Top working intermittently - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

986 in BC · 06-01-2006, 12:16 AM

Has anyone else heard of, or had, this problem...

I have a 97 and for the longest time the windows wouldn't lower when I unlatched the top. Then all of a sudden the top wouldn't raise or lower, but only when it was warm out or when it was parked in the sun. I pulled the relay, tapped it a few times (didn't give it to the dog though) and replaced it. Now the windows lower properly, but the top still doesn't want to move when it's warm. One other thing is that when it doesn't want to move, the top idiot light turns on and doesn't shut off no matter what I do. Until I leave it parked in the garage where its cool, then the top works, sometimes.
What do you think? Bad relay or bad motor?

Tool Pants · 06-01-2006, 02:41 AM

There is a pair of microswitches where the hook for the latch goes. Next time the top does not work stick you finger where the latch goes and push in and out while you hold down the top button.

98Boxster98 · 06-01-2006, 11:12 AM

My convertible top was recently working intermittently and it was hard to pinpoint because just checking the latch microswitch for on/off functionality didn't seem to indicate that it was the source of the problem. I would start my car in the morning, go for a drive and then at my destination my top wouldn't go up. Wait several hours, start the car again and the top worked normally, going back up to the closed position. I replaced the latch microswitch (it's not very expensive and an easy job) and now for about six weeks, I haven't had any problems. I pretty much lower the top every time I drive the car.

986 in BC · 06-01-2006, 06:48 PM

Thanks
I've tried sticking my finger where the latch goes and nothing. I do hear the windows click a little as if they think they have to go down and then realize they're already there.
I had the same problem as 98Boxster98, but now it has progressed to only working when it's cool. Anything over 16C (61F) and nothing.
The mechanic at the dealership thinks it's the relay. They ordered one, but I haven't gone back to check it.
I'll check on the latch microswitch, especially since the windows just started going down again, they hadn't moved automatically in about two years. I'll see if they have that microswitch in stock.

06-01-2006, 07:50 PM

I had it happen twice... released and reset the hand brake on both occasions and the problem resolved itself. Hasn't happened in several months tho.

Tool Pants · 06-01-2006, 09:27 PM

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.

flyride · 06-06-2006, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 986 in BC

Thanks
I've tried sticking my finger where the latch goes and nothing. I do hear the windows click a little as if they think they have to go down and then realize they're already there.
I had the same problem as 98Boxster98, but now it has progressed to only working when it's cool. Anything over 16C (61F) and nothing.
The mechanic at the dealership thinks it's the relay. They ordered one, but I haven't gone back to check it.
I'll check on the latch microswitch, especially since the windows just started going down again, they hadn't moved automatically in about two years. I'll see if they have that microswitch in stock.

Hey guys,

I just picked up my 97 Boxster today, put the roof down for the ride home, and now I can't get it back up... the windows will not go up and down either. Been reading threads since I got home, and I just went out and tryed what was suggested here about putting your finger in the microswitch, and I can hear the windows click and a click from the back but it doesn't sound like the motor is running. I've let it cool down, and I'm still not getting anywhere... any suggestions on where to look next?

Thanks in advance!
-Adam

98Boxster98 · 06-06-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyride

Hey guys,

I just picked up my 97 Boxster today, put the roof down for the ride home, and now I can't get it back up... the windows will not go up and down either. Been reading threads since I got home, and I just went out and tryed what was suggested here about putting your finger in the microswitch, and I can hear the windows click and a click from the back but it doesn't sound like the motor is running. I've let it cool down, and I'm still not getting anywhere... any suggestions on where to look next?

Thanks in advance!
-Adam

Hi Adam and unfortunately welcome to our dubious club of squirrelly top operation. Is your parking brake light lit when when you attempt to operate the top? It has been the experience of some that removing the relay and replacing it can sometimes cure your ills. The forum over at www.renntech.org is an excellence source for troubleshooting the top. There is an Adobe pdf document put together by Ron Bonner (?) on troubling the convertible top switches over at Renntech. Good luck, buddy.