987.2 Boxster roof stuck.

My 987 sunroof is stuck in the up posotion. There is plenty of info to sort it if it was stuck in the down position but I can't find any helpful info for my situation. The fuse is good as is the microswitch on the release lever. The windows drop as they should and I can hear a click at the back when I use the switch on the console but it dosen't move. Has anyone else had the same problem and has anyone got advice on how I should go about solving the problem. Many thanks in advance.

@restea So it's a Cayman with a sunroof?

Yeah my thought too, never heard of that as an option.

Ditto that. Found the owners manual, and no mention of a sunroof. Further research finds no mention of a sunroof option. Numerous older posts back up the absence of a sunroof. Others note the near impossiblilty of a sunroof due to the curvature of the roof, but that doesn’t preclude someone doing an aftermarket install. I tend to agree based on these findings.

Guys, let it go. With so many new members turning out to be spammers/trolls who are clueless, I was just gently testing whether he knew a Cayman from a Boxster . He passed. Otherwise the thread would have vanished. BTW, I edited the thread title to remove some confusion

You’re on it! These so-called ‘posts’ seem to be spawning in numbers. Especially when checking their profile and realizing that they joined 8 hours ago.

Regarding the post, what about the switch that actually powers the top mechanism? Also, aren’t there multiple alignment switches ? It’s been a while since the 986 so I don’t remember the clamshell with precision.

Thank you all again for your considerate replies and for my acceptance into the group. I'm neither a troll or a spammer and patently not an expert on technical aspect of Porsches. I'm just a grateful owner of a modest model who has had the opportunity to experience the pleasure of driving it. I've been called many things in my life, but this is a first for "clueless", broad shouldered and not easily offended, I turn a cheek and move forward. As advised, I'm guilty of using an incorrect term, "sun" instead of "convertible". This misdemeanour may well provide good reason for me to be considered a fake, I can assure that I am not. But for which I humbly apologise and seek forgiveness. I don't aspire to be part of the Porsche elite, just owning and using one only represents a small part of my life and is quite enough for me. I just enjoy driving the car in the summer with the roof down. I have made a totally genuine, if erroneous, post in the hope of getting information from respected and knowledgeable people who have maybe experienced the same issue. The subject is not a 986 , it's a 2008 987.2 3.4S automatic. The switch on the centre console appears to be functioning, when it is used an audible click can be heard from, what I assume to be, the electric motor that would normally affect the opening and closing of the convertible roof. But other than the click nothing more happens and I get a sense that it's jammed. The microswitch within the latch keeper of the release lever is working as it should and initiates the partial lowering of both the passenger and driver's window. The fuse in the box for its circuit is intact. What I have learnt is that the potential causes are manyfold. But I can't find a way to override the electrical operation to lower the convertible roof or open the housing panel manually which would enable me to investigate the possibilities. There are a plethora of YouTube videos providing great advice on how to resolve the issue if the roof was stuck in the down position but nothing to help if it stuck in the up position, thus resulting in the impasse. This dilemma must have surely presented itself before and given the nature of the forum I was hoping that another user may have experienced it in the past and, therefore, have the valuable information. Any of which would be much appreciated. Much respect, thanks and best wishes to you all.

I wish I could offer more but electric clamshell tops are not my specialty whatsoever as my top has no motors. I can tell you this, an audible click is not adequate in evaluating any switch function, having said that it’s probably not the main switch. I would consult the owner’s manual for information on how to operate the top in a situation such as yours, there may be information there. In order to do it manually you would probably have to take apart the ball sockets on the top, that will change the critical timing of the mechanism which would then need to be restored. Hopefully other members will chime in, I know if you do some searches you will find threads with meaningful content. Look at it this way, top stuck up does not prevent you from enjoying the car and it protects the delicate computer boxes under the seats. As for the rest, sorry members were a little “ snippy “ there have been a lot of incidents of spam in the last six months, that’s why people were standoffish. I hope you find resolution and perhaps sometime in the future I can offer you more meaningful assistance.

Thanks for your time and advice, Boris. You're ansolutely right, I can use the car as a saloon in the meantime, so it's not the end of the world. I've consulted the owners manual and, like the Youtube videos, it offers advice on how to raise it manually if it was stuck in the down position, but nothing if it's stuck in the up position. If I could get it down manually it would provide access to the gubbins. And, although I'm not a techy in the slightest, I am pragmatic and am pretty sure I'd have the wherewithall to do a diagnostic and solve the problem. I'll wait to see if I can get advice from anyone who has had experience of such a problem. Thanks again, Boris.

You can always take it to someone who has knowledge at a repair center if nobody here can offer a solution. Thats a way better approach than breaking something attempting to discover a remedy yourself. Don’t forget to check the parking brake switch, I can’t remember but some years it might need to be engaged to put the top down, it’s an easy thing to try and cost free.

Watch this video it might give you some insight into things you could try if you are gentle with this process. My belief is that this man has disconnected all of the motorized function however, what he’s doing through the trunk is valuable information.

