996 Cabriolet Top latch not closing

I have a 2000 996 Carrera with the type 1 latch it has three microswitches, hook continously cycles, seems to lock but then opens, tried pushing on the hook/lock, tried pushing up on the two prong plastic activator around the hook to see if the back windows close but they don't; open the latch and seems to be cycling fine, took it out and tested the three microswitches with and ohm meter all seem to open and close ok. I read on another forum the plastic cover around the hook when it cracks can cause a similar problem. Mine is worn and cracked but I don't see how this would make a difference in the latching since it does not touch anything in the mechanism and the microswitch is a separate actuator/part. Any suggestions?






__________________
This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here:

[Casey at Pelican Parts]

The hook needs to press the center latch microswitch a specific distance. If the plastic cover is not intact the microswitch will not get the signal and the latch will keep trying to reach the switch. I would close the top and when the front latch makes contact with the microswitch use a pocket screwdriver to slide along the side of the hook and press up on the microswitch. If the hook stops replace the plastic cover first, and then if that does not make a difference replace the microswitch assembly.

- Casey

[jmrosen]

Originally Posted by jmrosen

My plastic latch cover fell off as it’s split from age. I was able to reattached with small piece of black electrical tape. The latch is fine and operational so I suppose this is cosmetic or perhaps may present a problem in future. Is the plastic cover for the latch sold separately?

My plastic latch cover fell off as it’s split from age. I was able to reattached with small piece of black electrical tape and seems fine but I’m OCD (My 996 Turbo Cabriolet 20k is in absolutely pristine condition concours winner) so I want it to be as originally designed. The latch seems fine and operational so I suppose this is cosmetic but it may (as evident from original post) present a problem in future. Is the plastic cover for the latch sold separately?

[BYprodriver]

It will not latch unless you hold down the button long enough for the rear windows to close FULLY, took me a while to realize this when they were new. I wasn't sure you knew that so I posted just in case.