The "convertible top open" light on the dashboard is controlled by a combination of the black lever microswitch on top of the electric motor and the convertible top double relay. There is an "after-running" time (as Porsche calls it) of a little more than 1 second after that black lever is depressed until it sends a signal to the double relay and then that turns off the light and simultaneously cuts power to the electric motor.
So, in your '97 (and '98's and '99's) the light will not go out if the clamshell is not operating and closing down on top of the convertible top as it is stowed.
BTW, there are TWO microswitches inside the convertible top latch receptacle, but your description indicates that both of those are working properly.
The other symptoms you describe (canvas top operates if the clamshell black "hydraulic" pushrods are disconnected) are a little unusual.
Have you checked that the square black plastic "sliders" are well lubricated, along with the channels inside of which they slide back and forth? If they are really dry and they bind that might be the cause of your problem.
Otherwise, if someone has taken apart the mechanism, it's possible to install the V-levers upside down, so that they are 180 degrees off. That would prevent the V-levers from rotating when all four ball cups are attached to the V-Levers.
Here is a photo of that section:
The black plastic slider is on the opposite side (outboard) of the nut to which the red arrow is pointing.
The yellow arrow is pointing to the channel which should be liberally lubricated. You can use white lithium grease or Dupont Krytox.
Lubricate those parts and see if it makes any difference.
Regards, Maurice.
The "convertible top open" light on the dashboard is controlled by a combination of the black lever microswitch on top of the electric motor and the convertible top double relay. There is an "after-running" time (as Porsche calls it) of a little more than 1 second after that black lever is depressed until it sends a signal to the double relay and then that turns off the light and simultaneously cuts power to the electric motor.
So, in your '97 (and '98's and '99's) the light will not go out if the clamshell is not operating and closing down on top of the convertible top as it is stowed.
BTW, there are TWO microswitches inside the convertible top latch receptacle, but your description indicates that both of those are working properly.
The other symptoms you describe (canvas top operates if the clamshell black "hydraulic" pushrods are disconnected) are a little unusual.
Have you checked that the square black plastic "sliders" are well lubricated, along with the channels inside of which they slide back and forth? If they are really dry and they bind that might be the cause of your problem.
Otherwise, if someone has taken apart the mechanism, it's possible to install the V-levers upside down, so that they are 180 degrees off. That would prevent the V-levers from rotating when all four ball cups are attached to the V-Levers.
Here is a photo of that section:
The black plastic slider is on the opposite side (outboard) of the nut to which the red arrow is pointing.
The yellow arrow is pointing to the channel which should be liberally lubricated. You can use white lithium grease or Dupont Krytox.
Lubricate those parts and see if it makes any difference.
Regards, Maurice.
I tested the Double Relay as per the procedure in POSES, by jumpering pin 2 & 3 (black clam shell microswitch) of the Motor Plug, checking voltage at pin 1 & 4 (Motor Supply), while pressing Open and/or Close. The supply to the Motor occurs regardless whether the jumper on pin 2 & 3 is connected or not. The microswitch itself works when tested. Do you think I conclude that Double Relay is at fault?