A: The AlienWindow controller was developed to work on the following Volkswagen models: 1998 and later New Beetle, 1998 and later (B5 chassis) Passat, 1999.5 and later (A4 chassis) Jetta and Golf. Your car must be equipped with these VW factory features: power windows, power door locks, and alarm system with remotes. The AlienWindow controller supports vehicles with or without a sunroof. You car must have the feature which allows you to roll the windows up and down by holding the key in the door lock (some early models sold in Europe did not have this feature). If you are purchasing a controller for a New Beetle Convertible, please tell us so we can provide the proper controller and instructions.

Note: the "new" Jetta (A5 chassis, 2005.5+), Rabbit (A5 Golf) and "new" Passat (B6/PQ46, 2006+) are not yet supported. If you live near SE Michigan and have one of these models, please contact us - we would like to take a look at your car.

A: No. The AlienWindow controller works in conjunction with the standard VW remote. No extra remote is used, and you get the full security offered by the factory remote.

A: No. The AlienWindow controller does not use the OBDII or CAN communications busses found in these vehicles. No alarm/remote recoding is needed.

A: No. The AlienWindow controller changes how your vehicle responds to remote commands. No change is made to the factory remote.

A: The controller watchs for certain sequences of LOCK and UNLOCK, and considers these sequences as commands. These sequences have been designed to avoid interference with existing remote functions. For example, pressing UNLOCK once opens the driver's door lock. A second UNLOCK unlocks the rest of the doors (a VW option). The AlienWindow controller recognizes a third UNLOCK as a command to roll the windows down. AlienWindow controller commands are described further on the Features & Functions page.

A: No. The AlienWindow controller does not interfere with existing remote control functions.

A: The AlienWindow controller does not have any effect on the distance of your transmitter. If you can lock and unlock the car, you can control the windows.

A: No. The AlienWindow makes use of a VW factory feature (holding the key in the lock/unlock position to roll the windows), and all window are opened or closed by command.

A: The AlienWindow controller was designed to support cars having a sunroof. The AlienWindow controller will only close the sunroof. The ROLLDOWN command has no effect on the sunroof. The sunroof will always close fully when doing a ROLLUP or VENT.

A: The default is about 3/4 inch. User Options allow the gap to be increased to approximately 1 1/4, 2, or 2 1/2 inches. Rear windows will open slightly less than the front windows. Difference between cars, and the ease with which different windows slide in their tracks, may result in slight differences from these figures.

A: The AlienWindow controller is installed inside the driver's door, where it connects to the vehicle's wiring.

A: The AlienWindow controller is easy to install. Full instructions are provided, and minimal tools are required. No permanent modifications are done to the vehicle, and no wires are cut during installation, so the controller may be easily removed at any time by merely unplugging it. Basic installation consists of removing the door panel and connecting seven wires using the included connectors. If you are uncomfortable with this sort of work, a local car stereo installation shop should be able to do the install for you. Most users report an installation time of less than 1 hour. Here's a user's installation in a Passat: atomicalex.

A: Yes, if your new car is a supported model. The provided connectors are designed for one-time use, so installation on a second vehicle may require some soldering or other means of wire connection. User Options are "remembered" by the controller, so you may have to reset them for the new vehicle.

A: The AlienWindow controller uses (and requires) the VW security system as part of it's normal operation. It does not change the security system in any way. Unlike some competing products, the AlienWindow will not unlock your car while it is unattended, inviting theft.

A: The controller does not change other vehicle operations or controls, all manufacturer provide safety, security and convenience features are unaffected. The AlienWindow controller uses the "key in the door" feature provided on current VW cars to control window operation. VW has chosen not to make pinch protection active when moving the windows using this method, so pinch protection is not used for window rollups which you command the controller to do.

A: The AlienWindow controller cannot be detected by the VW 155x (scan tool). If you do not want your service person to be aware of the controller, either disable it using User Options, or do not give them your remote, which makes it unlikely they will become aware of its presence.

A: In the US, Federal law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) prevents vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly denying warranty coverage. The mere installation or presence of an aftermarket device does not generally affect warranty coverage. More information is available from SEMA.