996 Convertible Top Latch Not Locking

[zee]

Hi,

My top is not latching. It goes up and down just fine and you can hear the motor working. The final step where the latch locks in the center top (near the dome light) keeps going back and forth and the light for the top in the dash does not turn off.

The last time I had this problem, I did the Porsche TSB for this. I just cut off a small piece of the plastic replacement and glue it on the latch. No dismantling was required and it worked fine for years. For some reason this does not seem to be the problem since the replacement part is still in good conditions and if I try to apply some pressure with my finger to the latch it still does not lock.

Any suggestions what would be wrong and how I can fix it?

TIA

[fpb111]

Are you sure that the plastic end of the hook cover is still intact? Check the switch that the plastic part touches. Maybe broken/loose/displaced? If you put your finger/pencil in there and push the switch does it fool the car into thinking top is latched? Is that what you ment by "apply pressure with my finger"?

Edited December 4, 2012 by fpb111

[zee]

Are you sure that the plastic end of the hook cover is still intact?

Yes, the plastic end is still intact.

Check the switch that the plastic part touches. Maybe broken/loose/displaced? If you put your finger/pencil in there and push the switch does it fool the car into thinking top is latched?

Okay, Ill check the switch. I didnt check that earlier. But I did put a small piece of rubber at the end of the hook and tried again. I didn't work. I haven't tried pushing in the switch yet. Ill try that. I think you are right. The switch might be loose or displaced. Its not broken.

Is that what you ment by "apply pressure with my finger"?

No, I meant that I applied pressure to the bottom of the hook when it was trying to latch.

Thanks a lot. Ill check the switch and see if thats the problem.

[987_RDC]

Without a PIWIS you are shooting in the dark. Go check every microswitch and adjust the metal tabs to ensure engagement. It might look like one switch but will be a prior one not completing in time. Then the process will reverse and report failure.

My 99 cab looked to be the roof top switch but then was a damaged final rear latch that runs off the clamshell. Others have reported adjusting side "wings" switches solving their issue.

Edited December 6, 2012 by 987_RDC

[zee]

Without a PIWIS you are shooting in the dark. Go check every microswitch and adjust the metal tabs to ensure engagement. It might look like one switch but will be a prior one not completing in time. Then the process will reverse and report failure.

My 99 cab looked to be the roof top switch but then was a damaged final rear latch that runs off the clamshell. Others have reported adjusting side "wings" switches solving their issue.

Thanks

[zee]

I tried playing with the switch and now everything works just fine. :)

[fpb111]

Excellent

[zee]

Thanks!