1991 C2 Convertible Top Problem

[Stevewcuus]

Hello,

Yesterday I had a problem with my convertible top on my 1991 C2 Cabriolet. I pressed the switch to open the top and it unlatched and began to open and then suddenly stopped without any noise, etc. In a panic I lossened the main bolts to loosen the top from the motor on both sides. I pulled the top and manually screwed the locking clasps into place as they were not working either. I am stuck. Is there a relay or a fuse that can just "blow"? Where should I start? I know that the motor to the convertible top was recently replaced within the past year. There is no noise from the motor when I press the switch to the top. What should I do? It seemed as though the switch and the power to the motor simply failed.

Thanks for you help.

Steve

~Steve

[gduke]

Steve,

Believe me I've had my share of conv. top problems. They are very complicated. Take it to a professional. If you try riasing the top and both sides don't come up evenly, you can snap on side of the main bow. Not a pretty picture. It happened to me and that was after I had it in the shop to be fixed. The prob. was diagnosed as a bad relay control which is under the passenger floorboard. it was replaced w/ all the micro swtches and worked good for a few times until the top quit working half way up. I did what you did and a few weeks later taped on the new relay and the top began to open and then snap, $1400. What had not been diagnosed was that one of the motors was worn out and drawing more current, causing a cold solder joint in the relay control. I had the broken left bow replaced and the torn top repaired and operate the top manually now.

So, I spent $1400 to have it fixed the first time and $1400 to have it fixed again and now I operate it manually, using the pwer latches to latch the top to the window frame. It ended up being the best solution for me. However, I left the top down all sumer and had one heck of a time latching it yesterday. The top shrinks in cold weather. So, I wouldn't leave the top down for long periods of time either.

Gary

[Stevewcuus]

Thanks for the info..

What should I do at this point?

I was thinking of diconnecting the convertible top motors and replacing the relay. Because I have loosened the main bolts I know I will have to very carefully adjust them so that the top will be even on both sides.

Again, where is the relay that controls this at exactly? What is the part called and is it difficult to replace?

It definitely sounds like the relay is messing up as the contact to the top of the top which locks the top into place are not working either.

Thanks for all of your help and useful advice...these tops are definitely a pain.

Thanks again for all of your help...

[911boost]

Did the top stop open evenly? There are also sensor's and relays under the panels on each side by the back seats.

There is actually more than one motor in the top. There are two in the back of the car, each one going into a seperate "gear drive". This gear drive is what went bad in my 86.

I should preface that eveything I know is related to my 86. I have looked at 964's and it doesn't look any different.

Bill

[gtu935]

While you're sitting in the drivers seat, just above your left knee there are two control modules. Reach up and wiggle the upper most module. If the top begins to work, check all the connections. There is a factory update to replace that original 964 type top control unit with a later 993 type. I hope this helps

[Stevewcuus]

Why has everyone been saying that the two relays that control the convertible top on the passenger side floor board?

Just trying to get some clarification on this.

When and If I am able to get the top working by power, because I loosened the two main bolts on both sides where the motors are at I know that I will have to adjust this very carefully to ensure that no damage occurs while trying to operate the top. How should I proceed? I know that this is a very tricky repair as with all convertible tops.

Thanks so much for everyone's help thus far.

[gtu935]

I just changed the cab control module on a 91 C-2 cab this morning.
Left side, above your knee, while in a seated driving position,

[Stevewcuus]

Thanks so much..I will see if that is the root of the problem.

What do you suggest for the other issues such as aligning the top properly etc since I have loosened the main bolts.

Thanks so much for your help on this.

[gtu935]

If you can, Put everything back as it was. There should be some marks left behind where the original bolts were.

[Stevewcuus]

Should I need to get another control module where would be the best place I could get one?

Thanks again for all your help..I will keep you posted on how it pans out.

[gtu935]

Does your module have a 993 part number?

[Stevewcuus]

When I get home later today first I will look to try and find the Module and I will give you the part number..

I really appreciate your assistance

[gduke]

Steve,

I took my car to a shop to have the prob. diagnosed and repaired. The shop was 160mi. from where I live. All the expert mech., and they could do anything, but convertable tops weren't interested. They had no experience working on conv. tops. So, I would really recomend taking it to someone who is known for working on convertables. You'll be better off in the long run. I learned the hard way.

Gary

[Stevewcuus]

I looked at the module and it has the 964 part number on it.

Is there an easier way to get to this module..it seems very difficult to reach/get out..

When I remove the module what is the best way of telling if it faulty? And where can I get a new one?

Thanks

[gtu935]

Porsche has a technical service bulletin for this update. it is number 9613

Part number for the newer module is 993 618 313 00

[Stevewcuus]

Where could I find this bulletin?

[gtu935]

Porsche dealer

[Stevewcuus]

Has anyone ever taken up the recommendation to loosen the main convertible top bolts up with Porsche North America? This is a serious flaw in the manual. The advisement by Porsche to loosen these bolts can and will cause major problems resulting in severe damage.

Luckily I did not break or rip my top as a result of loosening these bolts however now I have an extensive repair which must be peformed in terms of re-aligning the top. I have spoken to the Porsche dealer in charlotte, NC regarding taking this issue up with Porsche as it directly results in extensive repairs and or leads to significant damage.

I have pinpointed the problem down to the convertible top switch..only after I had loosened the two main bolts..Does anybody have a convertible top switch? I am having a hard time finding the replacement switch online. Also after I install the new switch how should I go about getting the top in proper alignment to ensure no damage?

[gbullr]

Just replaced the top on a 964.

passenger side is a bit forward about 1.2 to 1 cm and roof catches on car frame rather than going into roof slot.

Suggestions?

[jmroach]

i see this thread is a bit old... you can adjust the closed alignment of the top by adjusting the bolts on the very bottom of the top mechanism (1/2 foot below the gear drive on either side of the car). the should have a nut on top & bottom of the mounting bracket.