986 convertible top latch/hook problems

[tylerstringer]

My boxster's convertible top latch is tight. If I unhook it and am not careful to open it all the way manually, it can catch in the hole and prevent the top from retracting. It has popped and broken the top once. My question is, is the latch worn out? I would hope that it would have only two positions: Fully closed and hooked and all the way open so as to be retractable. Is it normal that if one opens it but does not consciously make sure to open it all the way, that it can be in limbo between the fully opened or totally closed postions? Or does the latch need to be replaced. My mechanic says the new part is $1200+ from Germany and that sounds like too much to not just pay attention although I have never been good at that... Please advise and thank you.

[RFM]

The hook has only two possitions, fully closed or fully open. As the top easily opens without problems or any help, with the hook in the fully open position, then there is nothing wrong.

[tylerstringer]

Well then, I may have an issue. My hook when popped open does not automatically go all the way to the back position but merely unhooks but sometimes can remain somewhat hooked in the hole. My question is... Should there be that limbo state where the hook is BETWEEN open and closed or should it be upshed open and unhook and then move to the fully open position with no in-between state?