Top malfunction

[Boxster_luver]

So I tried to put my top down today and as I unlatched the top the windows whent down as they should, but then when I pressed the button to bring the top back nothing happend! Everything was as it should have been; the e-brake was on, the car was on, I even restarted the car a couple of times but still nothing..not even a sputter.

[Lil bastard]

Was the e-brake dash light on? The top mechanism requires this circuit to be energized in order to operate and the microswitch in the center console is notorious for getting dirty and sticking. Also, the latch microswitch in the windshield header is also pretty famous for sticking as well.

For the e-brake, try keeping the button pressed and pulling and releasing several times to insure the dash light goes on indicating it's not the issue. Then take something small and press it into the latch opening on the windshield header to make sure that switch is operating as well, you'll feel whether it's clicking on and off.

If all these things check out, confirm that the top motor fuse (D3) is not blown and make sure that the top control relay is seated properly in the relay panel in the driver footwell - it's the only double-sized relay in the panel making it easy to identify. Pull it and make sure the terminals aren't corroded or dirty, then reseat it properly - it's possible to inadvertently kick it with your foot dislodging it.

If none of this works, report back here, but it's usually one of these 4 components.

[Boxster_luver]

It's the darndest thing but as soon as I drove to work this morning and tried to open my top it worked with no hesitation and has been working all day. Do you think I should mess with it or leave it alone?

[jjanari]

I second li'l bastard. check the relay near the footwell. I removed it and sprayed it with some crc electronics cleaner when I had an issue w/the top and had no subsequent problems.

[j.fro]

Boxster_luver, I know you've also had intermittent problems with your radio along with the top problem...I'm beginning to think it may be your ignition switch that's causing your electrical gremlins. (Search "ignition switch" and read what you come up with)
Anyone else think it's the ignition switch??