993 Convertible Top Question

[BulletBarrett]

I have a 1998 993 Cabriolet which I purchased used this year. My power convertible top died yesterday while getting the top up (it is in the "up" position but did not lock into the windshield header automatically). The manual says that a tool (similar to a screwdriver) in the tool kit can be used to manually lock and unlock to the header (thru two slotted holes in the top header). My car, however, does not have the original tool kit and I do not have this "screwdriver" type special tool. Does anyone know if a replacement tool is made or if there is an alternate tool that can be used to lock and unlock the top to the windshield header? I have the car in for service now at a local garage but think it would be good to have this tool in the future if this problem happens again.

[vjd3]

Any long, thin screwdriver will work just fine. You can remove the trim panel from the top frame (a couple of screws at the corners, if memory serves, and it pops right out from several clips along the frame) to access the motors and see what you're doing better. Take a LOT of turns to close those latches.

Check the microswitches on the top, at the transmissions behind the carpet at the passenger rear seat, and also that the emergency brake microswitch is working. The top will not operate if the switches aren't working ... but if the top raised and didn't latch, it's probably not the ebrake microswitch. The top needs to sense that it's resting on the frame for the latches to work, there are little plastic arcs in the top frame that are depressed by the windshield frame and that closes the microswitches. Could also be the latch motor, check the fuse.