993 Convertible Top

ElizNY · 02-08-2004, 11:56 AM

Hi, this is my first post here.

My convertible top was 6" open and wouldn't close. I did not look at the fuses first as I should have. I followed the steps in the owner's manual, and loosened those screws on either side of the rear side panels (which are one on each side beside the back seats). I was then able to lower the top, but it wouldn't go into the windshield frame. THEN I thought to look at the fuses, and saw that the fuse for the convertible top was blown. I replaced that fuse, and the whole thing lowered and locked.

At least I can drive my car now...

Problem: Now I can't open my top all the way. When I hit the rocker switch, the top begins to open, it clears the windshield frame, and it doesn't go any further than 2". I looked at those screws that I had loosened in the back and noticed that they were not tight, since they were spinning around and around. So, I tightened those screws and now they don't spin around and around and I believe that I have them as tight as they originally were before I got involved in all this. I can hear the mechanism in the back trying to open the top, but it doesn't go any more. What is my problem?

Thanks! This is a frustrating problem.

waybrig · 02-09-2004, 06:42 PM

I think I may have the same problem. I converted my top to manual operation last summer by loosening the nuts back near the rear seats. Then when I tightened them back down later, I heard motors running, but the top wasn't moving. I didn't worry about it at the time and simply have been using it in the manual fashion. I'll try to get it hooked back up again in the spring.

Manual operation is pretty easy if you just need to put the top up. Loosen the nuts again and pull the top up until it's resting on the headliner. Then get in the car and activate the rocker switch again. The motors should engage that connects the top to the windshield. Do the same thing to drop it (use the motor to release from the windshield , then manually drop the top.)

To get it working correctly again I would suggest going to www.p-car.com and looking in the DIY section. There are directions on re-aligning the top, replacing cables, etc... If that still doesn't help and you don't get any more help here, try www.rennlist.com Go to the 993 forum. There are many cab owners and I'm sure somebody will be able to help.

I hope all goes well, I may be hitting you up for advice on mine soon!

ElizNY · 02-10-2004, 04:53 PM

Thanks, Waybrig!

I went to p-car and found the answer there in one of the technical ariticles: http://p-car.com/diy/cabtop/

Apparently, when you loosen those bolts, you also get the alignment of the arm into a slot out of whack. The article has all the answers on realigning this.

Thanks again!

America · 02-15-2004, 08:59 PM

ElizNY, I have torn down my top twice. I believe all you have to do is re-align the transmission gears. The transmission gears have teeth on only halve of the gear. Just disasemble and flip the gear on the other side. You might want a Pro to do it as if any part of the top is not aligned your small problems will be serious money problems. You also have to align the micro sensors. That was my mistake and $2000 latter.