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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996 top wont move, help!!!
Reported or suspected cause
weak motors
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported cause
My problem finally turned out to be weak motors on the flaps.
Leading evidence: 'weak motors' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'weak motors' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Adjust flap mechanism so' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Adjust flap track so it contacted the micro switch
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
So I ended up adjusting the flap track so it contacted the micro switch.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Replaced the motors and micro switches and it seems to be working fine now.
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Suggestion · Original poster
How do I adjust the flap mechanism so that it's touching the switch?
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Suggestion · Original poster
Still no movement so I went about checking some of the microswitches.
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Suggestion
I would bet that the clamshell potentiometer needs to be reset .When that is off the pump circuit times out .A shop manual and ohm meter needed to fix it .
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30 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T194705Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Was moving the top up and down half way over and over again to aid in a new canvas installation. Battery started to die and top stopped on its way back. Charged the battery for awhile, came back and tried to move the top again and ..... nothing. The clamshell cover moves but that's it, it's like the convertable top mechanism is totally inop. No sounds from the motor, fuses are good... I even disconnect the battery and tried to reset things, any idea what I might have done?
Just pulled the carpet cover off the top compartment tonight and discovered that my hydraulic fluid is about 1/4" below the min mark. Would this low fluid cause the pump to not run at all? Hopefully I didn't burn it up...... wish I could get this figured out soon so I can finish my top install...
keep us informed of whats happening. do not try to move the top if the wire bobbles under the rear window have been removed. The 2 wires are like guiders and have to be attached before moving the top. Without photos it is hard to explain but, in the center behind the clam is a black plastic movable flap thing. In front of the clam latch. Not sure if that flap has to have the top canvas touch it to activate a micro switch completing the circuit. You might have someone hold the flap up or down to complete the circuit before the top will move again. Hey not sure on that part but worth a try. I don't think it is a low fluid level. I think that is over rated as you say the top was moving previously. I think there are 5 or 7 micro switches involved in the operation of the top. I know if you move it manually you have to have the top re calibrated at Porsche. One is activated by the emergency hand brake. Make sure the hand brake is fully on at all times when operating the top. You have a mammoth job on hand replacing the canvas. From what I read it is a PITA.
Well, just topped off the fluid and still nothing, maybe the computer sensed a problem since I was trying to operate it with a dead battery and shut it down. Not sure if my regular obd2 scanner could detect this.
Not likely. The cabrio top module "computer" doesn't have any advanced senses. No voltage meter. Not even a level sensor on the hydraulic fluid. Just the limit switches, speed sensor, handbrake sensor, etc.
No, it can't.
I think your problem needs some hands-on diagnostic skills. I'd recommend that you find a friend who is good at troubleshooting, or take it to a skilled mechanic.
It sounds like the synchronization was lost due to low oil in the pump .The low oil is probably due to the top ram lifting cylinders seals being stressed which isn't good (from personal experience ) .
I would bet that the clamshell potentiometer needs to be reset .When that is off the pump circuit times out .A shop manual and ohm meter needed to fix it .
Does the front window latch release? I am assuming yes since the clam is moving. Could be the hydraulic motor they go out too.
Do the flaps go down?
I think there is 2 motors? one that runs the clamshel the other runs the top. I could be wrong, it has been awhile since I had top problems.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/911-996-CARR...FXJ3TM&vxp=mtr
Where is the clamshell potentiometer located? Can't find it in my bentley manual, and how does one go about resetting it. What your saying makes sense. When I was fitting the new canvas I was raising and lowering it hundreds of times, it would not hold itself up in the service position without bleeding down after about 10 mins or so and I had to keep electrically raising it.
It's part of the clamshell motor assembly and it's a bit tricky -you really need the narrative and pictures .The reason it's tricky is that the emergency clamshell screw has to be set to the right depth once you get the potentiometer set . The procedure requires removing the clamshell motor and adjusting .The next question is -at any point did you latch the top with out all the pieces in place .If so the latch needs to timed and that is also tricky and really requires pictures .
I would suggest you send out a request for a copy of the service manuals on this forum .
The roof latch is activated by the microswitch that hits the windshield frame, I don't see how this needs to be "timed" I did latch it a few times during the process.
So there's nothing in the system that could detect a fault, jam ect And shut itself down? like I said it was working fine until the battery drained all the way down and it was struggling to go up and just dead stopped.
There are diagnostic codes if you use the durametric software or Porsche tester .The system effectively shuts down when the synchronization is lost .I think what you are seeing is that the pump won't go because it is not getting the right info from the clamshell motor .That's an educated guess and then again it could also be some of the other parts like the flaps -but I doubt it .
Your opportunity to put your battery on change again. Give it a good 8 hours on charge before trying the top again. My guess is that's your problem. The battery is undercharged. Make sure that the wires are back on the bobbles before moving the top. It doesn't take many times without the engine running to flatten the battery when opening and shutting the top like crazy.
Well, I finally found out why the top isn't moving but I have no explanation as to how or why it happened. Nor am I sure how to fix the issue. I was playing around with my new durametrics software and cleared a fault code that existed for the top. Still no movement so I went about checking some of the microswitches. Turns out the switch on the drivers side flap was not engaged. In fact the plastic on the flap is about a 1/4" away from the switch. The other side is depressing the switch. When I manually depress the drivers side switch the top will energize. How do I adjust the flap mechanism so that it's touching the switch? It seems to run up and down a track with a threaded rod. I wonder how this got out of adjustment???
Glad you were able to diagnose the issue. Post some pics. That might help to figure out what adjustments or repairs are needed.
As to why it happened... It's an old car with a mechanically complex convertible top. Things break.
777mech,
You can take the plug out where you would mount the hard top and look down inside the hole. You will see an allen screw in there. By turning this you can manually move the flap so that it engages the micro switch. But by doing this you will get the top out of sync. This is exactly where I am at with my top. Appointment with my Indy next Tuesday to see if they can figure it out.
Marc
Hey Marc,
Wish you lived closer to GA because there is a good company in Atlanta that specializes in Porsche convertible tops. I'm just glad my convertible system is running smoothly. When I bought it, the top wouldn't close properly. I found that is boiled down to a $20 part. Jim Ellis quickly got me the part, but fortunately, I figured it out on my own. Saved lots of dead presidents. Cheers!
So I ended up adjusting the flap track so it contacted the micro switch. I have been able to move the top now and am almost finished with the new canvas install. Once I'm all done I'll use my new durametrics software and run the "convertable top calibration" feature. Don't see how anyone can work on these cars without that software!
My problem finally turned out to be weak motors on the flaps. They would take to long to move the flaps and the top would time out. Replaced the motors and micro switches and it seems to be working fine now. Now I have spare parts for next time and I am going to see if I can rebuild any of it.
BTW: I have the Durametric and even though it has the "Synchronize Top" feature it would not work on mine. Maybe it was just too far out of time but who knows. Please report back if it works for you, otherwise you will probably need to take it in for the sync job.
Marc
777mech,
Well today I finally got my top working and hope you have done the same. My issue came down to both of the flap motors had lost most of their Umph (technical term) and the top would time out as they moved ever so slowly. Replacing both lateral flap motors now has mine signing a happy tune.
and it must be a Porsche cots it cost half an arm.
Marc
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