Problem with convertible roof - Page 2 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Fastass986 · 04-02-2011, 11:35 PM

Can u tell me where to get. A new sensor Maurice since u know alot about conv tops my windows do not go down when I release the latch but they do go down when I open and shut the doors and my light does come on when i pull the ebrake can someone help me please I need help bad my top won't go down mint Carrera white 99 boxster

schoir · 04-03-2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastass986

Can u tell me where to get. A new sensor Maurice since u know alot about conv tops my windows do not go down when I release the latch but they do go down when I open and shut the doors and my light does come on when i pull the ebrake can someone help me please I need help bad my top won't go down mint Carrera white 99 boxster

Fast:

There are two microswitches in the latch receptacle assembly. There is one on the left side of the assembly (has a large plunger that juts out when the latch is open). That one controls the 4" window drop that occurs immediately when you pull down the latch to open the top. There is another one on the right side of the assembly, and that is the one that activates the convertible top double relay.

You can get a replacement microswitch from either ****************************************************.com, ****************************************************.com or Pelicanparts.com. You could also get it from your local dealer, but it will be more expensive.

You may also be able to take apart the microswitch and repair it.

To gain access to the microswitch you have to remove the latch plate at the center of the windshield frame. Pop out the two little black plastic "eyes" by carefully prying them off with a very small flat blade screwdriver or borrow one of those "orange sticks" that women use on their fingernails to pry them out. Remove the small torx bolt that you will find under each one of the two eyes. Remove them and then pull down the latch plate carefully until you can see and access the wires for the switch and for the light. Unplug the wires and the latch plate will come off. You will find two fragile retaining clips that attach the switch to the underside of the latch plate. These are easy to break, so use a pair of small needle nose pliers to pull them off, very gently. You can reuse these if you are careful by squeezing the cross sections that are located at the center of the clips until they are flattened.

Regards, Maurice.

Fastass986 · 04-08-2011, 03:27 PM

YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!

schoir · 04-08-2011, 04:14 PM

Fast:

Your Boxster looks like it's smiling!

What happened?

Regards, Maurice.

Fastass986 · 04-12-2011, 01:31 PM

NOW MY PROBLEM IS THE E BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT COMING ON AND IT WAS IS IT A SENSOR AND HOW DO I REPLACE IT OR CAN IT BE FIXED W/OUT PURCHASING A NEW PART??????

schoir · 04-12-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastass986

NOW MY PROBLEM IS THE E BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT COMING ON AND IT WAS IS IT A SENSOR AND HOW DO I REPLACE IT OR CAN IT BE FIXED W/OUT PURCHASING A NEW PART??????

If the E-brake light is not coming on the convertible top motor will not get power.

Sometimes pulling on the handbrake up and down, with varying degrees of force and speed, will revive the microswitch and get the light back on.

If that doesn't work, you can try blowing some compressed air at the microswitch, which is located below the base of where the e-brake meets the console.

Otherwise, unless you can get access through the side of the console, you will have to remove to clean or repair/replace the microswitch.

Regards, Maurice.

RandallNeighbour · 04-12-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

The procedure is well described in the Bentley Manual, which is an absolute must if you own one of these cars.

Truer words have never been uttered. Buy one ASAP.

Fastass986 · 04-13-2011, 07:52 AM

Will the top not go back down w/right side sensor as well??? Or do u think its the electric motor????

schoir · 04-13-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastass986

Will the top not go back down w/right side sensor as well??? Or do u think its the electric motor????

The electric motor operates both sides at the same time, as long as the cables, transmissions and pushrods are intact.

I don't know what you mean by "right side sensor".

You can test the electric motor easily by disconnecting the connector and applying 12V.

Regards, Maurice.

Fastass986 · 04-13-2011, 05:18 PM

I Mean The Right Side Visor Sensor Cause I Got The Light To Come On Ebrake, The Top Went Back Down And Then I Tried To Put Up 3 Hours Later After Driving And Went To Put Top Up And It Stopped Half Way So No The Top Is Stuck Open, Nice Huh.....think I Need Sensor In Ebrake And Does The Sensor On Left Stop Motor From Working And Maybe Motor????

schoir · 04-13-2011, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastass986

I Mean The Right Side Visor Sensor Cause I Got The Light To Come On Ebrake, The Top Went Back Down And Then I Tried To Put Up 3 Hours Later After Driving And Went To Put Top Up And It Stopped Half Way So No The Top Is Stuck Open, Nice Huh.....think I Need Sensor In Ebrake And Does The Sensor On Left Stop Motor From Working And Maybe Motor????

If your e-brake light goes on, there is no need to replace the e-brake microswitch as you can always tell when it's not working: the e-brake light will not go on and you will not get power to the electric motor.

There is no sensor in either the left or the right visor, but there are two microswitches inside the latch receptacle assembly.

If you don't have a dead spot on the electric motor, the intermittent operation is probably being caused by the microswitch inside the right side of the latch assembly. That one also supplies power to the electric motor. You have to check that one closely for hairline cracks because heat/cold will sometimes cause the connection to be made/broken.

Regards, Maurice.

Fastass986 · 04-14-2011, 05:27 AM

Would That Be The Right Side Micro Switch And Or The Top Motor Since It Did Go Half Way Have U Ever Seen That Happen Before?????? Would The Microswitch Do That Conk Out In The Middle Of The Cycle????

schoir · 04-14-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastass986

Would That Be The Right Side Micro Switch And Or The Top Motor Since It Did Go Half Way Have U Ever Seen That Happen Before?????? Would The Microswitch Do That Conk Out In The Middle Of The Cycle????

It is unusual for either one of those to stop working mid-cycle, but not unheard of.

The microswitch in question has two parallel strips, and it can develop a hairline crack in a number of places. You have to examine it with a magnifying glass and test it for continuity, preferably when the top has stopped operating.

When an electric motor has a dead spot, it will spin, but not usually start spinning when it is at the dead spot. Once it starts spinning, the dead spot usually does not have effect because it rotates past the dead spot while it's spinning.

Also, if you can swap somebody else's double relay when you get the top stuck in mid-cycle, that might help you pinpoint the source of the problem.

Regards, Maurice.