Convertible Top Won't Lock

[number9]

Hello,

I have a 2001 996 C4 Cab in Canada. I've had the car for about a month now with no major issues. Love the car.

Today I drove to work with the top down. And as I got to work, I parked the car, pulled the hand brake, and held the top close button. The top was halfway up and I decided to turn the car off (I don't know why, I was a little late for work)....when it got to the latching part, the hook locked then unlocked and then repeated locking and unlocking until I let go of the button. So I can't lock the top, and the rear windows can't be rolled up.

I did a search in the forum and I found people reseating the B5 fuse. I tried it twice and it did not work. The latch doesn't seem to be cracked or damaged in anyway. It just seems confused.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[Loren]

Did you try putting the top all the way back down again?

Then retry closing.

[PESuazo]

This same thing happened to me.

The micro switch on the latching mechanism is not closing.

When the latch attempts to close, push it with your finger (help it latch). If it works, then you know that is the problem.

If the top is open, you will notice in the latch cavity a little hole, push it and release it slowly to see if you feel the "click" of the microswitch opening and closing.

Another test is to push that same thing and try to close the rear windows.....check if they go up as you hold the switch in (by the overhead light) and try to close the rear windows.

[number9]

Did you try putting the top all the way back down again?

Then retry closing.

Hi Loren, I retried several times now. Still not working.

This same thing happened to me.

The micro switch on the latching mechanism is not closing.

When the latch attempts to close, push it with your finger (help it latch). If it works, then you know that is the problem.

If the top is open, you will notice in the latch cavity a little hole, push it and release it slowly to see if you feel the "click" of the microswitch opening and closing.

Another test is to push that same thing and try to close the rear windows.....check if they go up as you hold the switch in (by the overhead light) and try to close the rear windows.

Pesuazo, my microswitch seems to be fine. I tried your test and I held the switch w/ the top down and the rear windows close. I tried to push the latch with my finger as well. Didn't work. The latch seems to lock fully (and I can see the microswitch being pushed in, then the latch releases and retries again and again as long as I'm holding the "top close" button. If I let go of the "top close" button after it locks, the convertible light on the dash is still on and rear windows won't close.

Is there a way to reset the system? It's raining tmr LOL

[number9]

I just tried closing the top and as the latch locks, I pushed the microswitch with a mini screwdriver. And everything closed up fine.

So I guess my latch is deformed or broken? Anyone know how to replace the latch? and What part number I should get?

Thanks

[IanB]

You say the latch doesn't seem to be cracked or damaged in anyway. The latch itself is metal so hopefully is OK, however the latch should have a plastic cover that fits neatly over it. If this plastic cover is damaged or missing then the roof will not lock as it won't activate the microswitch. Check to see if the plastic cover is OK. If the problem is the plastic cover then it is a cheap and easy fix. The plastic cover part number is 996 561 787 00 as found in Porsche UD 248 Katalog 2010 (illustration 811-05 part #12). I have had the same problem and a new plastic cover sorted it out. Good luck.

[number9]

You say the latch doesn't seem to be cracked or damaged in anyway. The latch itself is metal so hopefully is OK, however the latch should have a plastic cover that fits neatly over it. If this plastic cover is damaged or missing then the roof will not lock as it won't activate the microswitch. Check to see if the plastic cover is OK. If the problem is the plastic cover then it is a cheap and easy fix. The plastic cover part number is 996 561 787 00 as found in Porsche UD 248 Katalog 2010 (illustration 811-05 part #12). I have had the same problem and a new plastic cover sorted it out. Good luck.

Thanks alot Ian, I'll check it out. Btw, Is there a digital version of this Katalog?

[Loren]

You say the latch doesn't seem to be cracked or damaged in anyway. The latch itself is metal so hopefully is OK, however the latch should have a plastic cover that fits neatly over it. If this plastic cover is damaged or missing then the roof will not lock as it won't activate the microswitch. Check to see if the plastic cover is OK. If the problem is the plastic cover then it is a cheap and easy fix. The plastic cover part number is 996 561 787 00 as found in Porsche UD 248 Katalog 2010 (illustration 811-05 part #12). I have had the same problem and a new plastic cover sorted it out. Good luck.

Thanks alot Ian, I'll check it out. Btw, Is there a digital version of this Katalog?

In our Links section

http://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/porscheservice/originalparts/originalpartscatalogue/

[mpikounis]

Hi, I am 99% sure your problem is the same as the one I had a few weeks ago. Have a look here for the fix:

[number9]

Hi, I am 99% sure your problem is the same as the one I had a few weeks ago. Have a look here for the fix:

Thanks a bunch! Ordering the part tmr. Seems like my latch cover is a bit chipped at the tip.

[number9]

Thanks everyone. Replaced the part and solved the problem.

Only thing is, I was trying to fit the new part on without glue to see if I cut enough of the top off (for the mod) and it snapped in. I didn't want to take it back out b/c I was afraid of breaking the replacement part. Top seems to be working fine for the past week. Will I run into any problems not putting glue?

[vfrpilot0]

I think I have the same problem. Need to test it, but your symptoms are the same as mine. Question: How did you do the mod and how did it just snap in?

[number9]

look at this thread:

Loren posted a diagram that shows you where to cut the plastic cover. Also in the TSB. I used a wire cutter to cut the piece, was really easy. I used a flat head screw driver to strip the old cover off.... then with the modified piece, I just slipped it in and the round piece at the top just snaps into the bar its supposed to sit on. It's self explanatory when you actually do it. Took like 5 minutes.

GL.

I think I have the same problem. Need to test it, but your symptoms are the same as mine. Question: How did you do the mod and how did it just snap in?