[plm3iii]

All,

my 2009 Cabrio top won't go down using either the internal switch or the key fob. Have verified fuse is good, have verified that internal switch is functional via resistance check with a VOM. Have lightly tried to move each track guide and they all seem to be free. When you push the up switch entire top and arms flexs and then stops. When you push the down button, nothing. Bought used from previous owner, who had no data on top not going down.

 

[dhlairbusb4]

Are you trying this with the motor running.... if just on the battery, it may be weak. Start motor and rev slightly, see if it works.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

Did the top work when you test drove the car?

 

[plm3iii]

Are you trying this with the motor running.... if just on the battery, it may be weak. Start motor and rev slightly, see if it works.

Tried your recommendation, you can hear on the first try what sounds like a relay engaging below drivers side dash, and you can see the top arms flex, but no real movement. The slides on the rails seem to be no jammed, I can move them slightly. I have not gone into removing either motor at the bottom of the arms to investigate/troubleshoot though. I have removed the covers over the motors to look.....

 

[plm3iii]

Did the top work when you test drove the car?

No, it did not, and the previous owner had no info other then she did not take the top down in quite a while.

 

[plm3iii]

Based on the clicking I'm hearing below the driver's side dash and watching the top arms flex when the top switch is engaged, I'm pretty sure it must be something mechanical not letting it move. I've read about limit switches on the arms, but have not identified them on my car as of yet. Just wish somebody had a schematic of the top both mechanical and electrical for me to look at, it would help I think with troubleshooting a lot.

 

[dhlairbusb4]

There is info on the cabrio top at the evilution site... it costs a couple of bucks to sign up, but well worth it.
Are your side rails installed completely? If mis aligned, I think they could stop the opening process.

 

[plm3iii]

I've got a membership on Evilution......and read the info there in reference to the cabrio top, but honestly I did not get much out of it. Side rails are installed completely, and I would agree that if they were misaligned could stop the opening process.

 

[dhlairbusb4]

Sounds like the front latches are not releasing... I am not sure if you can gain any access, but maybe some lubrication on them would help. White luthium grease maybe?

 

[dhlairbusb4]

Also, look at the info on the 450 model, it looks very similar to the 451s

 

[plm3iii]

Sounds like the front latches are not releasing... I am not sure if you can gain any access, but maybe some lubrication on them would help. White luthium grease maybe?

Makes sense to me, got a picture of their location and what they look like? Will look into the 450 model as well....appreciate the help

 

[jargites]

This may be too simple of an answer, but I had a similar problem a year or so ago. Hadn’t put the top down in a while and when I tried it acted like it wanted to go down electrically, but couldn’t mechanically. Turned out that it needed lubrication. Spayed some silicone lube in the track and it’s worked great ever since!

 

[plm3iii]

This may be too simple of an answer, but I had a similar problem a year or so ago. Hadn’t put the top down in a while and when I tried it acted like it wanted to go down electrically, but couldn’t mechanically. Turned out that it needed lubrication. Spayed some silicone lube in the track and it’s worked great ever since!

Jargites,
not to sound dense, but where exactly did you spray the silicone lube, obviously along the track while pulling aside the roof cover. But where specifically where the slides/lock meets the top of the windshield? Appreciate the input

 

[dhlairbusb4]

You need to try and get the lube up in to the front area, where the cam goes over the roller. That is where I would start. It may be messy, but with the thin spray nozzle, you should be able to get it in there. White Lithuim is what I recommend.

 

[jargites]

Like what dhlairbusb4 says, it's a little messy. I put towels over the dash and seats to catch overspray. The can of silicone I got had a straw like adapter on the nozzle, like WD40 has. I was able to pull the cloth head liner over a little and get the spray up into the track. The cam locks at the front are just inboard of the removable rails. You can’t really see them, but you can get the nozzle up in there and the lubricant must get in there because mine loosened up and everything started working.

 

[dhlairbusb4]

Also, look again at the pics on evilution.... that should help guide you.

 

[toxotes]

About 6 months ago my 2012 would go up but would stop when it had to slide. Dealer found a foriegn piece wedged in the track. They found no evidence of where it came from.
Has worked since
I never felt comfortable, so, friday brought it to a private convertible top guy.
Parts will hopefully be in this week. Labor and parts are just a minuscule price of $750.