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I'd guess it is one of the limit switches that detects the state of the convertible top bow latches. Or maybe you have an hydraulic leak which is weakening the system pressure. But to be sure, I'd see if the system can diagnose itself for you. You will need a paperclip or short length of wire.
Try to open the top. Even if the bow does not raise after it releases, continue holding the top switch until the lamp inside the switch begins to flash or 80 seconds elapses -- whichever comes first. At this point you should have at least one diagonostic code stored in the top controller's memory.
Now retrieve codes. The controller outputs a code by issuing a series of electrical pulses. You can view these pulses by watching the indicator lamp in the soft top control switch flash. To ouptut a code of "12" for instance, the lamp will flash twelve times.
To trigger a code output, you short socket 10 of the diagnostic connector to socket 1 or any other convenient chassis ground for two to four seconds. While the short is connected the lamp should be on. The instant the short is removed the lamp will go out and after a brief delay will begin to slowly flash a code.
The diagnostic connector is located by the left front shock mount on the 2nd fire wall in the passenger compartment. It is rectangular and has a plastic cover. I have attached a picture.
A code of "1" indicates no faults and no hard top in place, while a code of "20" indicates no faults and the hard top is assumed to be on the car. Other codes identify a specific problem such as a limit switch. The codes that you find dictate what component of the system you troubleshoot next.
Repeat the read procedure until you have all of the codes. You implicitly know you have them when the sequence of codes begins to repeat. Post back here with your findings. |