Help! Top isn't going down...
 

Hi,

I'm a *very* new owner of a 2002 Boxster S, whose top didn't work this afternoon--rats!!!--Memorial Day weekend! Here's my story:

I don't have a manual with the car, and it's my first Boxster. I bought it at an auction, so I don't have manuals, records, or anything. At first I couldn't get the top to operate reliably, then someone told me I had to have the handbrake on and had no problems. Now it's been sitting for about a week and again I can't operate the top. I *do* have the handbrake on, key in Position "1" (or the car running), but I'm not getting any top motor action. I'm hoping that it's something simple/dumb again, but my mechanic is gone of the weekend. Any clues? The only thing that has happened since I last had the top down was the car was detailed. Windows partially lower when the latch is released, but no power when depressing the switch.

TIA for any suggestions and have a great holiday weekend!

Stephen Porter
Los Angeles

P.S. Feel free to email me directly at stp@pobox.com

I assume you are doing this but you need to make sure the latch is fully released. If it is only partially so, the top won't come down.

BTW-I would buy a manual ASAP! These cars have their quirks!

Enjoy your Box!

Thanks....
 

Hi,

Thanks for the tip. Someone from another Boxster list pointed out what is most likely the problem. There is a microswitch in the parking brake mechanism that "tells" the car the brake is engaged. The "PARK" light in the dash is lit also. When I checked, my "PARK" light isn't on, so I assume the microswitch is not functioning. I hope this is a fairly easy/inexpensive repair.

stp