'01 C2 Cab - Convertible doesn't quite close

[dafzero]

I've had this fantastic car for a little over a year and it came with a new top. When I cycle the top to close it, the closing latch hook doesn't quite reach the latch socket (on the windshield frame) on the first cycle. If I continue to hold down the switch it will finally stretch out enough to catch but only on it's second or third attempt. After that everything is fine, windows come up, etc. I asked a mech about it and they said that it would stretch out in the summer but it hasn't. I've just been reaching up and pulling down on the top to help it out but would prefer that it worked as designed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. BTW - its a 996

Edited August 27, 2010 by dafzero

[pterfloth]

I've had this fantastic car for a little over a year and it came with a new top. When I cycle the top to close it, the closing latch hook doesn't quite reach the latch socket (on the windshield frame) on the first cycle. If I continue to hold down the switch it will finally stretch out enough to catch but only on it's second or third attempt. After that everything is fine, windows come up, etc. I asked a mech about it and they said that it would stretch out in the summer but it hasn't. I've just been reaching up and pulling down on the top to help it out but would prefer that it worked as designed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. BTW - its a 996

I had the very same problem with my 00 C2 Cab. I followed the procedure in the DIY section to top up the hydraulic fluid reservoir (which did turn out to be low) and it works perfectly now. Link below.

[dafzero]

Thank you for the quick reply! I have had a look at the DYI so I'll give it a go and will thank you in advance for putting me on the right track. I'll give everything a lube while I'm in there. Lot's of moving parts but not as bad as my last car, a VW EOS which must have 10,000 moving parts in the top. Cheers!

[Alfieboy]

I just did the hydraulic fluid from the DIY walk through here, if you have any questions I'll be happy to help.

[dafzero]

I just did the hydraulic fluid from the DIY walk through here, if you have any questions I'll be happy to help.

Thanks for the offer. I'm going to get the fluid tomorrow and, time permitting, hope to do the job. I'll let you know how it goes.

[dafzero]

I topped up the hydraulic fluid today although it really wasn't down much at all. It didn't make any difference so I made some adjustments to the cable lengths which also didn't seem to have much effect. Admittedly, I was pretty conservative in adjusting the cable lengths. It still takes three cycles of the lockdown catch before it hooks up and pulls the front down. I would greatly appreciate anyone's suggestions.