Should I convert my top to manual operation?

[Spirit_RE]

Well this is discouraging. I don't have a 19mm socket, and try as I might I cannot find the ball joint.

What's even more discouraging is that the whole reason I'm trying to operate the top is to get to the engine, so that I can replace the MAF, so that I can smog the car, so I can DRIVE the car.

So because Porsche decided that the only way to access the engine is for a system made of multiple fuses, multiple microswitches that are prone to failure, a complex relay prone to failure, and a complex electric motor drive system with various linkages prone to failure, all to be working 100%, my car is effectively undrivable. There isn't a backup plan. Why did anyone think that was a good idea? Even AUDI convertible tops have mechanical top operation backups. Why Porsche? So do I spend $200 to get a relay on the off chance that it might be the problem? Pay $200 just to access the engine. Unbelievable.

[78F350]

One simple thing to try. Your car is a 1999 and in the 1999 that I used to make that video, the problem ended up being the *second* micro-switch in the top latch. The later models have one switch up there, but I found out that the '99s have two. One drops the windows and the other allows the top to operate. In mine, the plastic that holds the micro switches in place had come a little loose.

With the brake set and top unlatched, try poking a finger in the top latch and pressing/moving it around while holding the top switch to open. It's a long shot, but costs nothing and needs no tools.