SMART Top Relay Question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 03:33 AM

Anyone purchased a SMART Top relay from Pelican or any other distributor? I ask because I received mine in from Pelican today and it looks like a used relay, has oily thumb print on it a paper label that says smartTop mod4cars. I was expecting a new relay for $422.50. Even has an oily smell on it, it appears to be a modified relay as it has a 986.618.199.00 part number.

The picture on the website doesn't match what I received, so just want to see if this is normal. I usually receive brand new parts.

Thanks

edc · 07-03-2018, 05:08 AM

I have one and it is by mods4cars. Can't remember if it has that branding on the unit though or even a part number. It's probably been over 4 years since I looked at it

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edc

I have one and it is by mods4cars. Can't remember if it has that branding on the unit though or even a part number. It's probably been over 4 years since I looked at it

Thanks. I was just surprised at the condition it arrived in. ON the website it said to make sure the top is completely open before you put it in. Is that necessary? I got the relay to postpone the need to install the break micro switch, since its not working. No instructions came in the box just a relay.

ekam · 07-03-2018, 07:04 AM

Does it matter? It goes into the fuse box and you'll never see it again.

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekam

Does it matter? It goes into the fuse box and you'll never see it again.

It does matter, if you pay for something suppose to be new then it should be new! If they tested it then it should be cleaned up. My point is paying $400 for the relay versus one been used for $200 big difference.

ekam · 07-03-2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cunningr

It does matter, if you pay for something suppose to be new then it should be new! If they tested it then it should be cleaned up. My point is paying $400 for the relay versus one been used for $200 big difference.

It's a relay, not a diamond. Pretty sure they modify the OEM relay to create this product, so technically it's not new.

Life is short, why stress about the little things?

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekam

It's a relay, not a diamond. Pretty sure they modify the OEM relay to create this product, so technically it's not new.

Life is short, why stress about the little things?

Well I like to get what I pay for and a little attention to detail on a sale goes along way.

If i remember correctly the new oem relay is $200, not sure how long mod takes so there is plenty of profit margin to provide a nice product.

I dont mind paying, but I do expect to get what I pay for. I have no issue with a modified relay, I do have a problem with reselling a modified used relay with an apperance of being new! There website doesnt clarify that they use new or used but at that price point I expected a new and at least clean part.

particlewave · 07-03-2018, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cunningr

Well I like to get what I pay for and a little attention to detail on a sale goes along way.

If i remember correctly the new oem relay is $200, not sure how long mod takes so there is plenty of profit margin to provide a nice product.

I dont mind paying, but I do expect to get what I pay for. I have no issue with a modified relay, I do have a problem with reselling a modified used relay with an apperance of being new! There website doesnt clarify that they use new or used but at that price point I expected a new and at least clean part.

You're not alone. For over $400, I would have expected a new modified relay.

I'd return it, get a $5 Arduino and do the http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/51822-autotop-diy.html

jdlmodelt · 07-03-2018, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cunningr

It does matter, if you pay for something suppose to be new then it should be new! If they tested it then it should be cleaned up. My point is paying $400 for the relay versus one been used for $200 big difference.

I thought the seller makes it clear they are modifying used relays.

Cunningr · 07-04-2018, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdlmodelt

I thought the seller makes it clear they are modifying used relays.

I purchased through Pelican and did not really do a thorough check because usually I get new parts from pelican. Even now when I read the vendor site it is not clear they say using modified OEM part at $400 for a relay makes it appear they by new OEM relay modify it then resale it. Maybe I missed the used part and honestly I wouldn’t spend $400 on a used electric component normally.

Cunningr · 07-04-2018, 01:17 AM

I think I need to clarify why I asked the question:

First I am not saying the part is new or used because I do not know, this is why I asked the question to see if these normally have the appearance of a used item.

I have worked on electronics for over 20 years and never left grease on a component, either new or used. Takes 1 minute to wipe it off. Does it affect the part probably not, but it goes to providing the customer a better experience.

I personally think this is over priced by $100 with them using a brand new modified OEM relay. But I don't know their labor cost to modify.

Why would I be concerned about receiving a modified OEM used relay you ask?
Well it has no warranty to begin with so I spend money for mod4cars item its expensive, electrical items mal function, so I would expect the best part available to better the chances of a long life.

I am not trying to dis on the vendor, but as far as product appearance I am not impressed. I feel appearance tells a lot on workmanship, whether it affects operation or not.

So the guy with the its not a diamond comment! Since you like to spend high dollar on crap, I have a lot of junk I will gladly sell you at retail!!! I know it ain't know diamond but it cost as much as one!

edc · 07-03-2018, 07:30 AM

You can download the instructions on the internet. As for install Ive used the same one in 2 of my Boxsters and don't recall paying any attention to whether the roof was up or down. I think I only got the instruction many months after it was in. Mine just worked both times

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edc

You can download the instructions on the internet. As for install Ive used the same one in 2 of my Boxsters and don't recall paying any attention to whether the roof was up or down. I think I only got the instruction many months after it was in. Mine just worked both times

Thanks yeah I looked at the internet instructions says make sure top is down before installing. Just seems strange why it matters, since the cut off is a micro switch.

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 08:21 AM

Well got lucky brake micro switch functioned long enough to roll top down.

Now the one touch function doesnt appear to work. The brake is bypassed for sure though. Does the car need to be moving to activate the one touch? Instruction are a little vag when you are sitting still and try one touch.

TrumpyAl · 07-03-2018, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cunningr

Well got lucky brake micro switch functioned long enough to roll top down.

Now the one touch function doesnt appear to work. The brake is bypassed for sure though. Does the car need to be moving to activate the one touch? Instruction are a little vag when you are sitting still and try one touch.

Yes, the car needs to be rolling.

OR

While it’s already closed, you can hold the close button for a few seconds and then tap the open button and it will work as one-touch.

The reverse works if the roof is open.

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrumpyAl

Yes, the car needs to be rolling.

OR

While it’s already closed, you can hold the close button for a few seconds and then tap the open button and it will work as one-touch.

The reverse works if the roof is open.

Thanks will try it out!

edc · 07-03-2018, 10:34 AM

On a European car you don't need to be moving. It's one touch open and close without handbrake at standstill or up to 29mph or whatever the limit is.

Cunningr · 07-03-2018, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edc

On a European car you don't need to be moving. It's one touch open and close without handbrake at standstill or up to 29mph or whatever the limit is.

Mine wouldnt 1 touch, havent tried again I had to leave to pick up my son at the airport. But did the quick touch to open and tried cloths didnt work. Going to try the hold it closed then quick touch open now see if that works.

It did open and close with hand brake disengaged.

particlewave · 07-03-2018, 10:38 AM

You have to be moving to use it? That doesn't seem right.

TrumpyAl · 07-03-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edc

On a European car you don't need to be moving. It's one touch open and close without handbrake at standstill or up to 29mph or whatever the limit is.

That’s interesting. Are you describing the operation of a standard 986, a 986 with the SmartTOP installed, or a 987+?

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

You have to be moving to use it? That doesn't seem right.

One touch feature remains available for a few seconds after you stop moving. And, as mentioned, there is an override to access one-touch that is still more convenient than holding the button for the whole time. You can also deactivate the safety feature so that one-touch always available any time that you are under 25mph.

Personally, I’d never have paid the retail asking price, but it was a nice bonus to find already in the car after purchase.