02 996 cab top won't go up

[cmoore1]

Tried to put the top up on 02 996 C4 cab--rear panel went up about 8 inches then stopped. I noticed that the small flap on the drivers side was all the way up but the flap on the passenger side was only partially up. I held the pass side flap up while pushing the top button and the top went all the way up. What controls these flaps? A linear actuator motor? Is this a possible doit yourself fix or am I doomed to visit the stealer?

[john in lb]

Tried to put the top up on 02 996 C4 cab--rear panel went up about 8 inches then stopped. I noticed that the small flap on the drivers side was all the way up but the flap on the passenger side was only partially up. I held the pass side flap up while pushing the top button and the top went all the way up. What controls these flaps? A linear actuator motor? Is this a possible doit yourself fix or am I doomed to visit the stealer?

Did you check the pump reservoir liquid level? this is the hydraulic pump that raises / lowers the entire top system. It is a common issue where after a few years the liquid level gets too low. There are very detailed instructions to do this.

My 03 started acting up... and level was low... adding about 8 oz... fixed it perfectly

[RFM]

The side flap is the cause of your problem, there is something wrong with the mecanism whitch is not as simple as that, let the dealer check what exactly is wrong.

[cmoore1]

The side flap is the cause of your problem, there is something wrong with the mecanism whitch is not as simple as that, let the dealer check what exactly is wrong.

My stealer charges $135 per hour --hence the post on this forum. I was hoping that one of the Porsche mechanics that post on this site could shed some light on how the cab top works and what the possible solution might be before I bite the bullet and head on down to dealer land.

[sylvan]

Tried to put the top up on 02 996 C4 cab--rear panel went up about 8 inches then stopped. I noticed that the small flap on the drivers side was all the way up but the flap on the passenger side was only partially up. I held the pass side flap up while pushing the top button and the top went all the way up. What controls these flaps? A linear actuator motor? Is this a possible doit yourself fix or am I doomed to visit the stealer?

Did you check the pump reservoir liquid level? this is the hydraulic pump that raises / lowers the entire top system. It is a common issue where after a few years the liquid level gets too low. There are very detailed instructions to do this.

My 03 started acting up... and level was low... adding about 8 oz... fixed it perfectly

I am new to a 996 Cabriolet. Can you please tell me where the instructions for filling the pump reservoir liquid level is? I looked in the manual and cannot find any mention of it! Thanks!

Sylvan Wells

[Loren]

Tried to put the top up on 02 996 C4 cab--rear panel went up about 8 inches then stopped. I noticed that the small flap on the drivers side was all the way up but the flap on the passenger side was only partially up. I held the pass side flap up while pushing the top button and the top went all the way up. What controls these flaps? A linear actuator motor? Is this a possible doit yourself fix or am I doomed to visit the stealer?

Did you check the pump reservoir liquid level? this is the hydraulic pump that raises / lowers the entire top system. It is a common issue where after a few years the liquid level gets too low. There are very detailed instructions to do this.

My 03 started acting up... and level was low... adding about 8 oz... fixed it perfectly

I am new to a 996 Cabriolet. Can you please tell me where the instructions for filling the pump reservoir liquid level is? I looked in the manual and cannot find any mention of it! Thanks!

Sylvan Wells

:welcome:

Try our search feature - it works really well.

Cabrio Top Hydraulic Fluid Step by Step

[FnJimmy]

Tried to put the top up on 02 996 C4 cab--rear panel went up about 8 inches then stopped. I noticed that the small flap on the drivers side was all the way up but the flap on the passenger side was only partially up. I held the pass side flap up while pushing the top button and the top went all the way up. What controls these flaps? A linear actuator motor? Is this a possible doit yourself fix or am I doomed to visit the stealer?

Did you check the pump reservoir liquid level? this is the hydraulic pump that raises / lowers the entire top system. It is a common issue where after a few years the liquid level gets too low. There are very detailed instructions to do this.

My 03 started acting up... and level was low... adding about 8 oz... fixed it perfectly

I am new to a 996 Cabriolet. Can you please tell me where the instructions for filling the pump reservoir liquid level is? I looked in the manual and cannot find any mention of it! Thanks!

Sylvan Wells

:welcome:

Try our search feature - it works really well.

Cabrio Top Hydraulic Fluid Step by Step

Can anyone tell me, when this condition occurs, does the pump still run? Yesterday and today my top has been stalling. When I hit the switch, after a second or two I hear a faint click coming from the back, but the top doesnt move, and I dont hear the pump running. After a few minutes, and repeated attempts to close it, (or open it) it will spring back to life. The first time I thought maybe one of the limit switches was wonky as it stalled the moment the rear cover popped up. Today it stalled in the straight up position as I was opening it. Now I'm afraid to open it until I figure out the cause.

Thanks!

Jim - '99 C2 Cab, 6sp, Vesuvio, 59k, Seattle, USA