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YOUR RESEARCHCabriolet top stuck
Leading reported evidence
Check fuse
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Leading evidence: 'Check fuse' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check function of the e-brake switch' (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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Replace hydraulic cylinders over the weekend...they were both leaking
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
A quick update, changed the hydraulic cylinders over the weekend...they were both leaking from the seals.
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Suggestion
Can you pull off the center console and use a meter to use check the function of the e-brake switch?
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Suggestion · Original poster
I want to check the switch, but there are several contacts.
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Suggestion
BTW.....the car feels like it gain 20HP after the change......;-)
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Suggestion
This means that rather than using the traditional approach of cable and pullies, the car uses a set of pressurized cylinders to both open and close the top.
Use traditional approach of cable and pullies, the car
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Suggestion
This means that rather than using the traditional approach of cable and pullies, the car uses a set of pressurized cylinders to both open and close the top.
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18 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T130754Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
My top had been acting up the past week. It would get stuck in the up or down position, and sometimes in transit, but I could always get it to go if I kept trying. Now it is stuck in the down position and and won't go up. I've checked the fuse.
I think it is in the electrical system, because when in got stuck in transit the windows would get stuck too, so I don't think it is the motor. Anyone disagree? I want to check the switch, but there are several contacts. Is there a way to test continuity?
I think my next step would be to apply 12VDC through the plug. Is that advisable? Which electrodes would I use?
Could be multiple things.
1. Low hydraulic fluid. The top will usually strain to move if the fluid is low.
2. A limit switch. The most common switch to have issues is the one on the emergency brake. Can you pull off the center console and use a meter to use check the function of the e-brake switch?
3. One of the other limit switches. There are several (clamshell latch, flaps, etc.)
Also, does the top operate with the key in the door (not just the dashboard switch?)
Start with the emergency brake.
I'd take some electrical contact cleaner spray to all of the microswitches. Maybe a bit of oxidation in one of the switches is all you need to overcome...
mine wasnt working well either...wouldnt complete the close or wouldnt open properly. turns out a piece of the headliner was getting snagged on a bolt, right at the side where the little side flap is located.
giver a check and see if yer snaggn
Thanks guys. Gives me a couple of things to follow up on tomorrow. One thing though that I thought was odd when I bought the car. My 2002 cab required it in the park position, and this 2004 didn't. I thought Porsche might have done something to be able to operate at low speed. Now you guys are making me think someone has jury rigged it at the hand break.
"Park position". Must be a tip. I don't know what the interlocks are like for the automatic transmission and the cabriolet top. Another possibility for a fault. Not sure if the tips even have a micro-switch for the top on the handbrake.
If it is stuck in the down position, and the clamshell moves back, check if the 2 flaps are turning.
This happens once in a while with my car.....one of the 2 flaps fail to "open" and stops the top from moving.
My top was struggling a lot lately and I refilled the hydraulic reservoir.....2 days later found the puddle in front of the rear wheel (driver side). Already ordered 2 rebuilt hydraulic cylinders to install this weekend.
Another idea...take it to the dealer and let them fix it. They probably have the most experience with it. I would rather have it at the dealer for one day than suffer through the malfunction for a week or more while a bunch of people who are not standing in front of your car make various guesses at what it could be.
Here you get free advise, suggestions, and probably will learn a lot more about your car than bringing it to the dealer.......
Some of us cannot afford to bring it to the dealer for "troubleshooting"....
The convertible top on the Porsche Carrera is hydraulically actuated. This means that rather than using the traditional approach of cable and pullies, the car uses a set of pressurized cylinders to both open and close the top. Over time, the system can leak or fail, causing your convertible top to get stuck in either the up or down position.
Read more about it and how to fix it here
. We also have a
great article here
that provides info to help keep it lasting longer.
-Luccia
A quick update, changed the hydraulic cylinders over the weekend...they were both leaking from the seals. The new cylinders went in without major issues....the instructions provided by the "re-builder" in Florida where clear enough....I took an extra step (removed the rear speakers) for easy access to one of the nuts that hold the cylinders. Taking my sweet time (smoke and drink breaks)......about 3.5 hours......
BTW.....the car feels like it gain 20HP after the change......;-)
