Jonhale

I had this on my 02 just before the cable snapped inside.

It seems the solid cable inner of the twin top cables are not so solid; They are actually wire with squared ends and can actually twist internally.

I suggest you order some new cables (before they snap) and change them.

The part numbers are in this overall thread somewhere from Jeff.

Hi topbear; can you post the results on boxa net also; I want to do this...

All fixed A1.

Got the replacement cable which is still the 02 last part..

Wound the gears to the ref mark,

Fitted the new cable to the left gearbox

reinstalled it

re ran the cable to the motor

Attached the V levers but only the hood connected

Ran the softtop with the clam in service mode

All was well..

Closed the hood

Attached the springs and moved the clamshell to reach the levers

Tapped the socket onto the ball joint with rubber mallet

Ran the top and ALL WAS WELL!

Refitted all the trims, carpet clips and storage bin

Refitted the small ball hood cables after filling with grease

Re ran the hood to check and ALL IS WELL!..

If anything, the hood closes to the windscreen better than it did before; sometimes it was a stretch to get the clip on to the screen. Maybe that is why the cable snapped due to bad adjustment in the factory.

Was going to post some photos of it but to be honest it was pretty straight forward and the revised design obviously quite a lot better.

Thanks for the preparation though; it sometimes helps to have some time to think over the job whilst waiting for the part.

Took about 40 minutes..

Thanks..

Pick up the cable tomorrow so will post a report when (hopefully!) it is done..

Would you say use a drill to wind back the transmissions, or use the reference mark on the transmission to get them the same, then use the motor to wind them together to pick up the clamshell?

Well, I am here is the UK and mine is screwed up too!.

Waiting for a replacement cable as we speak...it snapped..

Just wound the gearbox to the alignment marks so I am assuming all is ok with the gears (using a pice of the snapped cable and an electric drill).

If the microswitch is faulty, can that be fixed separately from the gearbox?.

Thanks Toolpants...

Yes, my gearbox does have the ref mark and I figured out the electric drill thing when I took it apart to confirm that the bale had snapped so that is a good idea.

So, If I run the gearboxes to the ref mark on both sides, refit the cables into the motor, measure the clamshell height, then bolt the arms back on I should be in Business?..

Alslo, the gearbox on the left had a very small electrical connector which I assume is the microswitch?..

I can post the part number if someone can look up which version I have (old or new)..

the car was built in 2001 (nov) but is a 2002 model with the eclectric trunk openers so I am hoping it is the new type.

Would I be right in saying that I would have the new style cables in that case?

Part number is 986 561 717 02

Thanks for the help..!

Shojitsu (and others).

I had a problem with my top also and the clam shell stuck open on one side.

The cable snapped and I have removed it ready for a new cable on Thursday.

Is the microswitch inside the gear mechanism?; and is there a 'reference' point to wind the gearbox to before I re install it. They must be well out of sync now...