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Porsche Cayenne Rear Window Switch Replacement

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23 Comments

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Rennline Performance Products

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Project Time: 1 hour
Tab: $25
Talent
Tools: 13mm and 24mm sockets, flat screwdriver

Parts Required: New switch assembly, base gasket, cover piece
Performance Gain: Opening rear window
Complementary Modification: Replace rear wiper blade

One common problem with the Porsche Cayenne is the failure of the rear window switch.

This small push button switch underneath the rear window wiper arm can become harder to actuate due to the elements. This usually presents itself as a button you have to press very hard in order for the window to open. The good news is that the switch is relatively cheap and easily replaced.

Another thing to mention here is that many Cayenne's are missing the top cover piece that goes over the rear wiper arm. Up until recently, this cover was available by itself. At the time of this writing however, you must purchase the complete switch assembly to get the cover.

Hot tip

Lock the rear window latch with a screwdriver

Wayne R. Dempsey, Co-Founder & DIY Expert

Jared Fenton, DIY Expert

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Project Photos

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 1 Shown here (from the left) are the new switch assembly, the cover piece and the base gasket. All of these components should come with the new switch.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 2 Here's a tip to keep you from lowering the rear window and latching it. Open the glass and use a flat head screwdriver to lock the catch. Just push the catch down until it locks. Now you can rest the rear window on the hatch.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 3 Now pop the rear cover off the top of the switch with a small screwdriver if it's still there. Chances are, it isn't. Take note of the rear wiper arm position. You'll need to set it back once you re-attach the wiper arm. A small piece of painter's tape works well directly under the arm.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 4 Use a 13mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut and pull the wiper arm up and off the switch base.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 5 Underneath the wiper arm, you'll see the 24mm nut (green arrow) that secures the switch base to the window glass. Remove the nut and carefully pull the switch base up and over the linkage arm.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 6 You will see the base gasket underneath the switch base. It's a good idea to mark the position of the gasket to help you line things up with the new gasket.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 7 Now open the rear window and look up at the underside of the switch assembly. Carefully pop the trim piece off the window and you'll see the linkage assembly. The linkage needs to be removed to allow the connector to pass through. Press the tab on the electrical connector (yellow arrow) and pull the switch connector out. Now remove the two 13mm nuts (green arrows) holding the linkage assembly to the window and remove it,

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 8 Here is the window with the linkage removed. Feed the connector (green arrow) up through the glass. Now you can put the new switch in. Feed the connector to the new switch through the hole, making sure that the wires fit in the small keyway at the top. Now you can re-install the linkage, new base gasket and switch base. Use the reference marks you made before to make sure everything lines up.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 9 When fitting the wiper arm back to the switch base, first make sure that the offset arm on the linkage base is oriented to fit into the hole on the motor drive on the hatch at the bottom. Press the button on the switch to release the catch and then lower the window until the drive engages. Now fit the rear wiper arm onto the switch base and line it up with your reference mark. Refit the 13mm nut and tighten it down.

Placeholder Alt Text — Figure 10 The last step is to pop the new cover onto the switch.

Comments and Suggestions

Bob Keeley

August 8, 2023

I am searching on the web site and cannot locate this assembly. Can you send link so I can iase pricing and order if not too expensiveÃ°Å¸Ëœâ€š Thanks!!

2008 Cayenne S

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Try this link: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/95562832004.htm?pn=955-628-320-04-M100&bc=c&SVSVSI=0813 - Nick at Pelican Parts

MovinAds

May 2, 2021

I have a 2005 Cayenne and the rear window hatch warning light keeps coming on. I adjusted the latch a few times and it would solve the problem temporarily. I now have the latch at the tightest position and the light still comes on. Is there a sensor switch that needs replacement?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The switch is inside the latch. If the wiring is OK, I would replace the latch. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

G

January 31, 2020

04 cayenne s I stripped the screws for the catch latch rear hatch glass. How can I replace those screws. The two next to the rear wiper.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

They will have to be extracted or drilled out. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Cvdman

July 6, 2018

Just an update on the hatch sensor/Microswitch. It appears that the sensor is a magnetic switch. I was able to satisfy the sensor by adding a layer of "metal" duct tape around latch mechanism to provide a higher metal surface. Haven't heard a peep since! I will replace the switch, but at least it's relief from the continuous beeping!

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the follow up. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Cvdman

July 3, 2018

Is the rear hatch sensor a magnetic or hall sensor? If so can it be bypassed or deleted? Thanks!

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Most latches have internal microswitches. If it is a switch, you can short it in a state, either open or closed. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Kay

September 16, 2017

So I have a 2004 Porsche Cayenne and the rear windshield won't stop whiping. What do I do ?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Check if the motor is getting power and ground when commanded on. - Nick at Pelican Parts

chhcope

January 29, 2017

Hello, the rear glass is stuck shut on my 955. Is there a manual release somewhere? If not, do you know how I can open the glass? I am trying to replace the switch but can't get the wiper off arm off.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Remove the trim panel inside the vehicle. Locate the latch, release manually. - Nick at Pelican Parts

maryrose

November 18, 2016

bought rearwiper plus cover guy could not get nut off need to saw it off .so it snapped off underneath it 2004cayenne

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Keith

April 28, 2016

Where can I purchase the male electrical plug that connects to the female end of the new micro switch female end? The male plug connector is corroded and needs to be rewired.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If available, Pelican Parts can get it. I'm not the best with part numbers. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Elie

February 14, 2016

How do we turn on the rear wiper in a Porsche Cayenne s 2008 ?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

