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CAB top won't close from fully open position.

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Old 10-20-2010, 11:57 AM
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LVDell
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Default CAB top won't close from fully open position.

Have read about every thread I can this morning. The CAB top is in the fully down position (open). Pressing the cab top close button on the dash starts the process as I hear a "click click" sound coming from the clamshell area but then the solid light on the dash flashes a few times. Wife has said that the top was getting slow to open and close lately (i.e., the top would start to come to a crawl speed when closing).

Of course it worked just fine (opened) when she went to work the last time and then just now told me it doesn't close when she tried to take it to work. I thought about checking the hydraulic fluid level but with the top not budging I have not a clue where to go from here.

PARK light on dash illuminates.
Parking brake engaged.
Trunk closed.
Engine lid closed.
All fuses are functional.

Any thoughts?
Old 10-20-2010, 12:02 PM
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AndyK
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Just a guess, but if it's anything like the 944's sunroof mechanism, stripped plastic gear(s)? Hope it's not the top motor.
Old 10-20-2010, 12:24 PM
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nick49
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It sounds like it may be low on fluid. But if the top light is flashing then goes off even though the button is still being pushed it's more than likely electrical. If you have a modifyed control, it could be malfunctioning. If you have a meter, you can find a schmatic and check the electrical. If not visit an indy or dlr. GL
Old 10-20-2010, 01:29 PM
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LVDell
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That's exactly what I was thinking as well. Just need to get the dang top halfway up so I can check the reservoir.
Old 10-20-2010, 02:18 PM
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psuboy
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Check your user manual...I just read through one and it showed a manual process to get the roof up. I think there is a tool in there to crank it.
Pete
Old 10-20-2010, 03:34 PM
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LVDell
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Checked the manual and followed the process to a T. Here's where it gets crappy. The manual operation involves inserting an allen wrench (included with the car) and then rotate counterclockwise to open the clamshell. Well, I insert the included allen into the place pointed out in the manual (see photo1) and rotate counterclockwise. What happens. The @#$^&*!@&*#^ thing breaks off! (see second pic) I can't believe it either as I applied very little pressure and it gave no indication it was about to snap off. Now, WTF is next? Can't run it up to the dealer as it's raining.
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Old 10-20-2010, 03:57 PM
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Barn996
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That really sucks Dell. Nothing worse than following the instructions, and it takes you two steps back. How far is your dealer, and how hard is it raining? GL with a fix.
Old 10-20-2010, 04:02 PM
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gota911
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Dell, that sucks!

Uhmm, if I were you I wouldn't buy a lottery ticket today!

Not making fun, just trying to get you to smile a little 'cuz it sounds like you need it.
Old 10-20-2010, 04:55 PM
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LVDell
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Talked to my buddy that is a Porsche tech here near where I live. He is going to try and swing by after work. Time to call in the professionals. I know my limits

ps. Porsche sells a manual operation set screw repair kit. Sounds like they know it's a problem? I think I found the new RMS
Old 10-20-2010, 05:01 PM
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Barn996
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Glad you have the calvary coming, also am glad the new RMS doesn't effect coupes.
Old 10-20-2010, 05:26 PM
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Horrible luck...sounds like the house call is in order....good to have friends in high places!
Old 10-20-2010, 06:10 PM
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Nikedog
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Do you have a hard top? That will get you to the shop in the rain.
Old 10-20-2010, 09:00 PM
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LVDell
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Originally Posted by Barn996
Glad you have the calvary coming, also am glad the new RMS doesn't effect coupes.
I heard that it is the same part used for the manual release in the sunroof

Originally Posted by psuboy
Horrible luck...sounds like the house call is in order....good to have friends in high places!
You ain't kidding.
Lucky to have somebody so close that knows what they are doing!

Originally Posted by Nikedog
Do you have a hard top? That will get you to the shop in the rain.
The hard top stays in storage until the dead of winter (January) and then goes back into storage when spring arrives (February). No way am I putting that sucker on right now. Still too many top down days ahead of us.
Old 10-20-2010, 10:17 PM
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I had a similiar problem with my Cab before. Once you have used the wrench to manually open/close the top only the Dealer can reset the top on their machine/computer, it cost me about an hours dealer wages. As far as the noise when opening/closing the top, it could be that the 2 small steel braided wires which connects the top to the rear compartment may have come off. You need to get the dang top halfway up so you can check the reservoir and wires and check for cracked/broken plastic pieces. GL
Old 10-20-2010, 10:22 PM
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LVDell
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The problem is getting the clamshell open.


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