Targa issues

I've just bought a 2002 Targa. I think I've got two problems with the targa itself and I'd like to hear if anyone else has experienced them or if it's normal. First the blind - I tried another targa before the one I bought and the blind retracted into the headlining. However I didnt test the blind on the one I bought and when retracting it just flops behind the seats rather than I presume going into a hidden roller in the headlining. Second - the roof. The first one I tried took several attempts to close, going slow and stalling at several points. The one I bought was slow but didnt stall when I tested it. I tried tonight though and it was slow and stopped about 3 times before closing fully. Is that in any way normal or the sign of an impending issue? Any experiences or comments welcome. thanks.

Hi there The blind has a metal bar associated with it going across the car from side to side. If it's not located in the right place the blind will gather outside the cylinder. The metal bar needs to be in front of the seam on the blind, just slide the seam through at the ends so it catches correctly. Take a look and you'll see what I mean. When in the right place the bar will travel with the blind and be above your head. When retracted the blind will take the metal bar with it but gather correctly. The roof doesn't always like being closed with the engine off, takes a fair amount of power. Suggest you lube it up, make sure the runners are ok and check your battery is up to the job. Good luck :thumbs:

Thanks. I've got a bit more information and had a closer look today. First - the battery was pretty dead today so that might have been the roof issue (new one tomorrow, so I'll re-test) - so it could be just as you say. Second - I've noticed the bar, it seems to be where it needs to be. I had the cover off the mechanism and the roller turns for the first half of the blind retraction but then slows and stops. The blind continues back and flops. Manually helping the roller, I can roll the blind on as it should be. I'll see tomorrow whether it gets better with a new battery and some freeing up. cheers!

I have had a 2003 targa for a few years and end of the summer got the same symptoms you have with the roof. Took it to OPD and bad news!!!! One of the runners has had some grit or something in it and that is why the roof stops, sometimes slow and sometimes does not work at all. Part around £770 , ok, but labour around £2700 :sad: !! The whole roof has to come off and taken apart. I hope you do not have the same problem and a new battery does work. Presently looking for somebody to give me a cheaper option as a targa without the roof working is not much use. If anyone knows more about this please let me know also. Good luck.

Is there no way you can get into the runners without removing the roof? That sounds quite excessive. I bet the extended warranty doesn't cover it either.

I'll second the comment about Targas not liking the roof being operated when the engine's off. Mine used to stall before I replaced the battery with a Bosch Silver. The operation is still slow but I rarely operate it with the engine off. As also mentioned, good idea the keep the seals lubed with some type of silicone spray or grease. ~ Maxie

For what it's worth, I've also had problems with my Targa roof slowing and/or stopping. Not that can help - just make you feel less alone!! I don't operate it any more with the engine off, always leave it running until roof is shut. I reckon it draws a lot of current so unless your battery is very new that's a problem. As to the sticking problem, haven't really found an answer. It's intermittent, possibly temperature related (differential expansion rates maybe??). When it stops completely it will sometimes go again if I let go the switch and then press it again (I assume there is some kind of overload cutout??). Or if I back it up a bit and take a run up! Especially if I help it by pulling it by hand at the same time. If that all sounds a bit Heath Robinson, you'd be right! Let me know if you solve it.. H

Quick update, got my roof fixed at Parr, near Gatwick, top guys! They had a good look and in the end all it needed was a little clean out and a good greasing!! Suggest, as others have, if you have a sticky roof mechanism give it, or get it, a good greasing! Mine works like new now. :thumbs: J