Cab top only goes up and down with engine off??

[bigchillcar]

car is a 1990 C4 cab. the top will only go up and down with the key in the run position..with car running it won't go up or down. for some reason, i think something isn't right. shouldn't it move with the engine running or is this some sort of safety feature? but i'd think the emergency brake on would be sufficient? what do your cab tops do?

also, the p.o. always unzipped the rear window and laid a towel across it before putting it completely down. do you guys do same? is this overkill or just long-term protection for the window you think? thoughts?

[crosby50]

My 89 3.2 Cab's top only moves with the ignition in the "on" position, not when the car is running. I always unzip the rear window but do not use the towel procedure, although I hear it saves the plastic from scratches and creases. Even if it is overkill, it is an easy thing to do and I will do it from now on.

The fact that the PO always used a towel and recommended that you do the same says a lot for how the car was treated.

[bigchillcar]

point taken, crosby...you're right, only takes a moment or two longer. i'll continue to do so. and perhaps i meant 'on' as well when i said run. anyway, it's good to know mine isn't the only one that doesn't move with the engine running. thanks for the reply.

[aeroman]

The top will only work with the car running if you rig it. If you love your Porsche you will always unzip the window before putting the top down

[craig001]

The top only functioning wthe the car off and ignition switch on is the way the cars were wired until recently. My 944 was the same way. IIRC, search over on Rennlist, as I recall somebody had a work around to change this.

In my old car I used a "Rear Window Pillow" most everytime I had the top down. I got it from either here or Automotion, I can't remember anymore/

[bigchillcar]

sounds like a consensus then that the design is for the top to move with the car not running. good..one fewer problem to sort out. agreed, aeroman, i imagine it prevents creases in the plastic..and a towel or pillow keeps it from getting rubbed, right craig?

[jimq]

mine has been wired to work with the car running. Its great when sitting at a light and it starts pouring rain! I can even put the emergency brake up 1 click and run the top while the car is moving. I tried it just to see if I could and sure wouldnt recommend it.

[bigchillcar]

you'd think they would have wired it to move with the car's emergency brake on and engine running..

wonder what's involved in making the wiring change? anyone know?

[ANNKY]

My convertible top will not operate electrically. I had to put it back up manually and turn the motor with a screwdriver to lock it. Is there a relay that controls the motors over the visors or is it a fuse. I find it hard to believe that both motors have gone bad at the same time and feel like it is an electrical issue. Thanks for any help, it is getting warm now and closing the top with the screwdriver thing is way too hard.

[bigchillcar]

annky there is a 25 amp fuse at position 13 in the trunk for the convertible top. there is also a relay for the 'sunroof' at position r21 (right next to fuses 26 thru 29 if that helps you find it). i don't know if it also applies to a convertible top, but it might be worth checking. that's the best i can do looking at my electrical schematic. hope it helps!

[BigMike62]

Hate to dig this thread out of the abyss, does anyone have a detailed explanation of how to mod the top switch so it can be raised and lowered with the car running?

Thanks.

[Imcoz]

I like this thread. I'm about to get a 92 Cab - should have it this weekend. I'm going to get intimate with the wiring and top mechanisms so I'll post what I find out also.

Mech in Michigan who did my PPI said the top was very hard to latch, any experiences with that with your tops?

[JJAYALA]

I am trying to do this modification to my 91 C4 so that I can raise and lower the top with the car turned on. Would greatly appreciate if anyone has detailed information. I have looked in many places and apparetnly there are some micro-sensors that need to be rewired but not sure where they are and what to change.
Thanks