2002 boxter top "dragging"

[bobroberts72]

hello just bought a 2002 boxster 73k miles top chatters or drags while going up or down... can only operate if I keep pushing the switch and releasing it... it opens and or closes in spurts.. I have checked fuses changed top relays (twice) changed motor (three times) parking brake light is on so switch seems to be working- have greased or oiled all tracks and hinges I have not changed cables or transmissions any ideas on what to try would be greatly appreciated (ps also changed micro switch at mirror)

thank you

Edited November 13, 2013 by bobroberts72

[1schoir]

"...greased or oiled all tracks..."

Does that include the channels where the black plastic sliders ride (at the bottom of the body-colored clamshell arms) ride back and forth? If you haven't, you should lubricate those channels with white lithium grease (or Dupont Krytox if you want to spend the extra $$).

Did you inspect the black plastic sliders themselves to make sure they are intact and are not binding in the tracks because of abnormal wear?

If you have done the above, you can narrow down the cause of the problem (which may turn out to be one or both cables or the small plastic gear where the cables go into the rear of the transmissions) by disconnecting both sets of pushrods and trying to operate the convertible top through its full open and shut cycle manually. You should be able to operate the top manually by pulling or pushing on the leading edge with your pinky (i.e., there should be almost no resistance).

If the top operates smoothly in the manual mode with almost no resistance, your trouble will lie in the cables or that gear in the transmissions.

Regards, Maurice.

[bobroberts72]

good morning

I did grease the channels you mentioned i'll check the sliders themselves more closely I did not do that... next will be to disconnect the pushrods as you

mentioned. I have a spare top (long story) that moves exactly as you describe..no resistance. will keep you posted

thank you for the advice and quick response