Cabriolet top problem

[wmesq77]

I have a 1999 996 Cabriolet. While cleaning the interior I got the brilliant idea to open the top half way so as to clean and protect the rubber parts. The top was in this position for about an hour. Upon finishing the job I went to fully close the top and the nothing happened. Brake was on and both engine and trunk lids were closed.

After following the procedure in the manual I closed the top but have since been unable to to operate the top automatically.

Prior to my "detail work" the top operated perfectly. Any suggestions and what to do before taking it to the dealer.

Thanks.

William

[Izzy]

William,

do a search by "convertible", there are a few checks that are simple like fuses, etc. Also, the handbrake ligth on when the brake is pulled? There is a small swith there that can get rusty and not make contact. Finally, the DIY has instructions for adding hydraulic fluid. Common issue, also for a 99 (like mine).

[nick49]

As above, make certain the emergency brake light logo on the dash is illuminated when the brake lever is pulled. If not disassemble the center rear console and either unstick or replace the switch. The top not operate unless the brake switch is activated as verified by the dash light.

[a1certified]

I just had this gremlin pop up yesterday. My car is a 2002 C4 Cab. I just recently had the X74 suspension put in, but hopefully this is not related to that modification. I have had no problems, nor any hint of problems until yesterday. It was raining and my car was in the garage with the top stowed. I get into the car to go to work and hit the top close button. Nada. I did a quick check of the fuse and that was fine. Having to get to work, I took my other car.

When I got home and had a little more time to take a look at things and do a little bit of web research on the topic, this is what I found. The button actuates the rear top cover and the latch, but that's all. The top itself does not raise or lower. The side flaps don't kick into action because the top doesn't stow. And the windows don't do their thing either when the buttons are pressed. Only the latch and the rear cover do their little dances when the open and close buttons are pressed.

I did all the quickie checks. Fuse is OK. Parking brake is OK with Park Light illuminated on the dash. Does the exact same thing using the key from the outside. I'm able to move the top after disengaging the hydraulic drive with the allen wrench behind the rear passenger seat so at least I'm able to drive it now.

I'm going to take the thing apart this weekend and check the hydraulic fluid reservoir, since that seems to be the next more common thing to check after the parking brake sensor. I hope that is all that it is, but I'm skeptical.

Also in the process of manually lifting the top, I wrenched on the the driver side rear flap and ended up having to take that out, R&R it, and put it back in. I wonder if I further screwed things up with that maneuver as I understand that there are some sensors attached to that piece. But IF those sensors are not working, would that prevent the top from going up and down? I do hear the normal click, click, clicks that are mentioned in other posts and the dash light does blink indicating some fault.

Has anyone else had this combination of faults in the top mechanism? If not, sounds like another $trip$ to the dealer.

David

[Izzy]

The only thing I can think of is the fluid or the main motor for the pump being out.

Where you able to close it?

To get to the rear shocks and remove them, the mechanic has to put the top on the midway postion, and remove the rear carpet cover from the convertable stowage area. All the convertible components are exposed and yes, could have something to do with the work or potential of someone inadvertly leaning ro pushing the wrong thing.

From my own observations, when I did my suspension work, I had to be careful on what to lean on or push when removing the nuts from the bolt tower.

[a1certified]

I was hoping that I wasn't going to have to broach the possibility of the recent suspension work causing problems with the convertible top, but as you mentioned, they do work in the same area. I'm hoping it is just the need for some more fluid.

[RicksCarrera]

Hi All

Below is some of what the shop manual has to say on the convertible top function. The actual trouble shooting is quite specialized because special tools are required. It sounds like you may have a faulty micro-switch

I am having a problem with my top also, it is in the convertible top fully open (or down) position. When I actuate the top switch I get the click clack sound from the control module but no action. Recently I topped up the hyd fluid (as per Izzy's DIY)to correct an intermitant cab top function and the top worked perfect.

I have two questions for those who have moved the top by manual method;

If I put the top up by the emergency (manual) method, will the top need to be calibrated?

Does anyone know if the durametric code reading software can read and clear top function codes?

This is alittle long and no diagrams

911 Carrera (996) Convertible-top diagnosis

General information

Diagnosis

The monitoring of signals by the convertibletop

control module enables the system to

perform reliable, precise diagnosis. Further,

certain additional functions, such as e.g.

test of drive links and of input signals

can be activated using the Porsche

System Tester 2 and their

function checked.

General infonnation

Convertible-top control

Each single step of the opening/closing process

is only executed on condition that the preceding

step was performed correctly.

If a single step is not confirmed within a

given time, the actuation of the drive

motor is interrupted. The fault memory can be read out and

erased with the Porsche System

Tester 2. The diagnostic socket is

located below the knee guard

on the driver's side.

