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YOUR RESEARCHClamshell not opening 2002 911
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Repair many mercedes convertible tops
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I�ve repaired many Mercedes convertible tops but not a Porsche.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I�m replacing the 2 hydraulic cylinders on this 2002 996.
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Suggestion
There�s a video on YouTube about replacing and resetting the motor and shaft.
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Suggestion
And the potentiometer must be set a 6.2 Kohms before installation.
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I�m replacing the 2 hydraulic cylinders on this 2002 996. I know the clamshell used to work. When I press the top down button I hear a click from what I think is the control unit in the trunk then nothing. I opened the clamshell manually and removed the 2 cylinders and just sent them off for a rebuild.
shouldn�t the clamshell function even if there is a leak in the system? Should I manually unlock the front lock? The fluid is low because of the leak but will that stop the roof from unlocking?
I�ve repaired many Mercedes convertible tops but not a Porsche. It�s similar but I know they have their nuances.
There should be an error message on the dash. If not, you need a scanner to read the error codes and go from there. This is one of the most popular failure modes on a 996/997 cabriolet.
The clamshell is operated separately by an electric motor and cable system. The hydraulic pump and cylinder are for the soft top only.
Do you hear the electric motor turning at all when you try to operate the clamshell? Assuming you opened the clamshell manually using the Allen socket as stated in the manual? This disengages the drive gear of the motor from the shaft connected to the cables. The Allen socket/bolt will have to be released to re-engage the drive shaft with the motor.
There�s a video on YouTube about replacing and resetting the motor and shaft. There�s a variable resistor on the motor shaft that�ll need to be checked. The car relies on that to confirm the clam shell has reached the fully open position.
The convertible roof is really an overly complicated system that has not aged well over time with all its components. Wish there�s an easy way to convert the top to fully manual operation.
I just hear a click from what I think it the control box next to the pump on the drivers side.
Can I close the clamshell by manually turning the Allen bolt clockwise to reset it? Or can you send a link to the video? I don�t see it. So I should theoretically hear the motor spinning if it�s disengaged and not a click (relay)
Disregard I�m a total idiot. The engine bay was not latched fully. After latching it the top unlatched and the windows wen down and the pump started to run. I already pulled the cylinders and sent them off to be re manufactured.
but one more question. Since I manually opened rhe clamshell should I manually close it after I re install the cylinders?
I wouldn't try anything now. You've got the top in service position now, right..? The rams are out and lines from pump disconnected..? If you're luck top will still be in calibration.
If it were me, I'd wait till rams come back and are installed. Then try the top button and see if it works correctly. If not you'll need to reset/re-calibrate it. Be careful to install the potentiometer arm back on the driver side ram correctly.
[QUOTE=allcool;20331688]I wouldn't try anything now. You've got the top in service position now, right..? The rams are out and lines from pump disconnected..? If you're luck top will still be in calibration.
If it were me, I'd wait till rams come back and are installed. Then try the top button and see if it works correctly. If not you'll need to reset/re-calibrate it. Be careful to install the potentiometer arm back on the driver side ram correctly.[/QUOTE
is there a special was to install the potentiometer arm?
And now that you manually opened the lid, this is what has to happen next. Start at post 4.
Convertible top compartment motor inop - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
yes. I wasn�t aware it was open. O closed it and now the top unlocked and the windows went down and the pump motor ran. All normal not that I pulled the cylinders.
im still curious if I have to do anything to the clamshell. I opened it manually initially. Hopefully when I re install the cylinders everything functions normally
Sounds like you got everything figured out. I probably wouldn�t mess with the clamshell motor until you get your hydraulic cylinders back on. The resistor can be a little tricky to sync back up to the right value.
Anyways, here�s the video I mentioned in case it helps out anyone else having problems with it.
You Tube
That is a good video but he left out two crucial details. Either on purpose or he did not know it.
1.The brass bolt is attached to the square shaft with high strength loctite and is turned down exactly 3 turns, no more.
2. And the potentiometer must be set a 6.2 Kohms before installation.
I installed the rebuilt cylinders and now the top goes up and down correctly. But as I feared the clamshell doesn�t move. Probably because I manually opened it prior to removing the old cylinders. So tomorrow im going to remove the clamshell motor and set it to 6.2 ohms and see what happens. Hopefully there is no trick to removing it and it goes smoothly.
Top fixed, clamshell motor recalibrated and everything working as it should. This was my first Porsche top and I appreciate the help with all the nuances. Now I can add Porsche tops to the Mercedes tops on my resume
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