Help! Top not secure

[HP-CADY]

Hi guys, I've got a 2007 XLR-V with only 25 kilometers on it. I've got a problem with the top that doesn't wan't to go back up. when I press the up button the trunk goes up and that's it nothing else happens and there's a message in the dash saying top not secure. anybody can help me with this. Thanks.

 

[mtrocket]

I'm going to say one or more of the top sensors are bad. The only way to diagnose this is by means of a Tech II. You're probably going to have to go to a dealer... preferably one with an XLR tech on staff.

 

[HP-CADY]

Sorry my ignorance but what's a Tech II

 

[mtrocket]

Sorry my ignorance but what's a Tech II

No problem. It's the diagnostic tool the dealer uses to check the workings of the top along with other computer items on the XLR. I would guess either CCClark or CadillacTech could expound on this more.

 

[Crimson Pearl]

The Tech II is a programmer/diagnostic terminal that plugs into the XLRs "data highway". It is a large handheld device that allows a qualified technician to look at the status of inputs and outputs of the serial data modules, check diagnostic codes and otherwise "see" what the car is or is not doing.

If someone else that is more familiiar with the Tech II wants to explain further or correct any wrong information, please go ahead and do so.

 

[ccclarke]

The Tech II is a programmer/diagnostic terminal that plugs into the XLRs "data highway". It is a large handheld device that allows a qualified technician to look at the status of inputs and outputs of the serial data modules, check diagnostic codes and otherwise "see" what the car is or is not doing.

If someone else that is more familiiar with the Tech II wants to explain further or correct any wrong information, please go ahead and do so.

I think you summed it up nicely!

The bottom line is, without a Tech 2, you're dependent on a dealer. And yes, from the sounds of it, you've got at least one bad sensor or switch lurking in there.

CC

 

[ECurtis]

I had the same issue about two years ago. It was two of the sensors. They needed to be replaced. Trust CC when he says that you will probably have to go to a dealer and have this diagnosed and the sensors possibly replaced. If you have a manual, it tells you the way to raise the top without manually. Be careful and good luck. Let us know what happens HP-CADI.

 

[HP-CADY]

Yes I'd like to take the top back up manualy but I'm missing the whrench that's suppost to be in the rear passenger compartment so I went to the dealer ship to order one and they toll me that it was discontinued. Not even sure what it looks like. Any of you guys can tell me what this toll consist of. Thanks guys.

 

[ccclarke]

No need to worry about the wrench. Just pack an 8mm allen wrench and a T-15 Torx wrench and you're good to go!

CC

 

[BusaMan]

Must Be Goin' Around...

I just got my XLR back from routine maintenance at the dealer (Red Noland, COS), and all was well, according to them. Now, my trunk won't go up w/ the buttons, and the top up/down sequence is messed up. The trunk unlocks when I press either of the trunk buttons, and I can lift it (really heavy), but it won't just open the trunk via either of the top control buttons. When the top is lowered, there's a hesitation and it seems to need a second pressing of the top up/down button to get going. If I am lowering the top, all goes well until it's time for the trunk lid to close; it doesn't. However, if I let up on the button and press it back down, it does lower the trunk lid. It does NOT STOP the hydraulic sound by itself after the trunk lid is down, and the bell doesn't "ding". All's well when I release the button...

Until it's time to raise it back up. Then, the sequence will start w/ the trunk lid going up and the top comes up. AOK until it's time for the trunk lid to go back down to complete the operation. It won't start down until I release the top-up button and repress it. Then the trunk lid lowers, but won't complete and "ding" the bell.

The trunk lid down part of the top-up operation has been a little delayed for a while, but it would always operate after a couple of second delay; now, it waits for me to "release/press" the top-up button. I'm suspicious of the trunk-lid position sensors. The trunk hydraulic compartment is clean and dry. Everything looks like-new in there.

Guess I'm in for another run up north to COS.

