I took off the driver's side door panel this morning and replaced the 4-position power side-mirror switch on my 03 GLX Wagon. In looking over some of the earlier posts on this topic, I noticed that some say that the switch can be pulled from the panel by prying it out (without removing the door panel). I did not want to try this as I thought it would damage the outer plastic surfaces. I didn't want pry marks on the trim piece.
In pulling the panel, I broke three of the small clips (no big deal as they were $2.00 each at VW). I did not use my clip tool as my brother has it! The panel is easily removed and the various plugs pop out without too much difficulty - though the connector for the courtesy light in the bottom of the door has a somewhat unusual clip arrangement (one that was a bit of a pain to remove.
I ended up removing the door release insert piece (one screw and six tab releases) to replace the actual mirror control switch - the switch itself is held in by 5 tabs I believe.
I know that this may have been the more involved way to replace the mirror control switch, but I just didn't want to damage the trim. All in all an easy job.
Just a note on the failed switch: The switch worked well in all positions, but the reverse function did not actuate ( the folding in and down on reverse - with the switch placed in the "R" Right Mirror position). Just wanted to let you all know of that unusual failure.
Thanks again to PassatWorld users and Youtube posters for the information on the door panel and the switch.
In pulling the panel, I broke three of the small clips (no big deal as they were $2.00 each at VW). I did not use my clip tool as my brother has it! The panel is easily removed and the various plugs pop out without too much difficulty - though the connector for the courtesy light in the bottom of the door has a somewhat unusual clip arrangement (one that was a bit of a pain to remove.
I ended up removing the door release insert piece (one screw and six tab releases) to replace the actual mirror control switch - the switch itself is held in by 5 tabs I believe.
I know that this may have been the more involved way to replace the mirror control switch, but I just didn't want to damage the trim. All in all an easy job.
Just a note on the failed switch: The switch worked well in all positions, but the reverse function did not actuate ( the folding in and down on reverse - with the switch placed in the "R" Right Mirror position). Just wanted to let you all know of that unusual failure.
Thanks again to PassatWorld users and Youtube posters for the information on the door panel and the switch.
