Cabriolet hydraulics

[Tim Lash]

2003 Carrera Cabriolet 6-speed manual - Convertible top operates erratically and slowly.  It's clear that insufficient hydraulic pressure is being generated/maintained.  Is there a way to test whether the hydraulic pump is at fault, or the cylinders are defective?  One cylinder was replaced two years ago.  The top began gradually operating sluggish over the past week or so.  A visual inspection shows an adequate fluid level in the reservoir, and no obvious leaks around the pump, lines or cylinders.  I'd like to identify the problematic component before I start taking things apart.  So I'm very keen to know of a way to test the pump versus the cylinder(s).  Thanks.

[Loren]

 

Start here...

 

 

[Tim Lash]

Was this an automated reply?  Because the referenced thread was completely off topic from my question.

[Loren]

No, it is a common problem for these to leak hydraulic fluid as they get older. How do you know that is not the issue?

[Tim Lash]

From my original post - "A visual inspection shows an adequate fluid level in the reservoir, and no obvious leaks around the pump, lines or cylinders."

 

So, the likely issue is a pump that won't generate pressure, or a hydraulic seal failure internal to a cylinder.  Do you know of a test for either condition?

[Loren]

To do further tests you will likely need Durametric or PIWIS software. PIWIS can many times pin down an issue to a single microswitch or simple calibration procedure.

[Tim Lash]

Thanks.  Flipped a coin and replaced the seals in the other cylinder.  That did it.  The original seals came out shredded.  New o-rings returned the top to smooth performance.