Convertible Top Not Working - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

fcienfuegos · 04-09-2006, 08:57 AM

I have a 99 boxter and I'm having problems with the convertible top, before I head to the dealer I would like to know if there is anything that can help with my problem.

The problem is that when I press the button to open the top nothing happens, no noises, sounds or movement of any kind, as if the buttom wasn't working...I checked the fuse and it looks ok...what can it be??? I've read on the forum about checking the relays, where I they? how do I access them? are they expensive if I need to replace them?

Thanks for your help.

FC

MNBoxster · 04-09-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fcienfuegos

I have a 99 boxter and I'm having problems with the convertible top, before I head to the dealer I would like to know if there is anything that can help with my problem.

The problem is that when I press the button to open the top nothing happens, no noises, sounds or movement of any kind, as if the buttom wasn't working...I checked the fuse and it looks ok...what can it be??? I've read on the forum about checking the relays, where I they? how do I access them? are they expensive if I need to replace them?

Thanks for your help.

FC

Hi,

There are fuses and relays, but the most likely culprit(s) is the Micro-Switch either in the Parking Brake or the Windshield Header (in the Latch Bracket). You can eliminate the Switch in the Windshield Header by getting a pencil, chop stick or similar rod, sufficient that it will insert into the slot for the Latch. Insert it and gently push and release until you see/feel the switch give, then try the Top again. For the Brake, it's a little more difficult, but sometimes holding the Button on the Handbrake and runing it up/down several times may work. If not, go on to check fuses and relays. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

fcienfuegos · 04-09-2006, 09:36 AM

Thanks Jim, I think that the Micro-Switch either in the Windshield Header (in the Latch Bracket) is working because the windows go down once I un-latch the bracket...Do you knows where can I find the relays? how to check them?

FC

denverpete · 04-09-2006, 12:32 PM

I don't want to assume anything, so please don't take this the wrong way - but did you have the parking brake engaged (parking brake light on)? It won't work otherwise. I know I've made that "mistake" before.

kabel · 04-09-2006, 03:35 PM

I just delt with this today. Top stopped working this week.

With the ignition on, pull up on the parking brake… does the “Park” light on the dash come on? If not the culprit is probably the parking brake switch. I was unable to entirely remove the center console but by removing the ashtray and the window switch panel I could see the switch. It is toward the back of the brake handle mechanisms. Luckily my problem turned out to be a loose connection. I pushed/reseated the plug into the switch and I was back in business.

The relay for the top is up under the driver side of the dash, it is a large relay box almost entirely covered with a white label, with a black arrow I think. Check to see if that relay is firmly seated.

Hope that helps.

fcienfuegos · 04-09-2006, 07:22 PM

denverpete, the parking brake was definately engaged...I will have to chk if the BRAKE light is coming on as I did not notice, I was more concern with the top not working...

kabel, thanks for the info on the relay, I'm going to my garage and check if the brake light is turning on or not...hopefully it is something simple as your problem...

FC

fcienfuegos · 04-14-2006, 07:39 AM

I was out of town for a few days, but I just noticed that the rake light does not tunr on, so it must be the switch that Kable described...I'll try to fix it today.

Thanks for your help.

mach schnell · 04-14-2006, 07:55 AM

fcienfuego - were you at the lil thing in Ontario last weekend - parked next to a newer Vette? Asking cuz it was nice 986 with a similar like personalized plate. If so, nice car - the Porsche, of course!

xclusivecar · 04-14-2006, 11:40 AM

My brake light wasn't coming on either until I drove the car and used the hand brake to slowly come to a stop. The light then turned on and I was able to lower the roof. No problems in 4 weeks now. I don't know why it worked...but it did. Try it!

ct_boxster · 04-16-2006, 04:53 PM

Why is this in the performance forum?

xclusivecar · 04-16-2006, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct_boxster

Why is this in the performance forum?

Who cares? This is where the post was started...so be it. There are many, many posts in the wrong "forums" on this site but nobody questions it much. Were all here to help each other...not worry about trivial problems such as the above question.

Cold Warrior · 04-16-2006, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xclusivecar

Who cares? This is where the post was started...so be it. There are many, many posts in the wrong "forums" on this site but nobody questions it much. Were all here to help each other...not worry about trivial problems such as the above question.

Just for future reference, where does one post threads of this nature? I thought this was "Performance and Technical chat".

CW

dbw · 07-21-2009, 07:42 PM

Just had a roof problem today as discussed here and through the "search" function found this thread. Gives me a couple ideas for things to check out tormorrow. Had my 2004 Boxster just 2 months and there is lots to learn yet.

Thanks very much to all who posted here.
Dave

J60SON · 03-23-2010, 03:30 AM

I too have a roof problem, the handbrake is up, the gear in neutral but when I dissengage the roof latch the windows come down as normal. However when I press the switch to bring the top down..... nothing, i tapped the interior light area and it worked again, it was like this for a week or 2 until it packed in completely. Now i thought the interior light microswitch was only for the windows?? This is confusing me, can someone clarify?
Thanks Jason