One more source to gain valuable knowledge, the video is just to see how the operation works, this is likely far more rich in pearls of wisdom, good luck. Porsche Boxster Convertible Top Repair - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article If your convertible top is stuck up or down, the mechanism needs repair. In this article Wayne goes over all of the aspects of the roof and what is need to repair it. www.pelicanparts.com

Thanks Boris. I've watched this video before, the guy is genious. If and when I can get the top down manually and if I discover a very expensive repair is necessary then this option becomes a viable alternative.

Thanks again, Boris, you are very kind and helpful. I hit the link and studied the text and video presented by Pelican Parts . This will become very useful when I have to do a repair. But I still have to negotiate the manual lowering of the roof and the opening of the panel over the stowaway compartment before I can get to the nuts and bolts.

Well Restea as Clint Eastwood once said “a good man has got to know his limitations”. I started wrenching at sixteen, professionally, (my dad inspected each job at the end). If you even think a job is more than you can handle, do not endeavor. Sure the pelican article may not specifically cover the problem but if you are mechanically inclined you can normally glean information peripherally. Often I see people using horrible processes during a YouTube but can still see my pathway to a successful repair by watching them do it wrong. If that isn’t your experience or you’re timid then you hire a professional. If you don’t even understand the basics of the cable wire and ball connectors, the elastic retainer that is also a consideration then walk. Save your foray into wrenching for easier learning projects, maybe an oil change and even then, you need a compliment of tools, catch pan, oil saver for recycling, floor jack , jackstands, good lighting and a proper space. These are expensive cars, mistakes on them will only magnify that fact. Best of luck to you I hope you have success if you decide to endeavor . Please know I’m not trying to be Mr know it all. ☮

I assume you know that the 987.2 has a manual release on the front, so be sure that's unlocked to allow lowering. Otherwise, the switch will not be allowed to lower the top. I know it's a dumb thing, and you probably know this, but just to be sure. The later model ( 981 +) have electronic locks there... Even if this is unlocked, I believe there's a microswitch in that latch to detect locked/unlocked. I'm not sure if there are two there, but I know one is known to go bad sometimes, so if there are two, I'd check both... or just the one, of course. Either way, make sure it works between locked and unlocked... because, again, it should prevent movement. A good diagnostic tool (like the Foxwell NT530 ) can help here because you can check these switches by simply plugging in and working the buttons/latches via the live-view function. Otherwise, you'd have to check with a meter, manually. If those are all working, I would remove the ball joint from the top movement mechanism (one on each side) and see if you can move the top manually. If so, then while it's moving up/down you can feel if it's binding, etc. Once that's checked, you can see where the transmission/motor assemblies are and test to see if they are getting the proper voltage when you try to actuate. In addition, you can check their position to ensure they're at the right place for "up"... if they're not and they don't look the same, then that needs to be fixed first. And, of course, if anything through this process is out of place or looks wrong, then let us know. I'd start with these steps. If you're not comfortable with tools and testing, then it's best to bring it to a suitable shop... because it can get trickier from here forward as well. But let us know what you find and we can continue to help as we learn more about your specific situation...

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Thank you all for the valued replies and advice. The manual release and the single microswitch are working as they should. I've done further research on how to lower the top manually using an AI tool and it provided a detailed and definitive solution. The process begins with accessing the engine compartment via the removable panel behind the seats and disabling the hydraulics. Given Boris's advice and, although I'm far from being a good man, I've realised my limitations and since come to the conclusion that as a Porsche mechanic I'm a very good house builder. Although I've successfully serviced the car in the past I believe that that this one is above and beyond. Chucking money at it now would overcome the potential of me cocking it up and having to pay more at a later date. Following further resaerch I've discovered a reputable and highly recommended service centre in the nearby city of Burgas (Bulgaria). There are numerous Porcshe centres in the country but I've chosen not to afford their prices, I'd leave them to the Mafia but they tend to use Mercedes with tinted windows. Given that I've now accumulated some knowledge I can discuss the issue with the service technicians with a little confidence and knowing that they can't make more out of the job than it's worth. Thank you all for your kind help and advice. I'm going to park this one up for a while as I've got a more urgent priority at the moment, i.e. a camper van to ready for trips out in the summer and it doesn't have a convertible roof! In the meatime I can use the Porsche as it stands, I have an old jalopy as a runaround and a 26 YO 650 Yamaha Dragstar to play with. I can return at a later date and let you know of the outcome. Thanks again, good luck and best wishes to you all.

restea I will continue to research this topic, I’m sure you are not the first person to experience this. There‘s a fix or hack out there somewhere.

