Top won't open! I Can't even get into service mode!

[Tacoboxster865]

Originally Posted by mtb50

Did you have any luck on finding the problem ?

I'm thinking it's the locking mechanism on the back. I noticed that the cable would pulse when I hit the button. I took it off and the plastic piece that seems to push the top doesn't move when the button is pushed, but moves freely by hand. I'm going to try replacing that.

[Rexracer]

Originally Posted by Tacoboxster865

I'm thinking it's the locking mechanism on the back. I noticed that the cable would pulse when I hit the button. I took it off and the plastic piece that seems to push the top doesn't move when the button is pushed, but moves freely by hand. I'm going to try replacing that.

I am buying a car that the dealer said "the left side is messed up" so am researching everything I can ahead of time to help me diagnose the problem when i get the car in a couple of weeks.

If the hatch opens after you pop off those rods on both sides, operate the top, I am going to bet that one side is still not moving.

Where that rod connects is a gearbox that push's the deck open, while also pulling the top down. If its pulsing its either the gear is stripped, the cable operating the gearbox is broken, or the electric motor that drives the cable is bad.

Just my thought process, but I am sure those that have worked on these will chime in shortly.

[mtb50]

Originally Posted by Tacoboxster865

I'm thinking it's the locking mechanism on the back. I noticed that the cable would pulse when I hit the button. I took it off and the plastic piece that seems to push the top doesn't move when the button is pushed, but moves freely by hand. I'm going to try replacing that.

What locking mechanism on the back are you talking about? You mention the cable would pulse. You can remove both cables from the motor and then hit the button this will let you know if the motor is OK. Push the cables back in the motor and disconnect them from the transmissions. This will let you know the cables are OK. Now put the cables back into the transmission and disconnect all (4) control arms from transmission and if they do not move you probable have broken plastic gears.

[Tacoboxster865]

Originally Posted by mtb50

What locking mechanism on the back are you talking about? You mention the cable would pulse. You can remove both cables from the motor and then hit the button this will let you know if the motor is OK. Push the cables back in the motor and disconnect them from the transmissions. This will let you know the cables are OK. Now put the cables back into the transmission and disconnect all (4) control arms from transmission and if they do not move you probable have broken plastic gears.

I'm just assuming it's a locking mechanism,i could be wrong. But it's the electric thing mounted on the center of the back wall on the engine side of the trunk. It has wires going in from both sides and a little plastic lever thing on the top. I'll definitely try out your suggestions when time and weather permit. Today is my only day off until Sunday and it's cold and pouring rain. I'm just gonna stay inside and drink beer today. 😉