - it saved me over $600. I think VW is fixing all regulators for customers that request it - it keeps their reputation intact, and is definitely cheaper than a mass recall, since most people won't think to call VW of A.
VORTEXERS KNOW BETTER!
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[Modified by Sunil, 12:39 PM 2-20-2002]
[Modified by Sunil, 12:48 PM 2-20-2002]
1. DIAGNOSE:
If your window doesn't roll up/down, and you heard a cracking noise the last time you used your window, your regulator is probably toast.
2. FILE A COMPLAINT W/ VW OF AMERICA:
Call this number: 800-822-8987, and tell them what happened to your window(s). Ask them if you can get "assistance" with payment for the repairs. They will assign you a CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER, and ask you to visit a dealership to get it "officially diagnosed". Ask VW what the chances are of getting assistance - if they say "fairly good", go ahead and get a diagnosis. If not, well, read on....
3. GET AN "OFFICIAL" DIAGNOSIS:
Make an appointment and take your car to a VW dealership, preferably one with an excellent service department. Tell them the problem with the window, and ask them to diagnose the problem. Tell them you have a customer care number, and are asking for VW of A assistance for payment. The dealership will tell you that it costs $$$ to diagnose (they quoted $210 for me), and if VW of A doesn't agree to assist, you will have to pony up the estimated cost for diagnosis.
Here's the risk - if you aren't confident VW will cover the repairs, get a diagnosis at your own risk. Really, though, if you are going to get it repaired anyway, you might as well at least give this a shot.
4. GIVE YOUR CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER TO THE DEALERSHIP:
They will call VW of America after they diagnose, and VW will inform them whether or not they will cover the cost of the repair.
NOTE: I installed an Alientech window controller. For those of you wondering whether this would be considered a problem or arguing point - well, the dealer didn't even mention it.
That's it! Hopefully you'll get your windows repaired for free. The parts are then warrantied for a year, so you're covered for at least another 12 months.
I hope this was helpful - it saved me over $600. I think VW is fixing all regulators for customers that request it - it keeps their reputation intact, and is definitely cheaper than a mass recall, since most people won't think to call VW of A.
VORTEXERS KNOW BETTER!
[Modified by Sunil, 12:39 PM 2-20-2002]
[Modified by Sunil, 12:48 PM 2-20-2002]
