Audi A3: How to Replace Your Power Window Actuator
When window actuators go out, it can be a pain to replace. Fortunately, we've broken down the steps so you can easily understand how to replace it.
This article applies to the Audi A3 (2003-2012).
If you've ever removed a door panel, you would notice some rails assembled in a criss-cross pattern. These railings are a called actuators or regulators, and are responsible for smoothly sliding the window up and down. When the gearing and mechanisms inside the actuators fail, you'll either here some grinding noises or have trouble lowering the glass. Worst cases result in you being unable to raise the glass, leaving your car vulnerable to the weather or even theft. The procedure listed here can be used as a guide to help you replace the window actuator on your car.
Materials Needed
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Pliers
- Ratchet
- T20, T25, T30, T45 Torx bits
- Long extension
The type of screws on your door panel vary according to they year of your car.
Step 1 – Remove the door panel
Locate all the of the T20 Torx screws or Phillips screws found on the door panel. Some models have one behind the door handle, another underneath the door pocket, and two at the bottom. While others have them hidden underneath the trim panels, such as the door featured on this DIY. After removing the screws, begin prying all around the door panel. Disconnect the wire harness, then remove the door panel.
Figure 1. Remove the door panel trim. 
Figure 2. Remove all of the door panel screws.
Step 2 – Remove the speaker cover and window motor
There should be six T25 bolts holding the speaker cover and window motor in place.
- Loosen the window motor bolts and remove the assembly from the panel.
- Remove the speaker cover bolts and disconnect its harness.
Step 3 – Remove the sound deadening material
When you remove your door panel, you'll see a foam panel that covers most of the door. This material is used to quiet the vibrations from outside, so be very careful when removing it.
- Begin at a corner of the door and slowly remove it.
- Try not to rip it and a place it right-side up somewhere safe.
Step 4 – Finish clearing the door panel
In order to install the actuator, you'll have to remove the complete assembly from the door itself. So here you will be removing the rest of the clips, bolts and hardware from the door.
- Loosen and remove the lower regulator T25 bolts.
- Remove the wire clips for the power mirror wire.
- Pull it through and out of the speaker hole.
- Remove the plastic trim pieces from the mirror.
- Loosen the T30 Torx screw.
- Loosen and remove the three visible T45 Torx screws.
- Locate the last T45 Torx screw from behind its rubber grommet on the side of the door and use the extension to remove it.
Step 5 – Remove the weather stripping
The last thing you have to do prior to separating the door is remove the upper portion of the weather stripping. Make sure to pull from behind the stripping, because ripping it will cause future leaks to occur! Reach around the inside of the door and remove the rubber cap. Remove the blue clips that were used to hold the window motor bolts in by pushing them into the door.
Step 6 – Separate the door
Now you can grab the door and pull upwards. You will lift the upper portion of the door, with the glass and old regulator connected to it; also, make sure the power window mirror harness is not becoming tangled on anything while you lift the assembly up.
Step 7 – Replace the window regulator (actuator)
The regulator is held in place with four remaining T25 Torx bolts.
- First remove the two bolts that mount the window to the regulator.
- Place the glass somewhere safe.
- Remove the two T25 bolts from the upper portion of the door frame.
- Replace the regulator and install the T25 bolts to the upper portion of the door frame.
- When you are lining up the window, it will be a lot easier with a friend. Line up the window and install on the lower portion of the new actuator.
Figure 8. Remove the window glass. 
Figure 9. Replace the window actuator.
Step 8 – Reassemble the door
- Slide the actuator assembly back into the door.
- Install the weather stripping
- Install the rubber cover.
- Install all of the bolts, trim pieces and clips.
- Route the wires to the correct places and secure them in place.
- Install the deadening material, window motor and speaker cover.
- Connect the window switch and power mirror.
- Install the door panel with its proper trim pieces and you are done!
Related Site
- A3 Door Panel Removal DIY (with Pics!) - AudiForum
