31 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHBroken Convertible top frame
Leading reported evidence
Fill pump, let it prime a few times
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had to raise it with the handle, filled the pump, let it prime a few times using a 12V alarm battery connected straight to the pump and used the switch again no problems.
Leading evidence: 'Fill pump, let it prime a few times' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'only simple part)' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check fuses, 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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Replace top frame and top (which was badly worn out)
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I recently replaced my top frame and top (which was badly worn out) with a salvage yard top and frame.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had to raise it with the handle, filled the pump, let it prime a few times using a 12V alarm battery connected straight to the pump and used the switch again no problems.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Check the fuse, pull the connecter and apply power, if it runs check the fuses, switch on the handbrake.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had to raise it with the handle, filled the pump, let it prime a few times using a 12V alarm battery connected straight to the pump and used the switch again no problems.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
31 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Outcome without a verified action link
Reviving this thread � I just tried to open my top after a long winter and after it didn't work went to check the hydraulic fluid, which seemed fine.
Hi,
I think I searched and read all different kind of problems with convertible tops, except my problem; the frame is actually broken, on the left side of the car, where the frame is bolted in the chassis!
I bought it with the top up, and the PO said the top was broken, so I can't really be mad at him. However I got the top moving, and everything works exept that I have to raise the actual top manually. It fits as it should, so I didn't spot the broken frame until I attempted to check the hydraulic fluid level.
Question is, what have caused this? On my -86 911 convertible the frame snapped when the wire to the motor broke, causing the motor to only raise one side. It broke instantly, like it was made of paper....
I don't want to weld this up, just to break it in another place!
I have a 2000 996 Convertible. Any advice on what might have caused this, and how to fix it, would be very appreciated!
Thanks,
Johan
Maybe one of the tensioning cables broke/came loose and caused it to stress/break the frame?
You can see and disconnect them for access to the rear shelf area by putting the top in the service position and reaching under the rear sail area to unsnap the socket(s), on the cable, from the ball(s), on the car.
Hi,
last week I finally got the car over here. It has several issues, most I knew of before I bought it, some not....
Anyway, now I have been able to get some pictures of the convertible top:
This is the broken brackets I mentioned earlier. These are the one holding the rear part of the convertible top, with the rear window:
As you can see it is broken in the exact same way, under the bolt that holds the frame to the bracket. This is very strange, since I imagine that part of the top doesn't weigh that much. Any ideas what might have caused this?
Then there is a screw missing:
Not sure if you can see it in the picture, but there is supposed to be a screw there holding the rear part and the main top frame together.
And, I also have the issue that the convertible top light is on, and flashing. Plus, I can't hear the hydraulic engine move. I took a picture of the reservoir, but to me it is impossible to see if there is hydraulic oil in it or not. I don't know if the oil is colored or completely transparent! Is there a fill line at the X in Max?
Here is a close-up, but from this angle it looks like the reservoir is completely full:
And, the hydraulic cylinders are sticky from oil, and under the reservoir there are enough oil that I get some on my fingers.
Is there anyone who have a pic where you clearly can se the fill line in the reservoir? Couldn't find that when I searched....
If there is enough oil in it, how do I check the hydraulic motor? Here is a pic of that one:
Reason I ask is that is is kind of corroded, and then there is the fact that I can't hear a sound from it, not at any time during the up and down cycles for the roof (obviously I raise the actual top by hand, all other things are working).
Please let me know where to start. I don't want to re-weld the frame brackets, just to break the top in another place when I get the hydraulics to work again....
Any help would be very appreciated!
Thanks,
Johan
Could you just source a new top (frame and all) from a junkyard? Might be easier than trying to repair this one and I have heard not too bad as a DIY since it is bolt in. As part of the process you might even be able to get the pump with it. Just an option to consider...
Hi, thanks, but the repairs are really not a big deal. $100 for the welding is the worst part. But, I dont want it break in another place once repaired....
Regards,
Johan
Well, if welding is what you want to do okay... but in order to break that part it required a lot of force which may have messed up the rest of the top frame too (twisted it). Should be interested to see if just welding it fixes the problem for the long term. Fingers crossed for you...
As well the cross section of the break suggests this is a cast part, it may not be as easy to weld or braze the broken parts together, plus there is the chance some material "stretch" has occured in the cracked area so it may not come back together properly.
Hi,
I have welded porsche top frames before, with excellent results. The advantage with the cheaper cast aluminum is that its not that flexible, meaning it breaks when its load limit is exceeded.
Also, the top fits perfectly, and opens/closes manually without resistance. Except the rearmost part, that is broken. Still fits, though.
So, just to recap my questions:
- What might have caused the frame to break?
