Convertible Top Getting Stuck

[ShellysSmarty]

So I am looking for a little bit of help. This first happend in the dead of winter and is still happening as of today. When I put the top up in the Smarty it starts its run along the track. The first of front slider moves perfectly each and every time. The second slider is getting caught up at the transfer point between the removal bar and the body. It could and does happen on both sides. Its kinda like guessing which side you will have to pry up to get it moving again. I don't live anywhere near a smart dealer so I have been doing all the work myself or with the help of my fiancé.

If anyone has any ideas or schematics that would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You, Shelly

[Smart Enuf]

Try removing both rails and putting them back on, being careful to ensure that they both "click" well when you press them in. Then try the top again.

See earlier post for a similar problem:

Convertible top wont go up???

[smartcar111]

This happened to me. Get some white silicone and shoot the grooves of the rails and the sliders when the top is fully retracted. Take the roof rails off, bring the top up, and when it gets to that point, take your white silicone grease and shoot the sliders. Then, after all of that is done, put the top up and move the sliders inside of the rails by using the top up and down function. Also, while the roof rails are up and you are moving the sliders in the rails, shoot some more white silicone in the rails and at the sliders so they are fully lubricated and they do not stick.

Hope that helps!

[The Rigger]

WARNING!! DO NOT USE WD40!! REPEAT: DO NOT USE WD40!! Use a white lithium grease, or a spray lube that sets up as white grease or silicone in the tracks.

WD40 is *NOT* a lubricant; it's a water displacer. And it's also a dust magnet; not only will it not lube your roof tracks, it'll attract dirt and dust and grime, and basically turn into an abrasive paste.

I prefer LPS products, and specifically LPS's white lith grease for this job; it's a "grease gun in a can."

[smartcar111]

Thanks for the correction rigger. I know I heard WD40 suggested somewhere so I reiterated that. I did use white silicone when I lubed my tracks.

[JPaul]

For my lubrication issues such as windows, doors, rails, etc... I use marine dry lube.
I.e. CRC Industries Marine
It's a whitish powder spray that leaves a white film, so be careful when you spray it, protect surrounding surfaces with a cardboard mask.
It's original purpose is to lubricate the sailing ships masts' railings to allows sails to be hoisted easily even in salt water environment. It works magic for many things and seems to last quite well outdoor.
Just a thought.

[deepblueQ]

Jeez... I'm gone for a few days, have two prob's with my smart, am going to post a new thread for each, and it turns out others had the prob's in the same few days...

My roof is having some trouble too. Unfortunately, it's a bit more than grease will fix. The second slider from the front on the left side somehow got out of it's track. I can't tell if something is broken or what, but it's definitely lodged in there pretty well. I managed to get the thing closed, but I'm completely clueless about what to do next. Is it even possible to disassemble the roof to an extent that would let me reseat the slider?

[SmartJoeMN]

I would take it in, after talking to my dealer, and him having to take mine apart twice, it sounded like he has no desire to ever want to work on one again

[deepblueQ]

Originally Posted by SmartJoeMN

I would take it in, after talking to my dealer, and him having to take mine apart twice, it sounded like he has no desire to ever want to work on one again

The dealer is 4 hours away... if it takes that, ok, but I really don't want to if I can DIY it...

[sheureka]

You might get some ideas from Evilution's site - Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia. Just do a search for cabrio. - sheureka