Top Damage from not opening latches.
07-06-2005 | 05:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 971
Likes: 51
From: AZ
Top Damage from not opening latches.
My dad just bought an '01 Boxster last weekend and called me to let me know he just made a costly mistake by forgetting to unlatch the top before pushing the button.
After getting past the obvious 'How in the heck could you do that?' discussion, I immediately began to wonder why there isn't another sensor/switch at the latch to prevent this from happening. It seems this would be a common mistake by people not paying attention, or not familiar with the car. I'm surprised Porsche engineers wouldn't include some type of additional switch.
Is it possible the car already had a problem with a broken sensor? Since neither he nor I are familiar with Boxsters I figure Rennlist is a great place ask. The Dealer ordered some list of parts for $700 to fix the problem, which I should get more details about tomorrow.
TIA for any insight.
After getting past the obvious 'How in the heck could you do that?' discussion, I immediately began to wonder why there isn't another sensor/switch at the latch to prevent this from happening. It seems this would be a common mistake by people not paying attention, or not familiar with the car. I'm surprised Porsche engineers wouldn't include some type of additional switch.
Is it possible the car already had a problem with a broken sensor? Since neither he nor I are familiar with Boxsters I figure Rennlist is a great place ask. The Dealer ordered some list of parts for $700 to fix the problem, which I should get more details about tomorrow.
TIA for any insight.
07-06-2005 | 08:09 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville, GA
I have done that more than once and it hasn't caused a problem yet. I notice it doesn't move when I first push the button, so I haven't held it down for any period of time. I'm interested in what the answer is though.
07-06-2005 | 08:52 PM
#5
Track Day
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
I have an '01, and I'm sure I pushed the button several times with no adverse effect while the roof was latched. In fact there is no noise of the roof motor running. It seems so obvious that it should be interlocked, but maybe someone with the electrical manual could confirm that.
If the damage was caused by a microswitch failure maybe you could argue the price down with the dealer. (I guess you're out of warranty?)
If the damage was caused by a microswitch failure maybe you could argue the price down with the dealer. (I guess you're out of warranty?)
07-07-2005 | 02:52 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 971
Likes: 51
From: AZ
You are all correct - it was confirmed by the Dealer that an interlock/switch at the latch should prevent this from happening, therefore they are saying the switch was damaged and allowed the motor to attempt to retract the roof, snapping the linkage from the motor to the top. I'll find out soon (tomorrow?) as far as what the Dealer is doing to repair it.