tropheus

Have my top in electrical working condition since 4 years w/o any problems. However, when I had the car new I had to get a new motor and realigned the top for top $$$.

Jack

fade67

How do you make the top manual?

Dryfly57

fade67
Behind the passenger seats on each side there are two round plastic inserts that cover large bolts that you un-screw just a whole turn counter clock wise. Might be an extra 1/4 turn. That should release your convertible top to manual.
DO NOT RELEASE THESE BOLT ALL THE WAY......ask me how I know.
Also $17 get you a full membership, worth more than the asking price.

jhalsey

i also have a "twanging" noise with my top up (97 model) nearly all the time. Anyone know the cause/cure?

Car25

[QUOTE=Dryfly57;10834489]fade67
Behind the passenger seats on each side there are two round plastic inserts that cover large bolts that you un-screw just a whole turn counter clock wise. Might be an extra 1/4 turn. That should release your convertible top to manual.
DO NOT RELEASE THESE BOLT ALL THE WAY......ask me how I know.

OK so you still use the switch to electronically release the top from and secure to the windshield ?

jg291446

Yes, You use the switch to unlock the top by pressing 3 seconds on the switch. Then you open the door manually.

If you do that, you will have the "top" light on on your dash. If it bothers you, there is a plug that you can unplug where there is the passenger seat footwell (under the glove box). BTW, if anyone has a picture of which cable to unplug it would be appreciated.

[QUOTE=Car25;11403937]

MBR993

Is it better to do this when the top is up or down or doesnt it matter?

vincer77

It depends on whether you drive more with top up or down. I think I disconnected it when up, so the idiot light lights when the tip is down since the sensors sense the top is not in closed position. If you disconnect in down It Will Light When up.

I disconnected the light bulb behind dash, but you still need to clear the exclamation point.

MBR993

Thanks!
If you deactivate when up and push the button (to release the latches) and then hold it for the usual amount of time it takes to lower the top, will the light go out? (Can you trick it to think the top was lowered electrically)

Holytin

Not as bad as some claim it is. At least not bad enough to justify manual conversion - works fine for me. Had the usual stuff go wrong such as drive cables and top controllers (cold solders) but had it sorted myself. Also replaced the top in 2006 with an aftermarket brand (GAAH). Cannot confirm "shelf life" of 7 years - still looks new.

One thing I found out quickly was Porsche's inability to work on the convertible top! They just do not have the knowledge anymore. What worked best for me is to figure it out myself to get the job done. Found some things the local Porsche dealer never did and the top now works flawless for the past 5 years.

You like a cab go for it!

kevin2012

I am always a cabio guy. Nothing can compare to driving a topless 993 where you can clearly hear the 3.6 aircool engine roars.
My top works perfectly in auto with no leak but now is in manual mode because I like the quick and easy operation by hand without any worry. But from time to time, I will plug it back and make sure that everything is in good working condition.
Replacement top is getting cheaper nowadays. Original German made material top from Topsonline is just like around 600 dollars. Cheaper versions with different materials are also widely available.
Good luck.

stevieboats

mine works fine but I agree if you have to get out of the car to put on the cover there is no advantage to a power top

Disraeli

My latching motors were replaced in 2005 and no issues to date.

I've also had minimal flappage at 90 mph with no boot cover.

tjb616

+1 for manual operation. Been doing it for a decade. It's honestly faster, easier, and more reliable

vincer77

I don't think so. I believe there are microswitches that are activated depending on location of top - up or down.