Tim

 

[ECurtis]

Tim,

Your XLR is doing the exact same thing mine did in my post "Trunk In-Operative....". As you probably read in my post, they were able to re-program the folding top control module (FTC). You may need to go to the dealer to have him try this. Also as you can see from the aforementioned post the sensors may need replacement. it seems like there are a lot of sensor/folding top control module issues going around. What's funny in another 30 years these cars will be considered simple. Although in my case, my car being an 04 (getting close to the 10 year mark). I guess it is time for some issues to arrise, even though I don't like it and hope that they don't, something is bound to happen.

Also ever since I have had the XLR there has always been a delay in the trunk deck re-seating after the top has gone back-up. I always thought it was normal.

Maybe CCC or someone who also has knowledge can weigh in.

 

[hawkeye372]

Every once in awhile, i have had the same problems. But it happens just once in a while. i don't know if it has to do with the fob in my pocket and because i lean sometimes to the right. Where the console and gear shift area is. But whats the old saying, sometimes it might be pre warning me. For a hey start looking at this before it gets worse? But like i said this is only started happening i want to say one or twice in the last 4 months....... btw it happens only when the top is off/down. So i pull over. open the trunk. fiddle with the devider then its alright for a while.

 

[mtrocket]

Mine actually switches between the "Top not Secure" and regular mode. It's really annoying to hear the radio bounce between the "Top down mode" and the "Top up mode"... sometimes quite rapidly.

 

[cubby558]

If the top is down (stowed in the trunk) and you are getting the 'Top Not Secure', it may be caused by the top not 'latching' in the stowed position. I had it happen on my '04 and that's when you get the 'ding' (chipped paint) on the top from it bouncing up and down in the trunk. If you are getting this message, stop and raise the trunk, then grab the back of the top and see if it will lift up. If it does, the cycle did not complete on the top down sequence. If it does not move, it is likely a sensor problem.

 

[jackparker06V]

Just for reference, the following may help at some point in the future when someone is trying to solve top problems.
I was working on my car and had the top down. Since I was in and out of the car I disconnected the battery so I would not run it down while the doors were open etc. Left it that way overnight. After reconnecting the battery the top/trunk would not move when I pushed the button to put the top up. I worried about "what have I done now" for several hours. Then in a moment of inspiration, I re indexed the windows even though the top was down. Viola! the top/ trunk now cycled to the top up position. I re indexed the windows for the top up position and all was well in my world. And I thought to myself "dodged that bullet - slap on back".
Index the windows by running them all the way up and holding the up button for 10 seconds (may only be 5 - but who can remember details). Then run them down and hold the button down for 10 seconds (ditto details). Again, because I don't remember the exact sequence, then I run them up and hold the button again. Bases covered.
Ya just gotta love the electronics in this car.
Jack

 

[Crimson Pearl]

Not only do you have to "re-index" the windows after the battery is disconnected, but you have to re-initialize the "express" function for the top to go up or down.

This is covered in the owners manual. It is a very simple procedure.

 

[WB6BBZ]

Also Jack,

Check the Nav. preferences as disconnecting the battery (in my 06) re-sets them and you might find yourself avoiding freeways.

It happened to me back in 08 when I had the Caddie Dealer in BG replace my OEM battery that went bad.

On the trip home, the Nav. system didn't want me to take any freeways and kept telling me to take the surface streets so I just shut it off and kept traveling west on I-40 etc.

 

[ECurtis]

Just for reference, the following may help at some point in the future when someone is trying to solve top problems.
I was working on my car and had the top down. Since I was in and out of the car I disconnected the battery so I would not run it down while the doors were open etc. Left it that way overnight. After reconnecting the battery the top/trunk would not move when I pushed the button to put the top up. I worried about "what have I done now" for several hours. Then in a moment of inspiration, I re indexed the windows even though the top was down. Viola! the top/ trunk now cycled to the top up position. I re indexed the windows for the top up position and all was well in my world. And I thought to myself "dodged that bullet - slap on back".
Index the windows by running them all the way up and holding the up button for 10 seconds (may only be 5 - but who can remember details). Then run them down and hold the button down for 10 seconds (ditto details). Again, because I don't remember the exact sequence, then I run them up and hold the button again. Bases covered.
Ya just gotta love the electronics in this car.
Jack

This was very interesting and very useful Jack. Thank you