Top Won't Operate, Not Going Down

[HenryV]

Just thought I'd post this here for information.

If you start the ignition, unlatch the top, click the top-lowering button and nothing happens ....

before suspecting the motor and motor-mechanism, try the following:

1. Check the fuse for the top. It's probably fine, but inspecting it is quickly. Just pull it out and inspect it visually, and if you have it, with an Ohm meter.

2. Move the top handle as far back as possible.

Does it make a difference?

3. The top relay may possible be making bad or intermittent contact.

- Take out the top relay and reinsert it, a couple of times. Make sure you reinsert it firmly. (Double relay in picture below, with black dot on white)

4. Your ignition and brake light should be on

(If you did the 'hack', the brake light doesn't matter). Make sure your battery is charged and the battery cables make good contact. If the brake light is not on, the brake microswitch (inside the handle assembly) is not making contact. Try pulling the brake handle rapidly up and down a couple of times, this often resets it. If still no light, your brake microswitch may be loose or defective.

5. Your top latch microswitch may be faulty.

This relay has a microswitch with double switches, for windows and top mechanism. In my case it had loosened on one side and was essentially working itself loose.

- First try pressing with your finger firmly into the latch-catch (relay button), and release quickly. See whether or not this makes a difference. Did you hear/feel a click?

6. Unscrew your top latch-catch section.

Pull out the two smoke colored IR-"eyes" on each side - they pry out with a small screwdriver. Take of the assembly and inspect the switch. You can manually force the contact (see it working) and test the top mechanism. If it works at that time, your switch is loose and you need to replace the grommets ($0.25).

7. Still no luck, check the top operating button itself.

Pry out the right side of the center console (small knife, screwdriver behind right side) and inspect the rear of the button assembly. Do all connectors seated properly. Did anyone install an autotop or other device? Are any cables broken? If you put your lights on, does the button light up?

8. Other faults

there can be other faults in the system. e.g. the brake or speed sensing signal do not reach the relay. The brake signal should be open, the speed signal grounded.

Most likely culprit is the microswitch grommet. This has happened to several of us.