Cabriolet Top Problem

[shark715]

Something is wrong with the top on my '04 C4S Cabriolet. I can open and close it, but it's not working in the manner it used to. When opening the top, the opening sequence stops when the top is at it's highest point(the front "windshield" end of the top is straight up in the air). Nothing happens for 5 to 8 seconds, and then all of the sudden the top "falls" into the cavity where it is stored when open, and the car finishes the balance of the top opening sequence normally. It happens every time. The closing sequence is normal, except when the top starts to raise out of its "storage cavity" the driver's side (left hand drive USA car)starts to rise first. It sort of looks like the passenger side hydraulic lift is starting late or is not as strong as the driver's side. Any ideas what the fix is? Thanks in advance for your help.

[RFM]

Check the hydraulic fluid level and inspect both hydraulic pumps/levers left and right for leaks in first place, do a search this problem has already discussed here several times.

[shark715]

Sorry, I neglected to mention that I already read all the old posts on this subject, and no one else seemed to have an issue quite like mine. Assuming the plus sign on the fluid tank on my car is the full mark, mine is full. When I took the car apart to look for a hydraulic problem, I quickly saw that somehow one of the bolts (part #996 561 245 00) that connects the convertible top to the hydraulic piston on the right side of the car was missing, as well as the safety clip (part# 999 166 076 02) that is supposed to keep the bolt from turning out and disconnecting. I ordered the parts from the local dealer, and everything seems fine now. BTW, the parts diagram on Porsches website is confusing. It seems to show that each hydraulic cylinder uses two of these bolts, but actually the two bolts used with each cylinder are very different from each other. When you order the first part number above, they give you BOTH bolts…not an inexpensive part at 37 dollars! Many thanks for your help.

Edited June 5, 2011 by shark715