ChefGonzo

Hi!
Glad I found this forum, maybe one of you can help me with this problem: I can't close the hatch on my 2002 996 Targa! The electrical device that's supposed to lock it in place doesn't activate so it remains open all the time.

If there's an easy fix to this problem, I'd rather do it myself than taking the car to the dealer...

Any ideas?

Thanks for your help!

redridge

there is a fix..... I would post pics of your car. Before the natives gets restless....

there will be plenty of people to help you here.

The first step is to make sure that the solenoid is activating when you press the open button..
Second step.... pics, lets see that Targa!

ivangene

LOL Ferd... you sound like one of the Natives....

So, HELLO.... welcome to the forum. This is a great place to find info on your car and surely someone will pop in with some info that will help you out..

in the meantime.... how about posting a pic and some specs on this Targa

gota911

Attaboy Ferd!

Zookie

http://dcauto.gotdns.com/illustration/index/144258903 Number 4 is probably what you Need

Now that Part is a Assembly of 3 Diffrent Parts... You can buy the Whole Assembly 996 562 335 00 Or the Three diffrent parts, Catch - 997 562 335 01, Driving Mechnism - 996 624 231 00 or Microswitch - 996 613 231 00

Hope this helps, Good Luck

You can look up the US Retail prices at http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...t&do=prices_us

Zookie

i bet this will help http://www.cannell.co.uk/996_Worksho...20Exterior.pdf

pm me your EMAIL ill send you this other PDF for Aftersales Traning regarding Roof and Body Systems...

ChefGonzo

Thanks guys! I'll adjust to the m/o of the forum..

@Zookie, I read your pdf and learned that there is a removable panel below the rear window, where the mechanism can be found (pics below). I then noticed that the whole thing was hanging there with only one screw, the lid could not be properly closed because when pushing it in place, it pushed the lock down instead of being pulled into it... Problem fixed!

Zookie

awesome work man!!

Tigerwoodp

I have the same problem initially, but when I drop the hatch from 3-4 inches and let gravity do the work, it closes 10 out of 10 times. Don't be too gentle. - Michael (Hong Kong)

84 Ferrari Mondial QV
02 996 Targa
06 Audi Q7
09 Golf GTI

Targatoo

Be careful with tigerwood's approach. The manual specifically recommends not to do this. He knows his car and what works but others could misinterpret the advice and wreck their mechanism.

Tinyow

Hi, I'm having a similar problem with my 02 996 targa, when I close the glass hatch, sometimes it just does not suck it down fully, when I press the unlock button, it first sucks it down, then releases it, very annoying.

If I play with it long enough, it will latch properly again, but quite a few times I've had to drive with it not latched properly. Not very safe or waterproof I would assume.

I've read this thread and it seems to be a similar problem, but I cannot open the workshop manual link that Zookie had posted, can anyone help. Or does anyone know exactly what I have todo to repaire the fault?

Note: I've just bought my Porsche about a year ago and have just found this site, it been fantastic to see so many people who are knowledgable and willing to help.
Oh and 1 other thing, I can't seem to PM, dies anyone know why? ( I have just joined as a free member today)

Richard Hawkins

I'm having a similar problem. At first, the close motor wouldn't work. Now, it closes when I push the open button (instead of engaging automatically) and the Targa top won't open. And it is a beautiful day

I'll dig around back there and report back.

Richard Hawkins

It resolved on its own (wish everyone could be so lucky). I think cleaning the assembly got the sensor to work again, but have no evidence.

ydoganis@rcn.com

Late reply but FWIW, the latch motor (closing aid) has a tendency to loose it's initial position needed for latching. The way it works is that there is a mechanical latch and a motor that spins an arm. When latching, that arm turns, the latch "sucks" the hatch down and stops. When unlatching, it starts again in the same direction and the latch releases. When that happens a separate arm with a spring pops the hatch open about 16mm. When properly adjusted only need to lower the hatch and gently push it down to close the micro switch. More violence can loosen things up and create rattles or worse.

However, over time the motor looses the exact point of where to stop and thus cannot latch. Some unsuccesful attempts later, it can get lucky and latch or the controller registrers the event as a microswitch problem and you are stuck. If your courtesy lights are on, the alarm complains etc, it is not latched properly.

As the first attempt at solution I would recommend disconnecting the battery, giving it a few minutes and reconnecting. Then try opening the hatch from the remote. If that doesn't work, try disassembling the closing aid and testing the micro switches.

The manual describes a procedure to undo the targa 30-pin connector to reset the power, but for me the battery disconnect did the job.

As an added bonus, try and adjust the latch to a 16mm popped opening and when closed, adjust the rubber bumpers to just tight against the hatch. That may cure some rattles of that area.

matt54

My rear latch mechanism closes a second after the hatch pops open. I have to push the open switch a gently push on the hatch toclose it. Any ideas what is out of whack?