Disabling top sensors

[azzar0]

In case I need to go back to operating the top manually, is there a way to turn the sensors off? I am asking because every time I drove with the top manually put down the windows would go down the typical 1" or so whenever I hit a bump on the road. This kind of makes sense, because I am assuming that the clamshell is bouncing, causing the sensors to send some 'on' signal. If I could disable these sensors, then the windows would behave normally.

TIA,

Azzar0.

[Chris_in_NH]

i believe this is due to a loose/malfunctioning top latch microswitch (where you latch the leading edge of the conv top to the windshield frame). you could either use a 'red clip' to keep the switch pushed in when the top is down, replace the microswitch, or try to repair the microswitch. if you search for 'top latch microswitch' you may find it. i believe that a wire connection comes loose and just needs to be re-soldered.

if you think about it, the windows normally drop when you unlatch the top and that 'button' (that the top latch pushes in when the top is closed) is released. when you go over a bump, the microswitch erroneously reports that the top is being unlatched and the windows drop.

[azzar0]

i believe this is due to a loose/malfunctioning top latch microswitch (where you latch the leading edge of the conv top to the windshield frame). you could either use a 'red clip' to keep the switch pushed in when the top is down, replace the microswitch, or try to repair the microswitch. if you search for 'top latch microswitch' you may find it. i believe that a wire connection comes loose and just needs to be re-soldered.

if you think about it, the windows normally drop when you unlatch the top and that 'button' (that the top latch pushes in when the top is closed) is released. when you go over a bump, the microswitch erroneously reports that the top is being unlatched and the windows drop.

Hi Chris,

That makes sense. The windows didn't go down when the top was up because the switch was always pushed in by the latch.

I'll keep that in mind in case I need to use the top manually again.

Wait a second... If it is the top switch, how come it doesn't do it when the top is operated in automatic mode? Is it because the clamshell sensors tell the computer that the top is completely down and therefore it ignores the latch sensor?

Thanks!

Edited August 10, 2007 by azzar0

[Chris_in_NH]

Hi Chris,

That makes sense. The windows didn't go down when the top was up because the switch was always pushed in by the latch.

I'll keep that in mind in case I need to use the top manually again.

Wait a second... If it is the top switch, how come it doesn't do it when the top is operated in automatic mode? Is it because the clamshell sensors tell the computer that the top is completely down and therefore it ignores the latch sensor?

Thanks!

i'm not sure i know what you mean about the windows not dropping in 'automatic mode'. do you mean that when the top was working by pushing the button, etc., that the windows didn't drop when going over bumps? if so, i'm not sure why that wouldn't happen. maybe the top latch microswitch was working intermittently and now it's at the point where it's completely broken.

the 'clamshell sensor' (which is basically the little switch on top of the conv top cable motor) doesn't know whether the top is up or down, it just knows that the clamshell is resting on the switch, pushing it down. so i still think it's the top latch microswitch.