07 top retraction problem

[o2bndair]

My top fails to close about 30% of the time. The trunk latch disengages but I have to manually help the trunk to open. Once it is open about an inch it will open the rest of the way on its own. After the trunk is open I often have to help the roof by lifting it up about an inch.

I took it to the local Cadillac dealer. They replaced the rear pulldown actuator. No change in the problem. After several days of discussions with some Cadillac tech person they now recommend new hydraulic cylinders and pump kit. I have attached a copy of their notes.

- Does their assessment sound accurate?
- If I do need this done is there a cheaper parts source?

I welcome any input.

-

 

[Stella]

Sounds like their throwing parts at it. If you say the trunk unlatches why would they replace the trunk hold down actuator. That what locks the trunk.
I deal with hydraulics at work all the time. The tech said it worked three times and on the four it didn't. Now if it works sporadically it could be solenoid problems,electrical connections, or prox. switches.
What's weird is how you say you manually open it a inch then it finishes opening on its own. How's your fluid level and is it possible you have air in the system some how? Cylinders could have internal leaks,same with pump but haven't heard of these problems. I would look into the prox. switches make sure those are working properly.
Are they charging you for the parts their throwing at it and not solving the problem. Looks like you'll be a 4k with above stated parts. Hope it fixes it.

 

[V Happy]

Sounds like your dealer is a parts replace specialist and if that doesn't work try another new part. First off is the tech working on you car a certified XLR tech. They may tell you he is certified but it must be a XLR certification. I'm in agreement with Stella about the fluid level. I'm wondering if they checked that ? I've gotten that same code on a friend of mines 05 and after testing it we found the latch mechanism was fine we did a re learn with the tech ll and then everything was fine. His symtoms may have been a little different than yours because when the top stopped he would re push top up switch and the top process would continue. I'm wondering if you tried to re push top up switch will the process continue? Little more history may help with this! Usually a bad cylinder will either show sigh of leakage or be constantly inoperable. If I'm understanding you correctly they are diagnosing this with two cylinders bad. I would find that hard to believe! Pump or fluid level would figure if two different cylinders need help. I'm not an expert on this but you asked if what the dealer was proposing sounded right. I don't think it does.
V Happy

 

[ccclarke]

If I threw this many parts at your problem, it might be fixed. Or maybe not. If they're at the point where they're describing symptoms on the phone to someone remotely, then they aren't satisfied they know the answer either.


The write-up says the pull-down latch circuit is good, yet they recommend replacing it. . .


A second opinion is warranted.


CC