Top down, won't go up on both sides

boxstr · 06-25-2005, 07:06 PM

Well the top is down on my 99 Boxster. Button is pushed and only one side statrs to go up. I stop because I can tell that it will bind and break something.
So, are there two motors, one on each side?
Is there a seperate fuse for each??
Any help will be appreciated.
TIA
Craig C. Laughlin

AFJuvat · 06-25-2005, 08:06 PM

There is one drive motor that spins two cables, which in turn rotate two transmissions.

You have a spun out cable on the side that isn't going up. Replacing both cables is highly recommended

You can order cables from Porsche, the part number is:

986.561.717.03

The drive motor (#35 in image) is located dead center, rear of the decklid. you will see the two black cables (#3 in image), one on each side, coming out if it.

If you can get the decklid to raise just a little bit, you can get the clearance to disconnect the linkage (front of the top - one red or white plastic socket at the end of a rod. (#4 in image)

Note: If you do not feel that you are up to this job, please seek professional assistance - there is the potential to do some rather expensive damage to your top

See attached pictures

AFJuvat

boxstr · 06-25-2005, 08:57 PM

That is it exactly. Thank you very much. I could be up to it but I think I will let a pro tackle this one.
CCL

boxstr · 06-27-2005, 09:16 PM

Well the pass side trans is bad. Needs replacement and the total parts and labor is going to be $1700.
The car was in th edetail shop with the top being operated by the detail shop owner or employee?
Who should be responsible for the repair bill??
The top was working fine when taken in.
CCL

AFJuvat · 06-27-2005, 10:32 PM

A very subjective question. You need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. Is it reasonable and prudent that the detail shop, in the course of performing the services you requested, would have had to operate the top?

2. Is there any reasonable belief that the shop abused the top?

3. Do you trust this detailer?

While at the same time, remembering that the drive cables are a consumable part. The cables are constructed in a fashon similar to the old style speedometer cables - essentially a thick coil of wire. friction and torque wear the cables with time. Unfortunately, Porsche never put in the maintenance requirements that the cables should be checked for wear from time to time.

If you trust the detailer and believe that he did the job properly, You would logically have to say no - there was no malace, abuse or negligence, and had a legitimate reason to be operating the top.

In short, in my opinion, the detail shop was not at fault here. The cable was probably excessively worn and the fickle finger of fate broke the cable at that moment in time.

Again, if you having the calbe and transmission replaced on the passenger side, please replace the cable on the drivers side as well - You want the cables to wear as evenly as possible.

AFJuvat

Ferrara_racing · 06-28-2005, 06:12 AM

AF I saw a parts company that manufactures cables with metal ends rather than plastic. Their claim is the ends will not break or shear and prevent the top malfunctions associated with the OEM cables, does this sound reasonable? or is it marketing hype?

boxstr · 06-28-2005, 06:41 AM

Thank you for a very well thought out answer. I respect that.
I am not looking to harm anyone in this, I am just a little shocked at the cost of repairs($1700), and that the top was being put up and down, for what reasosn, the car had not been worked on as of yet.
Porsche has introduced a new set of cables for the repair. They are heavy duty and hopefully will not break in the near future.
CCL

AFJuvat · 06-28-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ferrara_racing
AF I saw a parts company that manufactures cables with metal ends rather than plastic. Their claim is the ends will not break or shear and prevent the top malfunctions associated with the OEM cables, does this sound reasonable? or is it marketing hype?

Actually, the Porsche cables have metal ends as well.

I think it is hype

AFJuvat

Tool Pants · 07:50 PM

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showforum=46

We started a special section just for top problems. In the SF Bay Area the standard fix estimate is $2,000 sight unseen.

These aftermarket metal ends are not for the cables but for the push rods for the top that have plastic ends. Old rods have red plastic ends and about 2 years ago Porsche switched to white plastic. All top drive cables have metal ends.

I doubt anyting is wrong with the transmissions. But you have the old style transmissions and dealers do not like messing with them. They like to put in the new style which are about $450 each and that is why your estimate is so high.

Read the 3 pages. You will see that the plastic housing for the drive cable stretches with heat and then one side will stop turning. I can't see how it is the fault of the detail shop - it just happens whenever it happens. If it happened after you had a drink of coke you would blame the coke.

If you search under Tool Pants you will see how I had the same problem and fixed it for free because I saw my clamshell twisting as the top started to move and took my finger off the button before anything broke..