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Old 08-22-2008, 06:04 AM   #3
Burg Boxster
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: In the garage...
Posts: 1,702
Jim / LB is correct - the swap out is easy.

The microswitch in the center latch is sensitive and known to fail. Sometimes it fails just b/c it filthy dirty and other times it's due to the wire contacts point breaking. The contacts can easily be re-soldered if you so choose but you'll need a pencil tip soldering iron.

Anyhow, to remove the center latch housing, use your fingernail and pop out the two black eyes. Behind each is a T-30 torx screw.

Once it's free, try cleaning the the switch (use compressed air or a cotton swab w/ some rubbing alcohol on it. You don't need to reassemble completely to test. Turn the ignition on and put your finger in the switch (as if the top were latched closed) and put your windows all the way up. Then pull your finger out of the latch hole. If the windows drop the 2" like the top is going to be put down, then you're good to go. If not, the contacts may need re-soldered or the entire switch is bad.

Word of extreme caution, when you reinstall the latch housing DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN the T-30 screws. Just snug them up but don't try to over crank them tight. Otherwise, you can split the retaining nut:



which necessitates either removing the windshield to replace them or installing nutserts/pemserts. Replacing them is not an extremely difficult job, but not one to be undertaken just for the "fun of it", right Jim/LB

In case you do need it, here's a DIY I wrote up for installing nutserts to replace split retainers...

Last edited by Burg Boxster; 08-24-2008 at 03:56 AM.
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