@restea , is this Boxster new to you? Did the top work correctly when you bought it? The reason I'm asking is it might shed light on the problem if we understand some of the car's history. Boxsters are notorious for water damage to electronics. There are numerous drains that can be clogged by leaves and debris. Once this happens, rain will cause flooding in low lying areas and can damage control units mounted there. Once damaged, these devices rarely fix themselves. Sometimes they can be refurbished but usually they need to be replaced. Regardless, one of the often mentioned Porsche specific diagnostic tools will be useful in troubleshooting this and many other problems. They are useful for so many things that they are a must-have tool for any Porsche owner who ever plans on working on their car themselves. I don't have a Boxster so I have little experience with the various components dealing with operation of the top. But I'd bet there are diagnostics that will pinpoint what is failing.

Hi, I'm head cheese here at the moment. Please accept the apologies from anyone who doubted if you were real. Over in the moderators' hangout, we frequently have debates about some new member posts - if they're real or IA generated.. it can be a challenge to decide, and I'm sure sometimes we don't get it right. OK - things to know - This won't be easy - the mechanism for the top is best accessed with the roof partially opened, and with the lid open fully. Obviously this isn't happening in your case. Somehow you need to pop off the top lid connections to the gearboxes. There are two gearboxes. They're driven by one motor - centrally located in the top storage compartment. The gearboxes are driven by two cables - one from each end of the motor to the individual gearboxes. The top lid is held down by a spring assembly that mounts with a ball-socket to the "bellcrank" (my term for it, no idea what Porsche calls it..) there is one spring assembly on each side of the car. Somehow you have to get into the area where the gearboxes are located (left and right sides) and pop the ball-joint to the bellcrank off. Once it's released it's all fairly easy from there - the top will open allowing you access to the other mechanism that opens the actual top. Best bet - through the trunk on each side. Right at the top over the top fitting of the rear suspension strut. If I have a chance I'll try to get a photo of the area showing what you can almost see, and what has to be disconnected to open the top lid.

Before you go to all that trouble - there are a few things that should be checked. There are two relays involved with the convertible top. One to open it, one to close it. These are located in "Relay Support #1" There is also the rear control module. Has the top ever been down in the rain? Have you been meticulous in keeping the rear drains clear for the top compartment? It's probably worth looking at this module and make sure it hasn't suffered from flooding. For some reason Porsche decided to put a fairly critical control module under the drivers seat (port side) in a well with no drain. Any water that gets into the interior gathers in that well, flooding out the control module leading to an expensive repair. I'd look at the relays first. They appear identical, so swapping them might be a worthwhile test - if after swapping them you can open the top (and probably not close it) you know the relay is bad. Where is "Relay Support #1" you ask? Up under the dash on the driver's side (left hand drive cars..) They are relays 3 and 5.. So there'ya go - these would be the first thing I'd look at. I'd also check the switch using an Ohmmeter. Clicking means nothing. All that means is it clicks. Now a bit of general advice: If you intend to try to DIY with the Boxster I strongly suggest you spend the money on an AllDataDIY subscription for it. They have a 15% off deal right now (I seem to recall "Spring15" being the code..) They offer monthly, yearly, multi-year. Obviously the longer subscriptions are less per month. And I'd suggest you get a diagnostics tool that is Porsche specific. Ones like some of the Foxwell ones (and others) are capable of testing things like relays by watching the voltage on the outputs as you toggle the control for them. It also can tell you if the control unit is seeing the switch activity. Total for both - less than 1 hour labor at most Porsche dealerships. Good luck - let us know how you make out..

Hi again. Thanks for the questions and advice. I've had the car for about 5 years, the roof has worked as it should since until I tried it recently. It is garaged and has rarely seen the rain. It only gets wet when I wash it. Never has water got into the passenger compartment. I have a diagnostic device and I have just gone through the process of updating it, yet to be tried.

Hi. Thanks for the detailed advice, you have gone to a lot of trouble, this is much appreciated. I'll set to, but don't hold your breath. Best wishes.

Ummm, perhaps it is my old gray hair, I own a 2008 BoxsterS 3.4. It is a 987.1 not a 987.2 . Mine was manufactured in Jan. of 2008 if that helps in my confusion. BTW I would careful about forcing the top back manually. Art

Hi Onemore (Art) I hope you are well, I've grey hair too, well, what's left of it that is. I don't think I'm brave enough to force it. I'm betwix and between on whether to take the beast to service centre or not. I've kindly had detailed instructions on how approach it but I'm being tugged in other directions at the moment. So that's given me thinking time. Good luck and best wishes.

There are definitely times now (approaching 8 decades) where I choose my battles.. luckily I have an excellent relationship with the local Porsche dealer's service department (years of treating them as humans works..) and I have a really excellent independent. So while I may research what needs to be done, I then decide if it's worth the pain I'll inevitably suffer if it involves heavy lifting, crawling around under the car. Those chores I pass along to the mechanics I've found are excellent. Other ones - like installing the new Chinese Android headunit are sort of fun for me - even if I do ache all over the next day - and I'll tackle them. Even on those, I've learned it doesn't ALL have to be completed the same day I started. I take my time.. I don't waste the time (it's all we really have isn't it?) but I do try and savor it while doing the job. Choose your battles - don't let the battles choose you.