Cab top latching mystery
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Cupertino, CA
Cab top latching mystery
Hi, I'm hoping some of you fellow cab owners can give me some guidance on the following problem. I have searched the archives and found several top threads, but nothing quite similar to my problem.
Here's what's happening: 9 times out of 10 or so, when I put the top up, the latching motor fails to engage and grab and lock down the latch wheels. But it *does* work 1 out of every 10 times or so.
I've checked the alignment and it's positioned correctly fore/aft, such that the plastic switches are depressed when it hits the windshield, so that doesn't appear to be the problem. And obviously the motors, etc. are good since it does work periodically.
Any thoughts on what the problem might be, and how to go about diagnosing / fixing it?
much thx,
Chris
96 Cab
Here's what's happening: 9 times out of 10 or so, when I put the top up, the latching motor fails to engage and grab and lock down the latch wheels. But it *does* work 1 out of every 10 times or so.
I've checked the alignment and it's positioned correctly fore/aft, such that the plastic switches are depressed when it hits the windshield, so that doesn't appear to be the problem. And obviously the motors, etc. are good since it does work periodically.
Any thoughts on what the problem might be, and how to go about diagnosing / fixing it?
much thx,
Chris
96 Cab
Track Day
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
I continue to have exactly the same problem you describe. Have you had the recall update done? The previous owner did the update the week before I purchased the car, and to the best of my knowledge, this did not happen before the update. I have not been able to bring the car back to the dealer that did the update (~200mi away) so I have been living with it. Occasionally, even when the latching motors engage properly, I continue to show a warning light in the dials. Wish I had the answer.
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Cupertino, CA
cabrio993: Thanks for the pointer, I just checked and the cab top latch recall hasn't been done (I've just recently acquired the car). Hopefully that'll cure the problem for me.
velo: Sounds like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and take it back to the dealer, eh? Good luck w/ that or whatever solution you pursue and please report back on what you do and if it fixes it.
thanks,
Chris
velo: Sounds like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and take it back to the dealer, eh? Good luck w/ that or whatever solution you pursue and please report back on what you do and if it fixes it.
thanks,
Chris
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 9
From: Neither Here Nor There
Originally Posted by ctoomey
cabrio993: Thanks for the pointer, I just checked and the cab top latch recall hasn't been done (I've just recently acquired the car). Hopefully that'll cure the problem for me.
I had my recall done a few weeks ago and it's working great.
One piece of advice--call the dealer where you will be having the work done and make sure they have the motors in stock. There is obviously a demand for them right now, so some dealers need a few days to get them. My dealer ordered the motors and we scheduled an appointment for the next week. I then just dropped off the car that morning and picked it up that afternoon. Nice and easy.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 533
Likes: 1
From: Kirtland (Cleveland), OH USA
There have been several posts concerning the control unit being faulty as well.
I've got the same issue, and am currently trying to work though it as well.
Here's one:
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum/200090-cabriolet-soft-top-quit-before-closing.html
I've got the same issue, and am currently trying to work though it as well.
Here's one:
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum/200090-cabriolet-soft-top-quit-before-closing.html
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 645
Likes: 64
From: Ocean View Delaware
I had the same issue - it is most probably the control unit - I replaced mine and have had zero problems for the last several months. You do not have to replace the unit if you can re-flow the sodder joints. My guess is that the unit fails due to poor original sodder and the "hard mount" to the frame of the car - thus putting more stress on the sodder joints over the years. Because of this I ellected to not remount the control unit to the frame - instead I just placed it up under the dash.
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Track Day
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Chris
I had the same problem when I replaced my top. The sensors in the rear seat area may need to be adjusted. These sensors tell the top to stop the advancement so as not to strain frame/cables. It will need to be adjusted. In the mean time you can trick the sensors on the approaching top not to stop the top's movement. You take a 3 x 5 card and place it between the tops sensor just before it get to the windsheild as the top is traveling forward it will squeeze the card and close and latch. Pull the cards when latched. I keep a set of cards in the car for such a problem. I hope this temp fix works.
I had the same problem when I replaced my top. The sensors in the rear seat area may need to be adjusted. These sensors tell the top to stop the advancement so as not to strain frame/cables. It will need to be adjusted. In the mean time you can trick the sensors on the approaching top not to stop the top's movement. You take a 3 x 5 card and place it between the tops sensor just before it get to the windsheild as the top is traveling forward it will squeeze the card and close and latch. Pull the cards when latched. I keep a set of cards in the car for such a problem. I hope this temp fix works.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
I have the same issue but it has only happened since the recall was performed. No problems before the recall. Hoehn Porsche in Carlsbad has had the car (in and out) for 4 months aligning and replacing everything. I paid the first $1000 they have picked up the rest. It finally worked for three months with me closing the top with battery power only. This morning I tried closing it with the engine running and it failed again. Any idea what the heck is going on?
Also, how can I fool the sensors and get the top to open back up so I can drive it this weekend? It locks up with the top closed but not latched then freezes and refused to move in either direction.
Also, how can I fool the sensors and get the top to open back up so I can drive it this weekend? It locks up with the top closed but not latched then freezes and refused to move in either direction.