Top working intermittently

[Tool Pants]

Then the top control unit/relay is the next part to check.

I usually pull it out, give it a tap, and put it back in. Don't have a dog.

The windows operate through this unit. That is why you hear the click.

If you were in my area I have a new spare unit you could try.

[denverpete]

I have nothing really to add to this discussion except that YOU ROCK Toolpants!

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I agree with Tool Pants and the Dealer, if it's a Heat Sensitive Fault, the Relay is most likely to blame. Replace it and I bet you're good to go...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[RandallNeighbour]

Pete, Jeff has a picture (and excellent advice) for just about every mod and part on our cars. It's really amazing...

[98Boxster98]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I agree with Tool Pants and the Dealer, if it's a Heat Sensitive Fault, the Relay is most likely to blame. Replace it and I bet you're good to go...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

You know, that's what I thought with mine too and I ordered a relay through Sunset Porsche. I installed the microswitch first while waiting for the relay and the problem went away. I still haven't installed my new relay. The new relay is about $45 from Sunset so it doesn't hurt too bad to acquire both parts.

[986 in BC]

Thanks for all the advice.

I went to the stealership today, but the service guy had already gone. I went to parts and bought a new microswitch, just to try that. Same thing as before, so now I have an extra microswitch. Parts must be a lot more up here. The microswitch cost me CDN$58.00 (~US$52) and they want CDN$120 (~US$110) for a new relay. They had to order the relay from Atlanta.

When I press the dash switch for the top, I hear the relay clicking. I put my ear to the tonneau cover to see if I could hear anything from the motor. Nothing, not even a click.

In case you're wondering why I mentioned the dog, in one of the old threads on RennTech, one of the posts mentions his relay working after his dog took it.

Johan

[98Boxster98]

Originally Posted by 986 in BC

Thanks for all the advice.

I went to the stealership today, but the service guy had already gone. I went to parts and bought a new microswitch, just to try that. Same thing as before, so now I have an extra microswitch. Parts must be a lot more up here. The microswitch cost me CDN$58.00 (~US$52) and they want CDN$120 (~US$110) for a new relay. They had to order the relay from Atlanta.

When I press the dash switch for the top, I hear the relay clicking. I put my ear to the tonneau cover to see if I could hear anything from the motor. Nothing, not even a click.

In case you're wondering why I mentioned the dog, in one of the old threads on RennTech, one of the posts mentions his relay working after his dog took it.

Johan

Oh, bummer. Prices are higher in Canada. I bought the microswitch at the stealership for the list price of $41.23. I have no explanation for why the microswitch worked in my case. I'm in Texas, it's been pretty warm recently (highs mid 80s to mid 90s) and the top has been working fine. I did in fact try cooling off the relay in the refrigerator before I replaced any parts and it didn't seem to help. I replaced my microswitch since in all likelihood the switch was eight years so I thought it was good preventative maintenance. I didn't expect my intermittent problem to cease upon its installation which is why I ordered a relay. Before I replace the switch, the problem was like clockwork; start car, lower top, top doesn't go up at destination. Several hours later, top goes back up.

I mentioned Sunset Porsche in Oregon because they offer parts for cost + 15%. On my Sunset receipt, the relay list price is $74.47 and net cost is $49.67. Shipping cost is $8.20.

I know exactly what you meant with dog - I have seen the post that you are referencing.

Please let us know what the solution in your case is. I recall that 986forum member deliriousga reported an intermittent problem with his convertible top earlier this year but I don't think he got a chance to post what his solution is. Let's hope it is the relay in your case.

[986 in BC]

I went to the dealer today to check on the relay.
They installed the relay and... nothing! So its not the relay.
The mechanic told me that he's never had to replace the latch microswitch. If the windows go down when you unlatch the top then the microswitch is good. Since the windows just started to go down again, I don't feel bad about changing it.

I told them that it motor must have gone. I left the car with them for the day to "investigate" the problem and sure enough the motor is dead. They have to order the motor from Atlanta so it won't be fixed for another week. They want $380 Cdn (US$330)! I couldn't believe it, but living on an island, I don't have much of a choice in dealer.

When it worked some of the time it must of been on its deathbed.

Johan