Convertible Top Diagnostic PDF?

[rlordjr]

Does anyone have a link to this document? I watched the HelpMeDIY video but could not find a link to the PDF either on YouTube or his site.

My 99 has the top gears and motor removed and is now el manuel. I have only 1 B-Pillar microswitch - not the additional one in the later gear mechanisms, With the top down or up, the dash light is on, and most times the car just thinks the top is up all the time. Sometimes the windows behave correctly for the top being down, but the dashboard light is still on.

I want to use that PDF to do all the diagnostics on the switches. I'm suspicious of the main latch switches since the PO had put a few thicknesses of sticky foam onto the switch arm so that the latch pushed it farther up. (Farther up and further in!) Maybe all I need is to reflow the solder on that switch?

BTW the top worked fine before it ate a gear.

[elav]

I believe this is the file you are looking for. BTW, you should simply replace that top latch switch. If the previous got it working by adding extra tape to it - it is because the plastic are has taken a set and not due to cold/cracked solder joints.

micro_switch_troubleshooting.pdf

[rlordjr]

Originally Posted by elav

I believe this is the file you are looking for. BTW, you should simply replace that top latch switch. If the previous got it working by adding extra tape to it - it is because the plastic are has taken a set and not due to cold/cracked solder joints.

Attachment 23955

Thank you so much. I'm pretty much 100% probably going to get a new switch. I noticed that it was kind of loose on the posts, so I snugged down those grab washers hoping the looseness was the problem. Maybe it isn't.
Anyway, thanks for the document!

[rlordjr]

Well that was easy. The suspected switch is guilty. Out with the old, in with the new.

[rlordjr]

On a further note. My early style top transmissions I found were upgraded(?) to brass gears. That's probably why the plastic ball ends were broken on both sides when I got it and why it broke more afterwards - my old top frame was probably bent and brass beats plastic. No need for brass ball ends here. So I'll probably slap it back together and see if it works better with the new top.