Trouble with Cabriolet Top Open/Close

[Rpritch]

Hi, I had trouble opening my top on my 1987 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The motor was fine. Seemed to be stuck in lock position on left (drivers) side. Used a screwdriver to work on the manual locking mechanism and finally got it freed up. HOWEVER, once free, it doesn't want to begin to open. If I push it up 2 inches it then works fine but the first two inches after being unlocked from the car it can't seem to do. Any ideas what could be wrong?

Also now afraid to try and close it. Tried once and it wouldn't lock on the left side. Tried WD40 to free up mechanism, no luck.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks.

[AVDCAV]

Do you have the manual for the top , if not stop
There are specific things to do, the last thing you want now
Is un index the top motors , thn it's a real project.

I'll say it again. Convert to manual You'll be so glad you did
I can send the manuals .

[rekstein1]

I am having the same problem on 1988 Cab top. There is an article in the forum that helps with the diagnostics and checking the wiring. The only thing that I noticed was the connector to the motor was loose. I zip tided the two halves together and it worked well for a week. Then it started to work intermittently again and would not open or lock.

I replaced the micro switch an still no help. This weekend I plane to pull the motor and test the wiring from the CPU under the floor boards to the motor. The only thing I can figure is a bad connector or there is a problem with the wiring after 22 years. I am suspicious that there is to much tension as the top opens and closes on the wiring to the motor. Or the flexible area at the rear of the car. Any thoughts would be welcome as I am almost stumped

[AVDCAV]

Pm me ill send both manuals

[boyt911sc]

It has been over a month since the '89 cabriolet top failed to operate electrically and have not spent time troubleshooting the problem. In my case when I tried to close the top after spending several hours driving with the top down, there's a total electrical power failure. Even the tell tale light switch shows no power. Time to devote and search for the electrical problem/s.

Tony

[Autoban]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

It has been over a month since the '89 cabriolet top failed to operate electrically and have not spent time troubleshooting the problem. In my case when I tried to close the top after spending several hours driving with the top down, there's a total electrical power failure. Even the tell tale light switch shows no power. Time to devote and search for the electrical problem/s.

Tony

Tony, I didn't realize you have a Cab. If you don't have the manuals for the power top I can E-mail them to you. Just PM me your E-mail.

Juergen

[megerian]

Rpritch, any updates?

If the left side locking mechanism isn't working, it would seem to indicate that the little microswitch is either not activating or not working at all.

Since the top actually does move when you manually raise it 2 inches, this suggests that the motors in back are fine and that the "brain" is working right. With the top still open, have you experimented with pushing down on the little black switches to see of the closing motors activate?

The idea is to fool the brain into the thinking that it can stop closing the top, and start the locking process.

[LjH]

1. the micro switches in the header panel lock and unlock the top
2. once unlocked the main motor behind the rear seats takes over to lower or raise the top.
3. when the top reaches the full open or full close position another set of micro switches completes the operation.
If the top is dragging the cables that control the tension need adjusting..
If the top is not latching or unlatching check the micro switches in the header panel. the motors don't go bad that often, but the micro switches get out of adjustment.
If you aren't getting power check the relays.. On my 86 the relays are behind the passenger foot board. Good luck...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/wink.gif

[redhed911]

I have an '87 cabriolet and am experiencing similar electronic type timing issues. I tried the manual way for a year but for resale it seems that a working electronic top is the way to go. I am interested in that manual as well. Thanks in advance.

[AVDCAV]

rekstein1 I just sent your docs If anyone else needs them please say it now, I will not be near a computer after Friday for a week.

[reachme]

Manuals? Please send.
Thank you

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Autoban

Tony, I didn't realize you have a Cab. If you don't have the manuals for the power top I can E-mail them to you. Just PM me your E-mail.

Juergen

Juergen,

I was not planning to buy a car, but this '89 red cabriolet in pristine condition was offered to me for a price hard to refuse. Ironically, I was preparing to convert my '78 Targa to cabriolet and bought almost all the parts needed for the conversion except for the canvas top. But does not have the courage to strip and cut a very nice car with excellent body paint and interior. Also purchased cabriolet test booklets, cab cover (nylon), and cover in preparation for the conversion project. My earlier estimate was $5K - $6K for the conversion plus a paint job.

Thanks for the offer but I have already the factory cabriolet test manual and cab maintenance manual. What I would need from you is guidance for the electrical troubleshooting. PM sent.

Tony

[AVDCAV]

I have another electrical post from another pelican that is awesome
In PDF. It's really good

[redhed911]

Thanks for sending the manuals.

[AVDCAV]

Did I send them ? I sent them to 11 people did I miss you?

[rekstein1]

will give an update next week on what I found with the top . Manuels are great and complete the picture. will send pics next week

[redhed911]

AVDCAV, I did not receive the manuals but would like to. Thanks a bunch!

[rekstein1]

Has anyone had success in figuring out why the left locking motor works intermittently?

Frankly it making me nuts, it work flawlessly for a while and then nothing. I have tried rotating the motor when its stuck didn't work last time. Wiggled the plug that plugs directly into the motor. Have replaced the micro switch checked all the connections, seem to be fine. The only thing left is the CPU for the top to be examined. I'm thinking is a component in in that is failing and it does not signal the left motor to lock and unlock. Does anyone know how to test to make sure the motor locks and unlocks? the test plan included by Avid was a little unclear. Which wire where?

I also noticed that the upgraded or exchange CPU for the top starts with the code 993. Anyone who has used or replace the CPU out there?

[kidrock]

Originally Posted by rekstein1

Has anyone had success in figuring out why the left locking motor works intermittently?

Having the same problem....beginning to sound like a "common" issue after reading this thread. Unfortunately, I have not yet found the time to perform a permanent fix, but here's my .02 cents:

I have found that I'm able to get around "intermittent" working issue by "toggling" the switch to make the left motor unlock. If I just hold the button down firmly, the motor does not want to unlock correctly. So, I just press and depress the button somewhat slowly a few times, and the motor gently unlocks.

I'm very weak at tracking electrical gremlins, but I believe that the issue may be similar to what we frequently encounter with our electric window switches, door switches etc. Either a dirty connection at the switch, or more likely a dirty or bad connection at the brain at the passenger footwell.

At some point, I want to pull that box and take a good hard look at it, like the DME.

[rekstein1]

Well after changing the microswitch, after trying to find a loose connection at the motor ,and after checking all the wiring at the CPU for the top, all which did not help one bit. the fix is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least for me was to change the cab top switch. In review after spending 36.50 at our host and looking at the old switch there seemed to be some play as it toggled. Don't ask me why this makes a difference in the Driver side motor working but it does.

Last 7 openings and closings are not problem. I hold my breathe during the process to see if the dam left motor works as the top closes. Again no logic to the fix will keep all advise of fix as the summer progresses. If not the switch I would look towards the CPU. Saw something in rennlist about resoldering the board because of cold solder joints. Seem to be good for now. FIngers crossed