Convertible top problem
 

My power top stopped working properly. The passenger side stopped engaging. I was able to put the top up some how... but it's not up properly. I don't have the specs, but are there two separate motors to control the top? Because I would best describe this as the passenger side motor is not working. Is this an easy fix? How much damage am I looking at if I take this to the dealer? Thanks.

The way you describe the problem I'm going to guess you have a 986. (Always include your year) It sounds as if you have snapped a roof transmission cable(s). This is pretty common on older Boxsters. If you have not bent the clamshell too bad a dealership will nick you for about $1500.00 to fix this. It is not for the everyday DIY. If the clamshell is severely bent there could be a bodyshop involved. It happened to me on my '97, "ouch". That's where the estimate came from! Good Luck!!

Thanks for the quick response. It's an '01 2.7. So you don't think this is a motor issue, but a cable issue.

It's hard to diagnose this without a look see. Most of the conv. top issues on 986's are cable related. Design flaw. If you heard roof motor sounds the drive system was working. The big issue with this problem is the clamshell bending. That's where the REAL money comes from. Not that the cable replcement is cheap! Good news is that if you replace the cables the new ones are redesigned and tend not to fail. Been there...Done that! Best of luck on your repair experience!

There is a single motor driving a pair of transmission cables. These have been known to be problematic.

They either break, or the cable sleeve shrinks as it ages and disengages the cable end from the transmission.

This is different from the tension cables with the ball-end sockets mounted on the sides.

You need to put the top into the Service position to find out which - the motor is centered. Replacement is fairly straightforward, but requires synchronizing with it's opposite to have both sides operate in unison. This is done with an electric or cordless drill turning the replacement cable (PN# 986.561.727.02) until eveythings equal.

It could also be that the plastic gears in the transmission (one on each side driven by the transmission cables already mentioned) have stripped. The R&R for this also requires that the cables be sync'd as above. I hope it's just the cable because the transmission is much more spendy.