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Old 01-19-2018, 05:08 PM   #1
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Top will not fully open / go down

On the "new to us" Boxster... 03 with glass window...

Top functions as it should EXCEPT it won't fully go down. It retracts and the clamshell goes down but winds up leaving a small (1/4 to 1/2 inch perhaps?) gap between the back of the clamshell and the rear decklid. The warning light on the dash DOES turn off, indicating the car thinks it's fully stowed.

Pictures attached below that try to illustrate the nature of the problem.

I can't find anything wrong with it. I took it by my shop and after a day they said they don't know what's wrong with it either. It's nothing mechanical, and no physical interference can be found.

It's got the subwoofer, but that doesn't appear to be the problem. We even removed it and the carpet just to check, and the result is the same.

If I push down with quite some force before the assembly stops moving I can get it to seat, but only just.

Has anyone run into this? Is there some sort of adjustment that can be made?






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Last edited by gtoger; 01-19-2018 at 05:25 PM.
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Old 01-22-2018, 07:23 AM   #2
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No ideas on this? I guess the tops are just incredibly complicated!
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2003 Porsche 986 Boxster S, Black / Tan
RIP: 1998 Porsche 986, Arena Red / Savanna Beige (wrecked)
1990 Pontiac Trans Am GTA .:. 1990 Corvette ZR-1 (#1930) .:. 1992 Pontiac Firehawk (#010)
1931 Ford Model A Tudor .:. 1967 Pontiac GTO .:. 1986 Pontiac Trans Am basket-case
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Old 01-22-2018, 07:33 AM   #3
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There is/are microswitches that tell the system when the top is fully open and fully closed. I suspect that the one that tells the system that yours is fully open has been displaced.

If you think a Boxster top mechanism is complicated you ain't seen nuth'in. The top mechanism on my Mercedes CLK 350 is a nightmare of hydraulic cylinders, microswitches and levers.
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Old 01-22-2018, 05:34 PM   #4
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I have a 97, originally with a plastic window, that I've put a 03 glass window top on, and I have exactly the same problem. Mine will 'settle' into place after a bit of driving. I've tried various things but can't get it right, so have pretty much ignored it now.

Some things to check though...

* does the clamshell sit correctly when the top is closed? If it's raised then also, there's 2 plastic 'sockets' on the body under the clamshell that rubber stops on the clamshell fit into, these can be turned to raise or lower where the clamshell sits.

* have you checked the drive cables (that run from the convertible motor under the clamshell to the transmissions on each side) for wear? if these are old they may not drive down the top with enough force at the end of the run.

My only other thought is as Anker says, that the microswitch is saying it's fully 'open' a little too early, but as the switch is built into the newer transmissions I'm not sure if this can be adjusted?

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