There should be a toggle switch on the wiper stalk. - Nick at Pelican Parts

ThomKelly17

December 26, 2015

I can not get the rear wiper arm off. It seems to be stuck. I removed the 13mm nut, but cant get the arm off.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Try gently rocking the arm to free it. If that doesn't work, you will need a wiper arm puller, sometimes a battery terminal puller can be substituted. - Nick at Pelican Parts

chris

November 16, 2015

Do you have any tips to manually open the rear glass hatch? The microswitch has just stopped working all together and will not work.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Remove the interior trim panel, them manually activate the latch. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Uffe

November 16, 2015

How to get rear wiper arm off? to change the rear window switch to a new one. Any special tools or tricks to get it off without breaking the window?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If stuck after removing the fastener, try a battery terminal puller to pop it off. - Nick at Pelican Parts

David

September 23, 2015

Nick - how do you adjust the bump stops on the rear hatch

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The should pull in and out. - Nick at Pelican Parts

David

September 15, 2015

I have a 2006 955 and the dash warning light and buzzer keeps going off. It thinks the rear hatch is open. I bought a replacement draw down motor and a replacement window hatch switch but the warning light/buzzer still go off.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If you push on the hatch, does the buzzer go off? Maybe the bump stops need adjustment. - Nick at Pelican Parts

woody

May 16, 2015

Hi, I have a Cayenne 2005 tonight the rear hatch window cannot close, the rain got in and the rear hatch motor start to run none stop. I already disconnected the power but now what should I do and what part should I replace?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Are you talking about the rear window inside the hatch or the whole hatch? The best way would be to check faults with Porsche scan tool and monitor which input is causing the system to run non stop. I bet once you remove the rear hatch cover you will see the problem, and will likely be able to dry out the wire harness and restore proper functionality. - Casey at Pelican Parts

fabu

April 14, 2015

pulling codes p 2187/2189 after replacing the purge flow valve... any ideas PCV? MAF? thanks 2006 cayenne s

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Porsche says: Possible fault cause ♦ Incorrect main charge signal (Mass airflow signal wrong) ♦ Intake air system leaking (MOST LIKELY!!!) ♦ Fuel pressure too low (Not as likely if the car runs and drives well) ♦ Volume supply of fuel pump too low ♦ Mechanical fault in injection valves (Never seen it) ♦ PCV valve leaking (Check crankcase vacuum also!! Should be around 7" of water) ♦ Cap of oil filler neck leaking ♦ Leaks in exhaust system (between header and head) ♦ EVAP canister purge valve mechanically faulty (hangs open) ♦ EVAP canister purge valve output stage faults I've added my notes to their notes. - Casey at Pelican Parts

fabu

January 19, 2015

What is obvious? That there is NO electricity being presented to the latch? no signal from the transmitter?
A broken wire in the harness? which harness right or left?
There are no codes, except for the p0441, which is the purge valve, and being addressed seperately.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Your initial question are incomplete. Please be patient as I try to assist you. It is obvious the latch may be the issue, as it is not securing the window. The rest is up to you to test. I can't guess at what is missing. There could be a broken mechanical part, or as missing electrical signal. You will have to manually test the items in question. No silver bullet here.- Nick at Pelican Parts

fabu

January 18, 2015

On a cayenne 06, there are no vent windows. the rear hatch window. Its a windshield on the rear hatch it opens on two hinges it has a lock mechanism which Pelican has a diagram for. ti opens up from the bottom lie a 'tailgate window" its held in place by an electromagnet lock switch, the rear wiper will not function nor will the lock activate, yes its been replaced.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

What has been replaced? the lock? If the window is rattling, and the lock isn't latching the problem seems obvious. At this point, you have to test the lock signal and the actuation. You can do this manually using a wiring diagram or using a Porsche scan tool.- Nick at Pelican Parts

fabu

January 16, 2015

I do not know if there is a regulator on the rear window it is a hatch which opens separately from the tailgate.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

OK< I thought we were talking about a door window. Your questions wasn't clear. If it is a vent window that has a motor driven vent feather, the motor is likely faulty. Or the fastening bolts are loose. - Nick at Pelican Parts

fabu

January 16, 2015

The rear window will not lock, it bounces over every bump. Ive replaced the switch, and checked the fuses, the check rear brake light comes on after driving a few miles, but the only thing out is about half of the LEDs on the upper bar. Which are all lit initially.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

If the window is not secure, the regulator has to be faulty. - Nick at Pelican Parts

fabu

January 9, 2015

Replaced the switch, checked fuses, jiggled transmitter, all other locks working?
check rear brake light on brake lights working?
window wont lock, rear overhead light on, moonroof wont slide open?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

What are you trying to fix? What is the symptom? - Nick at Pelican Parts

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jon

July 11, 2014

Hi, I need a few things for my Porsche Cayenne S - 2004.
The black plastic cap for the rear window wiper popped off and I need to replace it. Why would it fall off? Should I get a new assembly or is just this cover available for purchase.
Also, on the front passenger interior head rests - there is a side button that is missing ? - it just fell off for some reason.

Lastly, when I purchased my vehicle, the dealer removed the TPS tire pressure system that go on the tires and turned off the tire pressure system. Is this something I can do by myself? Honestly, whenever I bring my car into the Porsche dealership to get repairs/maintenance, it comes out with new problems - so I'd rather do it myself. Thank you.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

You should be able to pop a new cap on. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can help you find the right part. TPMS is required by US law, so I can't see why or how they would remove it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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