At the beginning of a process, the limit switch

or potentiometer values have a particular

configuration, which is examined

by the control module.

The control module monitors itself and

the connected components. The results

are read out via the diagnostic interface.

625_96

61 01 Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

Printed in Germany -II, 1998 99661Dl

61-D3Convertible-top diagnosis 911 Carrera (996)

Overview of convertible-top components

Rocker switch 1

2 Warning light

Micro-switch, latching hook (windscreen frame) 3

Micro-switch, convertible-top latch (convertible-top side) 4

Potentiometer I convertible-top interrogation 5

6 Control module

Micro-switch, convertible-top compartment lid (locked) 7

Potentiometer, convertible-top compartment lid interrogation 8

Micro-switch, left/right rear section flap up and down 9

The convertible top is actuated if:

Terminal 15 is connected via ignition.

The parking brake input is connected to ground (parking brake engaged),

No speedometer signals greater than 5 km/h (3 mph) are present.

Engine compartment lid is closed (input not at ground potential),

61 -D 7 61 01 Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

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Fault memory

Overview of possible faults

1 Switch position implausible

2 Button short to ground

3 Convertible-top pot. fault

4 CTCL pot. fault

5 Timeout error

6 Calibration necessary

7 Supply voltage

8

8

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99661Dl

Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

Printed in GenT1any -II, 1998Convertible-top diagnosis 911 Carrera (996)

Fault, Fault code Possible causes, elimination, notes

Test point 1

Switch position implausible

Fault code 01 This fault is only stored in the memory when an operation

has taken place

(button or comfort function with the key).

1. Check response of micro-switches of rear section flaps left and right.

A defective micro-switch must be replaced.

Refer to Servo No. 61 41 19

2. Check response of micro-switch in convertible-top latch.

If the micro-switch is defective, replace the convertible-top latch.

Test point 2

Button short to ground

Fault code 02 1. Check pin 1 to pin 4 for continuity (bitmap on "close" switch),

check button pin 2 to pin 4 for continuity

(bitmap on "open" switch).

2. Measure resistance of wires 1 and 2 to one another with

the ohmmeter. Display 1.8 -2.0 K .0.

. 6101

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Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

Printed in Germany -11, 1998

61 -D 14(;onvertible-top diagnosis 911 Carrera (996)

Fault Fault code Possible causes, elimination, notes OJ 0 , -.

Test point 3

Convertible-top pot. fault

Fault code 03 This fault is only stored in the memory if the voltage at the input

of the convertible-top potentiometer exceeds or falls below

the operating range.

1. Switch ignition off and remove ignition key. With test adapter 9619,

9636 and pin template 9636, measure the resistance of

the convertible-top potentiometer at row I, pins 12, 21

and 24 with the ohmmeter. If the display 00 .Q appears,

the convertible-top potentiometer must be replaced.

Refer to Servo No. 61 66 19

2. Switch on the ignition and measure at row 1, pins 12 and 21,

with the voltmeter; nominal value (display) 0.4 -4.4 volts.

If there is no voltage display, replace the control module.

3. Calibrate the convertible top

Test point 4

CTCL pot. fault

Fault code 04 This fault is only stored in the memory if the voltage at the input

of the convertible-top compartment lid potentiometer exceeds

or falls below the operating range.

1. Switch ignition off and remove ignition key. With test adapter

9619,9636 and pin template 9636, measure the resistance

of the convertible-top compartment lid potentiometer at row I,

pins I, 3 and 5 with the ohmmeter. If the display 00 .0. appears,

the potentiometer and drive motor must be replaced.

Refer to Servo No. 61 70 19

2. Switch on the ignition and measure at row 3, pins 1 and 3,

with the voltmeter; nominal value (display) 0.5 -4.4 volts.

If there is no voltage display, replace the control module.

3. Calibrate the convertible top

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8

Fault, Fault code Possible causes, elimination, notes

Test point 5

Timeout error

Fault code 05 This fault is only stored in the memory if an electric motor is

actuated and does not reach the limit position within 6 seconds,

or the potentiometers of the convertible top and CTCL do not

show any change in voltage within 3 seconds.

To check the micro-switch input signals, select the input signals which

appear in the menu: Latch locked, Latch unlocked, Convertible top,

Convertible-top compartment lid side flaps, Latching hook. Actuate

the micro-switch manually (press it) to read the response in

the bitmap positions of the tester display.

-;~

0

192_98

If the convertible top is between "Convertible top closed" and

"Convertible top forward" and if the "Convertible top raised" input

is connected to ground (contact for micro-switch of convertible-top

latch does not lie against the top edge of the cowl panel and

does not switch), examine the tension of the convertible-top

covering using the left and right tension cables or, if necessary,

loosen by 1 or 2 turns so that the contact lies against the top

edge of the cowl panel and switches.

Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

Printed in Germany -11, 1998

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61 -D 16911 Carrera (996) Convertible-top diagnosis

Fault, Fault code Possible causes, elimination, notes

193_98

If the convertible top is in the forward position (diagram) on closing,

check the response of the micro-switch -unlocked or not unlocked

(small diagram) -in the convertible-top latch.

If the micro-switch is defective, replace the convertible-top latch.

194_98

If the convertible top is in the rear position (diagram) on opening,

check the response of the micro-switch -unlocked or not unlocked

(small diagram) -in the convertible-top latch.

If the micro-switch is defective, replace the convertible-top latch.

61 -D 17 61 01 Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

Printed in Germany -II, 1998 99661D14Fault, Fault code Possible causes, elimination, notes

195_98

If the convertible top is in the centre front position (diagram) on closing,

check the response of the micro-switch -not locked or locked

(small diagram) -in the convertible-top latch.

If the micro-switch is defective, replace the convertible-top latch.

8

196_98

If the convertible top is in the centre rear position (diagram) on opening,

check the response of the micro-switch -not locked or locked

(small diagram) -in the convertible-top latch.

If the micro-switch is defective, replace the convertible-top latch.

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Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top911 Carrera (996) Convertible-top diagnosis

197_98

If the convertible top is in the closed position (diagram) and the latching

hook has been actuated, check the response of the convertible top

(CTCl) micro-switch or adjust the Bowden cable of the central locking

hook in such a way that the micro-switch switches.

A defective micro-switch must be replaced.

Refer to Servo No. 61 81 19

If the convertible top remains in a position not described here:

6. Switch ignition off and remove ignition key. With test adapter

9619,9636 and pin template 9636, measure the resistance

of the convertible-top compartment lid potentiometer at row 3,

pins I, 3 and 5 with the ohmmeter. If the display 00 .0. appears

the potentiometer and drive motor must be replaced.

Refer to Servo No. 61 7019

7. Switch ignition off and remove ignition key. With test adapter

9619, 9636 and pin template 9636, measure the resistance

of the convertible-top potentiometer at row 1, pins 12, 21

and 24 with the ohmmeter. If the display 00 .Q appears,

the convertible-top potentiometer must be replaced.

Refer to Servo No. 61 66 19

61 01 Diagnosis/troubleshooting, convertible top

Printed in Germany -11, 1998 99661D14

61 -D 19

Printed inConvertible-top diagnosis 911 Carrera (996)

Test point 6

Calibration necessary

Fault code 06

This fault is stored in the memory after 1000 actuations or

if fault code 03, convertible-top pot. fault, or fault code 04,

CTCL pot. fault, is entered.

1. Read out and delete actuation counter 2.

2. A newly installed control module has not been calibrated.

3. Proceed as described in test points 3 or 4.

4. Calibrate the convertible top

Test point 7

Supply voltage

Fault code 07 1. Check the battery or alternator.

2. Inspect the plug connection on the control module for corrosion,

8

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61 -D 20 Germany -11, 1998

[a1certified]

Well, I checked the hydraulic fluid reservoir. It was indeed a bit low. I added 10cc of fluid. Being an anesthesiologist, I have access to all manner of syringes and IV tubing which made it very easy to rig together a hydraulic fluid refilling apparatus.

But, alas, no change in the operation of the top. Currently has a schedule for a service visit at the dealer on Monday.

The service advisor said something about having to readjust the timing or replace cables as being the most common remedies for what sounds like my problem over the phone. We'll see. Hopefully it will be a one day in the shop fix and won't hurt the pocketbook too much.

But this is getting to be prime convertible season here in Washington, D.C. and it's gotta be done!

If anyone has any other suggestions between now and Sunday night, I'm still open to trying other fixes.

Thanks,

David

[a1certified]

A day in the shop, at who knows how many hundreds of dollars, and no answer yet. It is not a fault of the front latch. It is not a fault of the controller board. They're estimating another 4 hours tomorrow of diagnosis at about $500. Ouch.

David

[a1certified]

3 days in the shop. $1200 later. The piece that was broken was a small piece of plastic on the driver side flap that actuates a sensor to tell the top that the flaps are in place and that the top can start moving towards closing. Once that piece was changed (the whole flap was replaced, I believe) the rest of the top opening/closing orchestra could continue unimpeded. An expensive fix for a small piece of plastic. But it was 75 degrees and sunny yesterday afternoon. Makes it much easier to forget the pain of the service repair bill.

[eastriver]

u know if u can post some pic. of that $1200 piece. would be really helpful