TOP switch won't response (sometimes)

[ssflai]

Hello,

My 02 Boxster TOP swtich won't response once in a while, does anyone has any experience and know what is the casue and any solution to prevent this from happening ? It may sound stupid but it is not documented in the user manual. Does the handbrake must be applied before the switch is operable ? Thanks

Steven

Edited April 11, 2008 by ssflai

[rsfeller]

Of course the switch may be to blame but there are other sensors that must read proper values before an UP or DOWN process can occur. This includes switches on the door piller next to the drivers shoulder as well as the switches at the top of the windshield. I"m a bit rusty at the moment telling you the logic and location of each switch but they all can be to blame.

If the problem is rears it's symptoms in both up and down positions I would start with the main switch and then check 12+ to the top transmission motor. There is good information in the Bentley on this stuff.

One of the Porsche tech manuals have a list of the microswitch logic. Since I'm so rusty I'll reference here in this screenshot.

If you want to see the entire section on convertible tops send me a private message.

[1schoir]

Hello,

My 02 Boxster TOP swtich won't response once in a while, does anyone has any experience and know what is the casue and any solution to prevent this from happening ? It may sound stupid but it is not documented in the user manual. Does the handbrake must be applied before the switch is operable ? Thanks

Steven

Steven:

The handbrake must be applied AND the brake idiot light on the dashboard must be illuminated before the switch will activate the top.

As Shawn says, there are a number of microswitches that control the operation of the top, but having the brake pulled up and the idiot light on is a must. IIRC, the only exception to this rule is you have an aftermarket relay, such as a "SmartTop" or the like.

Pull up on the handbrake, check that the brake idiot light is on, then pull down the latch. At that point, your two windows should retract by about 4 inches.

Try the above and report back.

Regards, Maurice.

[ssflai]

Thanks guys. Will do and keep you guys posted.

[ssflai]

Hello all,

It may sound really stupid but I belive the mystery is now solved. I believe the cause of the non functional TOP switch was due to the fact that I didn't applied the handbrake (i saw a video clip at youtube that a Boxster TOP is functional with the vehicle on the move up to 30 miles <_< ). I tried to open/close the top few times last night with the handbrake applied and they all went ok. Thanks again for your advise.

Steven

[1schoir]

Hello all,

It may sound really stupid but I belive the mystery is now solved. I believe the cause of the non functional TOP switch was due to the fact that I didn't applied the handbrake (i saw a video clip at youtube that a Boxster TOP is functional with the vehicle on the move up to 30 miles <_< ). I tried to open/close the top few times last night with the handbrake applied and they all went ok. Thanks again for your advise.

Steven

Steven:

That's good news. :clapping:

The video you saw on UTube was probably of someone's Boxster with the SmartTop relay or of someone who had done a hack to bypass the handbrake switch/idiot light requirement on a stock Boxster.

Regards, Maurice.

Edited April 13, 2008 by 1schoir