Is there any way to make the Cabrio roof close....

[doogster]

...automatically when if it starts raining? I mean, the rain sensor is there... why can't it just close the circuit on the roof switch and put up the roof in the event of rain? Do you think this is something that can be done?

[bull8042]

I would say "no". The rain sensor is just an input to the PCM. If you could access the actual program and make modifications, locate an available hardware output that you could use to drive an external relay, then re-wire the roof switch to include this relay, then my answer would be different.
I doubt that anyone on this continent would have access to the PCM program and software tools necessary to facilitate such a change. If they did, I would think they could become quite wealthy in a short period of time.

[SmartCard]

It would certainly require its own logic circuit to shut it only once - you wouldn't wanted the top closing....then opening, then closing again when it the next drop is detected. (I haven't used them much, but I think the auto wiperes operate very sporadically!)

[JPaul]

It shouldn't require more than few code lines. But one would have to peak and poke deep into the logic.
More important, it would use some juice to maintain the sensor active when the ignition is "off". I have no idea how much is required. It may drain the battery if it's a bit too much. And a low battery may not even be able to supply enough power to close the roof, thereby defeating the purpose of the exercise: to ease one's mind in case the open car gets an unexpected shower...

[wrumbarger]

I think there are three (3) separate issues with this idea.

Issue 1: is that the open/close switch is a "momentary" type switch.
when you press it, the roof moves, when you let go, the roof stops.
There would have to be a function that allowed the switch to operate for a specific time period (say 15 seconds?) in order for this to work.

Personally, I think the button should be changed to a "one touch per function" operation anyway . . .Push the button once and the roof retracts, push it again to drop the rear?

Issue 2: the roof operates in a 3 stage system.
Stages are 1: folding back to midpoint. 2: dropping rear section (these are powered functions) 3: removing the side guide bars (manual operation).

Issue 3: If you parked your cabrio with the top down AND the side guide bars removed, then it would only be able to put the top up to the mid point, not close completely, so there would not be any advantage? your interior would still get soaked.

[bull8042]

wrumbarger, very good point. Based on current information, I think I have a viable solution for automatic operation, both open and close.
By utilizing a shock collar with a remote control feature, place collar around the neck of the gimp of your choosing and leave the remote with the receptionist in your building. With proper training of both the gimp and the receptionist, at the first sign of rain, a mere touch of the button will have the gimp scrambling to get your top closed!

[Wizco]

The actual programming would be simple at the manufacturing level. I suspect though, that for the same reason manufacturers use a one touch open switch for windows and sunroofs, but require you to hold the switch to close them you'll never see it. If it's closing automatically, and hits an obstruction, (golf club, dog, small child, etc.) something is going to break. And no manufacturer wants the liabilty of breaking something(one).

[Flashman]

It's a liability issue I'm sure. You leave your little kid in car while emptying trash can. He is standing on seat. A drop of rain falls... well you can imagine the rest.

[craven3557]

My 03 sedan deville has auto up for the windows from the drivers seat. One push and let go and up goes the windows.

[vwW12]

Originally Posted by Flashman

It's a liability issue I'm sure. You leave your little kid in car while emptying trash can. He is standing on seat. A drop of rain falls... well you can imagine the rest.

It is a cost issue I am sure. My other car has one-hit-up windows that constantly calibrate the amount of friction it takes to raise the glass. If the amount of friction is higher than the system is expecting, the windows cease their upward movement and roll fully down. If one ever disconnects both car batteries, each window must be recalibrated so the sensors can store the currently acceptable friction level (friction increases as car gets old, mechanism gets dirty, etc).