intermitent soft top operation issue

[jakell2010]

I have a 99 boxster, and sometimes the top just refuses to work, ignition on, windows drop, unlatch the latch and nothing (yes E brake light is on on dash),, reset the latch and brake and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, also does the same thing when it is down and your trying to raise it,,,,,set the brake, light comes on , ignition to ON, and nothing,,pul up on the brake a few times and it works,,,but sometimes it won't,,,,

Question where is the safety switch for the parking brake?, also which relay is it in the back?

the motor sounds strong when it runs

It seems like one of the safety switches isn't being set



thanks
Joe

[schoir]

Originally Posted by jakell2010

I have a 99 boxster, and sometimes the top just refuses to work, ignition on, windows drop, unlatch the latch and nothing (yes E brake light is on on dash),, reset the latch and brake and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, also does the same thing when it is down and your trying to raise it,,,,,set the brake, light comes on , ignition to ON, and nothing,,pul up on the brake a few times and it works,,,but sometimes it won't,,,,

Question where is the safety switch for the parking brake?, also which relay is it in the back?

the motor sounds strong when it runs

It seems like one of the safety switches isn't being set



thanks
Joe

Joe:

If your emergency brake light is lit on the dashboard every time, and you are still having the intermittent operation that you have described, it could be one of four possible causes:

1. One of the two microswitches inside the convertible top latch housing at the center of the top edge of the windshield;
2. Dead spot(s) on electric motor;
3. Faulty convertible top double relay
4. Fuses B3 and/or D6 loose, corrosion at fuse terminal(s).

According to what you have described, the most likely suspect is #1. That one can be intermittent depending on the ambient temperature.

You have to examine that particular microswitch very carefully, as the parallel strips have solder joints that can develop hairline cracks that are not easily visible.
You can heat the joints and flow a little solder on the joints or replace the microswitch.

The other three causes are possibilities, but not quite as common.

Regards, Maurice.

[jakell2010]

Are they worth messing with?? would it be easier to just replace the or it?, how much are they? If i took it to my OPC what would it cost?, which relays is the top relay?

[jakell2010]

Yup it's that little switch, play with it and it works,,,,whats the remedy??,,,how hard is it too replace?

[schoir]

Originally Posted by jakell2010

Yup it's that little switch, play with it and it works,,,,whats the remedy??,,,how hard is it too replace?

Relatively easy to replace with DIY.

Take a look at the latch housing, it's fairly straightforward, or do a search here.

Most of the time, that microswitch can be salvaged by just heating it up and flowing on a little solder.

Regards, Maurice.