Problem with 993 convertible top / locking
 

I would really appreciate any input regarding the locking problem with my convertible top.

Here we go ....

I had my 993 in the garage for the winter without driving, so needless to say the battery was empty. The top was all the time open. After re-charging the battery I drove the car just outside to wash it. Then I wanted to close the top before driving it back into the garage. It closed all the way up to the point when it has to lock.
Well, the convertible top lays on top of the windshield frame and thats it. If I use the switch I hear "something" in the roof clicking but only if I press the switch in one direction. Other than this, nothing is happening (no opening so I could at least drive "open" to the dealership).
The other strange thing is, that the light n the instrument cluster doesn't indicate that the top is still open...

Thanks in advance for your help ...

Andy

In theory the top is supposed to go forward enough to trip the two microswitches on the top frame. When the switches are tripped the forward motion stops and the front latches pull the top bow down and locks. There are also 2 microswitches on the right top transmission. They are limit switches; One stops the motor from going too far back and the other stops it from going too far forward. I would check the forward limit switch to see if is cutting off the motor prematurely.
Also never let the top sit open for long periods; sometimes the fabric shrinks.

Hi Matt,

thanks for your help. What do you mean with "right top transmission" ?

Also, wouldn't the top at least open if it thinks ,that it is all closed ?

Thanks
Andy

Sorry, I misread.
If I understand correctly, the top has not tripped the front latch microswitches yet? It is still free floating above the windshield frame? You are moving the rocker switch in the rearward direction to open and all you hear is a click? It is frozen at this position above the windshield frame?

That is absolute correct. I also need to add that the Porsche dealer exchanged the locking mechanism motors about 200 miles ago based on a recall (A502).

Thanks again

Remove the trim panel covers above the round transmissions in the rear seat area. Gently and quickly rock the rocker switch forward and backward. See if you detect equal movement from both arms from the transmissions. If not the top is jamming. Be gentle because you can easily break things. Report back tomorrow.

I got it working. I actually removed the cover on the inside convertible top, that is covering the locking motors and all the cables. I then "opened" the locking mechanism by using a screwdriver ( I guess that's the emergency opening ?). The top just fell into the latches and then I screwed it all the way back to close the top.
I guess for some reason the top locked down when it was still floating above the windshield.

I also discovered, that I can't use the emergency funktion without removing the cover, bc the dealer put the cable right in front of the screw of the motor, so you have to move the cables first before you finally reach the screw ....

Anyhow, my last question would be : How do I determine if the position of the motor screws are in the right position ? The top is opening and closing fine now and I can't lift / move the top at all when closed.

THanks again
Andy

Rephrase question. It doesn't make sense.
What are "motor screws"?
Are you asking how are the latches timed so they lock down when the top is closed?

Sorry my mistake ... Basically I used the locking motors manually by using a flat screwdriver. Each motor has a screw that opens or closes the locking mechanism in the top frame depending on turning the screw clockwise or counter clockwise. When I opened the the locking mechanism in the first place I didn't count the turns of the screw moving the locking mechanism. So now I don't know if I might have turned the screw to much one way or the other ....

I hope this makes more sense now ...

Thanks

These are the front latches that we are talking about.
In your situation with the top open a little bit (service position) manually close the 2 front microswitches . Use a soft clamp(s). Then push the convertable top rocker switch backswards (to open) and both latches will unlock and stop. There is an internal switch in each latch that goes back to the computer and tells the computerwhen to stop actuating the latch motor.
Release the clamps and you are ready to go.

Hi Matt,

thank you so much for all the help. I really appreciate it. Let me know if you are in the Chattanooga / TN area sometimes ....

Later
Andy