Steps to debug???

[avale]

We picked up a 1998 Boxster for my son so that we can work on it together, he can be comfortable driving a manual transmission, etc. Unfortunately we tackled too many micro switch projects at once and the result is 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I'm hoping someone can suggest steps to debug this...

OK, before we starting tackling the door micro switches...

• Windows operated by center console switches
• Convertible top worked - windows dropped, etc.
• Driver's door window would drop but not stay down while the door was open
• Passenger's door wouldn't drop or stay down when the door was open
• Center console latch and hinge was broken

We have replaced the center console latch and hinge, replaced both door latch mechanism and replaced the micro switches on the inside and outside handles on the passenger side.

Now the windows work perfectly when you open/shut the doors but I can no longer manually operate the windows with the center console switches and the windows no longer drop when I undo the latch to the top and the top no longer operates. Where should I start?

[avale]

OK, update. I had a blown fuse at C3. This doesn't surprise me as when we were removing the passenger door latch, there was a short in the mechanism and it was causing the windows to do crazy things. So now everything is working but the convertible top. When I unlatch it, the windows drop but the top doesn't go down when I press the button - but I have the steps to debug that.

[JPSummers2]

Good information. I'm having window problems too. this helps troubleshoot the system.

[jluetjen]

I had issues with my spoiler raising when I first bought the car. Went through and checked all of the fuses and relays. Got a few spares (they're cheap) to swap them out. Long story short, for some reason the previous owner didn't have both of the relays installed. Once I put two new ones in, the spoiler worked great.

The moral of the story is to check the basics, and double check to be sure that the previous owner didn't muck things up. Only then start to suspect actual defective parts.