Cab top not working

[RicksCarrera]

Hello All

I have a '99 C2 Cab and the top is not functioning properly. I have searched the forum for similar problems and so am aware of the possible handbrake microswitch. Here is my scenario:

Handbrake on - 'Park' light illuminated on the instrument cluster. Press the cab top switch, (hear a muted 'clickclack' sound from the rear and then the cab top warning light on the instrument cluster flashes 3 times) and this repeats itself but no top action.

Would this be the symptom of the handbrake microswitch or any guesses on other possible faults? I'm handy, have the manual and hope to render the fix myself - if possible. Thanks

[LVDell]

I had that very problem. PARK would illuminate, but no cab top function. It tunred out that the flaps that drop down on the side were not folding in properly and getting hung up this not letting the top operate properly. Visually watch and see if that is the case.

[RicksCarrera]

Thanks for the reply LVDell

As a follow up on cab top function problem: problem appears intermitent. I was able to open and close the top today, full function complete to cab top warning light extinguish. Second cycle worked ok opening top, but on the closing cycle the roof latches but the windows would not close to complete the cycle and the warning light remains illuminated with the clickclack 3 flash cycle as above. All windows function, just cab top warning light remains illuminated.

I am thinking microswitch and if anyone has any ideas that would be appreciated.

I will follow up the thread with the eventual resolution. Thanks.

PS this forum is a wonderful resourse.

Rick

[LVDell]

Sounds like your microswitch is going out or is not connected properly (loose connection).

[RicksCarrera]

Hello All

I wanted to resteart this thread as this top problem has resurfaced 5 months later.

My '99 cab top is stowed, and with park brake on and light illuminated, selecting the 'top up' switch causes the instrument cluster cab top light to flash and I hear a muted 'click-clack' sound every 2 seconds from behind the clam shell door, but no top action. I've searched on the forum again and could'nt find anything similar.

Anyone have any ideas? Thx.

Rick

[LVDell]

Sounds mechanical now. I had the same thing.....light on, clamshell moves, then clickity clack sounds and then nothing but a flashing light. What was it? It was the flaps on the side that fold down when the top is up and come back up flush with the rest of the back dash area when the top is down. They had to replce them since they were getting stuck. Mine was done under warranty so I have no idea what is cost.

[Scouser]

There is a TSB for this Rick. But you have to be a contributing member to get at the TSBs. The TSB is titled "Convertible Top Side Flap Microswitch Modification".

[PTEC]

If your hand brake microswitch is working then theres not a lot we can do here. There are like 7 or so different micro switches in various parts of the cabtop and the control unit needs to see exactly the right settings or the cabtop wont work.

Unless you want to start throwing parts blindly, the best thing would be to take it to a dealership where they can diagnosis with the PIWIS.

[ckeasterling]

I had the same problem and discovered my engine compartment lid was not shut completely. There is a switch on the lid that will prevent the top lowering sequence from beginning. I didn't look for switch but it should be easy to find. Could be sticking or adjustable?

[RicksCarrera]

Thanks for the replies. Thanks for the reference Berny, I do plan on becoming a contributing member, this site is a wonderful resource.

As for my top problem, top is down, I played around with the 'top up' switch without the park brake on and I got the cab top warning light flash 3 times then the muted 'clickclack' afew times. Then I selected park brake on and tried the 'top up' switch and the top functioned normal. It was as though I 'reset the system'.

I suspect that I have an intermitant contact 'park brake to ground'. Before the top will begin a cycle there must be 1. ignition 2. park brake to ground 3. no speedo signal 4. engine lid closed

I do have the manual, but one does need a pst2 and another electrical thingy for full top troubleshooting.

Cheers Rick

[djantlive]

Try operating the top w your key in the driver door. If top works everytime, you know it's something related to the handbrake or switch on upper console (less likely).

Otherwise, it's some issue w the top mechanism which may need top alignment, lubrication, or switch/motor. It's probly worth the money to take it to a top specialist or dealer to have it checked. A reputable shop can do wonders to the top. There is a hydrolic resevoir under the top which may be low on fluid causing intermitten failure too -- check this also!

Good luck!!

[scratchsd]

I had the exact same problem, and like ck, my engine compartment close switch was sticking. It has happened to me three times, and each time all I did was pop the engine compartment and close it. The top then functioned properly. It took me a few minutes to figure it out the first time, but works every time since.

[Izzy]

I must admit, I had the same issue with my '99, the rear did not close all the way. It took me a while to get to open it and close it. No problem since. The open lid light on the dashboard will not light up, so it was not easy to tell. Simple solution.

[tomed]

Rick, Hi there.

I'm new to the forum. I have a '99 996 Cabriolet that up until this point has served me quite well. This past weekend the top stopped working and I'm wondering if the problem is similar to what you'd experienced. First, my parking brake is engaged and my engine compartment lid is fully closed/latched. I made sure of this, several times.

Ok, I put the top down and had a grand ride. I arrived at my destination and tried to put the top up. The instrument panel "top" light blinks several times and nothing happens... I even heard the "clickclack" sound you described as I held the top button. Luckily, the weather was nice so I didn't mind too much keeping the top down. The following day the same thing - when pressed, the instrument panel "top" light blinks, the "clickclack" sound and nothing happens.

Yesterday, I followed the instructions in the manual to put the top up and here I am. Is this what you faced? What did you do to solve your matter?

Thx in advance.

Tom

[RicksCarrera]

Hi Tom

Sorry I can't help, my top problem occurred a couple of times and it has worked flawlessly for months. I plan to check the resevoir this winter as suggested. There are some good leads on this forum.

Good luck

Rick

[byrannewell]

I gotta say- this forum is indespensable. My 99 C2 has intermettinently had problems with the top- but operation has always worked from the door. Just got my car back from the mechanic yesterday (new clutch), and the top wouldn't go down. I though I had yet another issue, but thanks to this forum, realized that the engine hatch might not be shut correctly. Sure enough- I opened it and closed it, and poof! No problems.

So to Scratchsd- thank you.

[jmj996]

I gotta say- this forum is indespensable. My 99 C2 has intermettinently had problems with the top- but operation has always worked from the door. Just got my car back from the mechanic yesterday (new clutch), and the top wouldn't go down. I though I had yet another issue, but thanks to this forum, realized that the engine hatch might not be shut correctly. Sure enough- I opened it and closed it, and poof! No problems.

So to Scratchsd- thank you.

Ditto on the thank you, this just worked for me as well. I had the same problem - top suddenly stopped operating on my 1999 996, wouldn't work from either the door or the interior switch. I opened and reclosed the trunk and hood, and then it worked. Found out later that my wife had opened the closed the trunk that day. So do I need a new switch?