Help! troubleshooting retractabe hardtop

[lamancha]

Trying to raise hardtop. The flap behind the seats open, the trunk opens but the top its self does not release and raise. We have tried a few times to lower and raise the top but no farther than the trunk comes up. Any sugestions.

 

[lextoy]

when the top is stowed in the trunk, there are 2 hooks that lock it down. they need to unlock at the right time when its time for the top to unfold.
this is all controlled by the computer module for the convertible top. it also has alot of sensors that if they are not working correctly or misaligned it will stop the cycle.
my suggestion is stupid since i cannot diagnose the sensor function etc from your post.
but try to press down on the top when the trunk is opening, to relieve pressure on the hooks. perhaps they are just stuck due to the tops weight pressing on them. if that doesnt work try lifting the top while running the cycle. if the hooks are jammed, the top wont unfold.
also make sure your car is running when doing lots of top cycles. it drains the battery quickly.
if you search around the top mechanism on both sides of the trunk you should be able to see the hooks i am talking about. see if they open or close during the cycle...
i had to diagnose mine because the top wasnt secure in the trunk. it would stow all the way in, but would bounce up and down because the hooks didnt catch the locking pegs. had to press the top down 1/4 inch to help the hooks catch properly. since then i check to make sure the top is locked securely. so far it hasnt happened again.

 

[ccclarke]

From your symptom description, this sounds like a fairly common Rear Tonneau Position sensor problem, though there are several other things that can cause what you describe.

The previously described "hooks" are alignment/securing latches for the folding top. When the folding top is properly aligned, they lock down the rear portion of the folding top firmly to the car's chassis. (The front is secured by a cinch mechanism in the center of the windshield and two alignment pins on either side of the windshield. How "tight" the top sits on the rear latches is controlled by the twin hydraulic pistons that move the folding top.

Unless the problem fixes itself, (and they rarely do) you'll need to have your top scanned by a dealer and adjusted if necessary. Unless a sensor is bad, (or intermittent) a re-learn of the three folding top sensors usually clears up the problem. If a sensor is not maintaining it's position count over time, (slow, agonizing sensor death) either mechanically or electrically, a re-learn is only a temporary fix and the sensor will eventually need replacement.

Please let us know what caused the problem when you have it corrected.

CCC

 

[joaustin]

In my reading the thread our problem solving has been far from fruitful. The car under went some corrective light body paint work to Rt Front side at the Massey Cadillac Dealer in Dallas. Their Body tech was also an avid XLR Salvage Rebuilder. Any salvageable items were quickly lost in the card shuffle! After catching a number of his and their magic tricks, my top stopped working and his Rebuilder car's top began working. He was forced to pull a scan and multiple top codes showed and were cleared. The top "DID" at least Trunk extend, window down, unlatch, qtr glass folded in, shelf panel folded but top would struggle to make it to begin the panel break. At that time the trunk was still working. It now has slowed to only a click and rarely just a quick 12" open, only to fall shut. The top functions have all fell off. No trace of water or leak in the L. rear pocket. No apparent Hyd. Trunk/Top Pump lines leaking. Any idea where to start problem "shooting" other than at the crook(s)/dealership thief.

 

[David_B]

I wonder if spraying contact cleaner into these sensors every 3 years would help this from stopping? Unless they are completely sealed.

It used to help some volume controls on old transistor devices.

 

[ccclarke]

Before this gets any more confusing, how many cars are we dealing with in this single thread? If a second car is being introduced, please start another thread.

The pots are sealed. Spraying contact cleaner in the shaft opening could cause more harm than good.

CCC

 

[joaustin]

We have one XLR. I'm thinking there was a mention of a Hyd Pump rebuild kit. Not that I know that is the trouble for sure. Carpet on Rt. side trunk "carpet" liner above inner wheelhouse shows a trace of some fluid. Looks to be old as the lift cylinder in that area is clean. Is there a pump fluid reservoir where fluid can be checked? I know the sensors read seconds as the linkage arms move and opens and closes ports in the Hyd pump. But with the gradual deterioration of separate items functioning, makes me think pump? However that is a costly item to just start changing parts.

 

[ccclarke]

I didn't mean to ask how many XLRs you have, but lamancha started a thread to get help diagnosing his folding top problem, then it appears you posted a top problem with your car.

Trying to diagnose two cars in a single thread can be confusing, which is why I was trying to clarify what is happening here.

If you aren't using two names for two different cars in two separate locations, (and it doesn't look that way --based on the symptoms; it would be easier for those following this thread for you to start a new thread for your problem.

"Troubleshooting Retractable Hardtop" is too generic to start adding multiple vehicles. Each problem can have different causes, though the symptoms may be similar. I hope this helps everyone trying to help you.

Good symptom elaboration is key to remote troubleshooting. Stating "the top functions have all fell out" makes no sense whatsoever. If your top worked when it entered the shop, they are responsible for repairing it, or paying for someone competent to do so.


CCC

 

[joaustin]

Thank You for the valuable information. I'll make another attempt toward clarity and hopefully lessen your confusion.