- Is there a fill line in the reservoir or i it empty?
- How can I make sure the hydraulic motor is working properly?
Thanks,
Johan
1. ?
2. unscrew the filler screw (that looks like it in the pic) and see if it is full.
3. Check the fuse, pull the connecter and apply power, if it runs check the fuses, switch on the handbrake. (brake needs to be on to operate top)
For what it's worth. I have a 99 cab. In the manual it does say that if the owner resorts to actually raising the top manually via the crank method from behind the rear seats, then under no circumstances should the top be tried again via the dash switch or key in drivers door method UNTIL the top has been recalibrated at a PORSCHE shop. It could be that a PO tried to open the top electrically after an emergency manual closing and consequently the front hook did not release from the windscreen but other parts of the top went into their cycle and in doing so snapped the arm on one side. Not that it really matters now that the arm is broken but maybe that's how it broke. To release the top latch on the 99 model, I can remove the right side plastic plate at the side of the hook and manually unlock the hook. It explains how to do that in the owners manual via a small alan key. A thin bladed screw driver work's just as well. I know all this because I have had problems with my cabriolet top over the last 2 and a half years of ownership. I have solved all of them via the trial and error method. BTW I have never had to remove the rear seats back to close the top manually or had to top up hydraulic levels ever. I have had it in service mode times without number and the rear window sill removed for better inspection of the working of the top. I have not sprayed any oil on any working joints of the top but I have sprayed WD 40 into the hook area and used o ring grease around the three slots at the top of the windscreen. Right now the top is working perfectly (touch wood) fingers crossed. I have never had to replace a micro switch. Mainly arms coming loose loosing split washers on the side of the hood. Mechanical failures rather than electrical.
That makes sense, when mine did not open, upon removing the back panel the emergency allen bolt was laying down below, it was completely detached, this seems to be what caused the latches not to release as the gear had to be replaced. I am pretty sure it was cuased by the locks not releasing due to the drive gear in the lock latch motor being shot, stopping the arm and causing the struts to snap the bracket instead.
I read that in the manual as well and thought it was crap. Mine is an '01 and the top wouldn't come back up. No oil in the pump. I had to raise it with the handle, filled the pump, let it prime a few times using a 12V alarm battery connected straight to the pump and used the switch again no problems. That was over 3 weeks ago and I use the top at least a couple of times everyday and no issues at all.
I'm sure it's POSSIBLE, but not simple. Given the sequence of operations, you'd have to figure out how to manually:
1. Open the clamshell
2. Rotate both side flaps
3. Raise (or lower) the actual top. (this is probably the only simple part)
4. Latch the center hook
5. Rotate both side flaps back.
6. Lower the clamshell
I could see this sequence taking some time or customization to make into a manual operation. Be sure to post up the "how to" if you figure it out!
Add mine to the list. Both side are broken. It was working fine and suddenly the clam shell wouldn't lift up. I didn't realize it until it was too late. Coincidentally, the rear windows also do not close, even when you cheat and press down the center latch in front. It is an incredibly expensive repair so unless someone finds a way to do it cheaply, my 1999 w/ 21,500 miles will become top down only.
Mine did the same thing. The clamshell didn't open correctly and the top pushed into it and it broke in the same place. I'm trying to find the procedure to remove the top and I'll get a junk yard top including frame to put in its place. I'm just slightly stumped as to which bolts exactly I need to remove. I have the hydraulics out of the way and if I can't find an answer I'm going to just start removing nuts and bolts and see what happens.
fwiw, I have an '07 cab sitting on my driveway that will be junked if anyone wants the top or parts of it. The top etc look to be in good shape altho the car itself is junk.
I bought it for the motor to fix my 996. I'm slowly getting there.
San Mateo, CA.
I recently replaced my top frame and top (which was badly worn out) with a salvage yard top and frame. It's a pain. You definitely need to order extra clips and some fasteners that will break when removing the old frame. My top goes up and ocks in place perfectly. The problem I'm having is when lowering the clam shell isn't closing when the top is fully down. Stays about a foot in the air.
Reviving this thread � I just tried to open my top after a long winter and after it didn't work went to check the hydraulic fluid, which seemed fine. But then I noticed I have the exact same break in the mount? Anyone able to find a part number for the mount?
I'm not sure if
this
is it?
Please help!
Try
99656144300
I think that is the same break I had a couple of years ago (driver’s side). I found it on eBay for $75 and paid a convertible shop about $200 to replace it.
i actually have the same problem but both sides broke. the previous owner didnt check the piston that puts the top town. it was leaking hydraulic fluid on one side so when he tried to put the top down only one side worked and it snapped both sides. can buy the replacement on ebay for $125.
