prouse

I have been struggling to consistently close my roof. I am only getting about a 25% success rate. I have followed the procedures in the videos produced by Porsche and from the manual. https://www.google.com/search?q=pors...PG5gL0robwBQ10

- Insert the key in the ignition
- Pull the "top close" button on the center console
- The rear hatch pops open
- I fully open the rear hatch
- Lift the little flaps by the head rests
- Extend the top as far as it goes (about an inch or so from the windshield header)
- Release the two "wings" from their folded position
- Close the rear hatch
- Snap the two "wings" into place on the rear hatch

The final step is to pull the center console button to engage the center hook that clamps to the windshield. Only about 25% of the time does the hook attempt to engage. When it moves / engages, it never misses the spot. When it fails move, I am forced to fully open the top / close the rear hatch and repeat the process.

Any suggestions?

Archimedes

With your right hand, pull the roof forward against the windshield and hold it there as you hit the close button on the console.

Edit: is the hook not moving at all sometimes when you press the close button? If so, there is a problem with it and you should take it to your dealer.

DFW01TT

The leading edge of the top has to be really close to the edge of the windshield. There are 2 hand width pull tabs on the roof, use them to get the roof really close. If that doesn't work, take it to the dealer and let them demonstrate.

n4v4nod

When you close the rear hatch don’t fully close it (engaging the latch mechanism) make that your last step. Did it with my 981 and I do it with my 982. Always works!

Thomas Roos

mjw930

That only works outside of North America. The fob close option is not enabled here (don’t know where people on this thread are located.

To the OP, if the hook doesn’t move 75% of the time then something is wrong, take it to your dealer. It should move every time it’s commanded by the button.

TXshaggy

This. How long have you had your car? The roof up/down is very stiff the first dozen or so times. If it is not close enough to the header the latch won’t move. Simply use the two handhelds to move it closer while commanding it closed.

2XIPA

Hmm are any of these hacks apply to the US Spyders?

vince993tt

I had the same problem at first with my 718 Spyder. The 718 operation differs a bit from the 981, which I didn't realize at first. I'm almost certain that your only problem is, as stated above, that you need to pull the front of the roof forward a bit using the handle before hitting the switch. If it isn't close enough, the motor won't close the latch, making it seem like there is a defective sensor, etc. In actuality, there is a sensor which needs to detect that the roof is very near the windshield header, and sometimes it seems to be close enough, but isn't quite there. This can make it appear random, which is confusing until you realize it. As for the decklid, you do not have to leave it only partially closed. Both my 981 and 718 tops latched just fine with the decklid fully closed first. In my opinion, partially closing the lid and then fully closing it after the top is fully latched is a nice to do, not a must do.

mjw930

It's not a "hack". it's a documented feature and no, it cannot be enabled for US spec cars, yet.

Westcoast

When the latch doesn't move during the close operation, this is likely the problem.

prouse

Guys - thanks for the feedback. This has been going on for the past 2+ months (ever since i picked it up). I will try to pay special attention to how close the roof is to the windshield. As a note, i would try to pull the hook / push the roof as far closed as i could before pulling the close button. Only about 25% of the time did the motor / hook activate and attempt to fully close. I have never had an instance where the motor / hook activated but missed the receptacle / failed to catch and close.

I have tried it with the rear hatch fully closed and with it shut but just short of being latched. It didn't seem to make a difference either way.

She is now in hibernation for the Winter. Unfortunately, the nearest dealer a a couple of hours away. If it continues in the Spring, i will certainly have it inspected when i get the oil changed.

halfmonkey

According to people in this thread, opening works in NA but not closing.

https://rennlist.com/forums/718-gts-...l#post16948471

s2kspyder

If I understand what you are saying, Westcoast is correct. The moment you use the close operation button, the center latch should move at all times. If it only moves 25% of the time, something is wrong and I would be pissed off.

What I have seen is the center latch will attempt to grab the windshield in a "less than perfect" fit, it that is the case, I back it off and try again.

I hope this makes sense.

mranderson

I just got my Spyder and did notice the roof fabric is super stiff and took a lot of effort to use my hand to close the roof enough so the hook starts to attempt to engage.

Here is a revision to your step that will help in your step 8:

Close the rear hatch (but don't fully close it shut)
Snap the two "wings" into place on the rear hatch
Get back into the car and use your left hand to pull the fabric top forward as close to the window edge as possible while your right hand engages the CLOSE roof button
After it finishes closing, get back out of your car and close the trunk completely (click sound)

I find the above helps a bit as the tension isn't as great in the roof.