Used Red Clip, now top will not operate

[Ebell914]

2000 Boxster S - 56k, great shape!!!

I bought the little red clip so I can have the motion sensor when I leave my top down at night. I left it in for 3 days and now the switch that senses when my top is not latched is messed up. Basically, it does not recognize when I remove the clip.

Anyone else experience this? Is there a way to clean the sensor, or better yet, is there a replacement? (My Box is 100% stock and I baby it with original parts, replacing things so it she new looking and new acting is my addiction to her ) I checked Pelican and they don't seem to have this part.

Thanks for any wisdom!!

[Deserion]

Can try removing the switch and using contact/electrical cleaner to see if that may help.

[JayG]

Having the red clip in is the same as having the top latched. Sounds like the microswitch is sticking

[Dave S.]

Still could be the parking brake switch also. I think you can tell by opening the door and seeing if the window drops. That would verify if the switch at the top latch still thinks the top is closed.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Dave S.

Still could be the parking brake switch also. I think you can tell by opening the door and seeing if the window drops. That would verify if the switch at the top latch still thinks the top is closed.

Good point. Put the windows down without the clip out. Insert the clip and if the windows go up,the switch is good.

If you leave the center armrest cover unmatched and lock the car with the remote, does the horn beep with the clip out?

[Ebell914]

Funny thing is never had a problem until putting the clip in...and I put my top up and down A LOT! Thanks for the guidance though! I will try cleaning it.

[Ebell914]

It is definitely not the brake switch. If I mess with the top latch microswitch, it will eventually start working...I guess I need to clean or replace....I found the switch - it is actually more common than I feared, part # 98661379900. Also only $60-70. Small price to pay to ensure your top goes up before a storm

[thstone]

It is fairly common for the top microswitch to fail. I had to replace mine twice in 3 years (which I found to be almost uncomprehenisble in this day and age - I mean, its German right? Its not like its an Italian part! ). The only good thing is that as Porsche repairs go, this is a simple and relatively affordable one.

[Ebell914]

OK, I found out what happened...my dumb azz put the red clip in wrong, and it held the microswitch open too far for 3 days...the 14 year old metal spring, which was already worn out, just does not have the strength to close the switch now.

Cool thing was, I found a German original on Amazon, of all places!!!

Amazon Visor MicroSwitch - OEM

Thanks to my Prime membership, I will have it in two days and it was half the price of the dealer, which would have taken just as long....

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Ebell914

OK, I found out what happened...my dumb azz put the red clip in wrong, and it held the microswitch open too far for 3 days...the 14 year old metal spring, which was already worn out, just does not have the strength to close the switch now.

Cool thing was, I found a German original on Amazon, of all places!!!

Amazon Visor MicroSwitch - OEM

Thanks to my Prime membership, I will have it in two days and it was half the price of the dealer, which would have taken just as long....

wow, how did you even do that? Mine won't stay in the wrong way

Glad its an easy and not terribly expensive fix for you

[Ebell914]

Really, I feel quite lucky. This switch was ready to go out and if it did on its own, I would have had to check all sorts of things. Since it went out with the event of me using the clip, it was MUCH easier to diagnose.


And Jay - when I said I put it in wrong, not upside down, I just put it in too far and instead of clipping it on the top of the mount, the end just stuck out

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Ebell914

Really, I feel quite lucky. This switch was ready to go out and if it did on its own, I would have had to check all sorts of things. Since it went out with the event of me using the clip, it was MUCH easier to diagnose.


And Jay - when I said I put it in wrong, not upside down, I just put it in too far and instead of clipping it on the top of the mount, the end just stuck out

Like I always say, when in doubt, use a bigger hammer
LOL

[Ebell914]

Originally Posted by JayG

Like I always say, when in doubt, use a bigger hammer
LOL

Awesome!!!! Too bad I lent my nice claw hammer to my G/F!!

[steved0x]

Originally Posted by Ebell914

OK, I found out what happened...my dumb azz put the red clip in wrong, and it held the microswitch open too far for 3 days...the 14 year old metal spring, which was already worn out, just does not have the strength to close the switch now.

Cool thing was, I found a German original on Amazon, of all places!!!

Amazon Visor MicroSwitch - OEM

Thanks to my Prime membership, I will have it in two days and it was half the price of the dealer, which would have taken just as long....

I have gotten tons of good stuff off Amazon for my boxster, hood shocks, new MAF, lug bolts... they seem to have practically everything

[Ebell914]

An update - Amazon part was exact build of original. Replaced today - works flawlessly now