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Convertible Top Not Moving

309 Views 13 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  cbiller, 
C
My 2004 Beetle convertible top will not go up or down. I can hear the motor run, but there's no movement. I can put it up or down manually, but I would like to fix the auto mechanism. I'm thinking a key sheared, or an actuating cable broke, or something like that is the problem. Advice?
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billymade
Have you scanned for trouble codes?



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C
billymade said:
Have you scanned for trouble codes?



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I have not since the problem seems to be mechanical. The drive motor runs on command but there's no movement.
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billymade
Do you have a scanner like vcds(?); the system is electrical and computer controlled and faults throw trouble codes, which can help diagnose the problem.

You might review this to understand the top system design and how it works:

ssp281 The New Beetle Cabriolet



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C
I don't have a scanner; perhaps I should get one. The problem just doesn't seem like it's a "logic' problem since it seems to want to operate, but there's no movement, like something is broken.
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B
When you're putting it up and down by hand have you got the valve in the boot fully open or closed?

Might be a daft question but might point to a leaky valve in the pump.
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C
No, probably a good question, assuming the leaky valve wouldn't leak on the floor. There's no evidence of that. In reality, the car isn't mine, it's a friend's. I'm pretty good at fixing stuff, cars included, so I thought I'd look into the problem. Plus, the car is cherry; it's a crime that the top doesn't work but it's $2k to have it fixed.

Is the valve somewhere I can get at relatively easily to check the open/closed question?
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billymade
Did you look at the ssp and have you done any testing or scanning for trouble codes?


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C
No, not yet. The next time I see her I'll be asking her if she's willing to pay for a service manual and the scanner. I'll pursue if she's willing.
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billymade
So, what is the $2k in repairs needed; did someone give her a specific repair estimate?

For service manual info; here are some online and free downloads: of the erwin vw factory manuals in .pdf

Volkswagen Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Workshop Repair and Service Manuals volkswagen All Models Free Online
workshop-manuals.com

Volkswagen Workshop Repair | Owners Manuals (100% Free)

Volkswagen Workshop, Owners, Service or Repair Manuals. Free. No Ads.
www.onlymanuals.com www.onlymanuals.com


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C
billymade said:
So, what is the $2k in repairs needed; did someone give her a specific repair estimate?

For service manual info; here are some online and free downloads: of the erwin vw factory manuals in .pdf

Volkswagen Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Workshop Repair and Service Manuals volkswagen All Models Free Online
workshop-manuals.com

Volkswagen Workshop Repair | Owners Manuals (100% Free)

Volkswagen Workshop, Owners, Service or Repair Manuals. Free. No Ads.
www.onlymanuals.com www.onlymanuals.com


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Hey Billymade, thank you so much for the links; I'm certain they will be a big help.

Yes, she did get a quote; it included, in theory, every proximity and limit switch known to man, plus a ton of labor. If I had to guess, I'd say they saw her coming, if you know what I mean. To me, it looks like an interesting project that will qualify for my "learn something new every day" philosophy on life. The more I think about it, the more I believe it is in the switches; you're right, I need to get an analyzer.
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B
The valve is located in the boot, left hand side as you're looking in. There's a circular blanking panel and it sits behind it. It's a brass coloured T handle and sits on the hydraulic pump unit.

When it's open there's no pressure to power the rams for the hood.
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billymade
Tell us, about your possible budget, in getting a VW scan tool; the most popular versions, are VCDS @ $200 USD and OBDEleven @ $69 USD and many "VAG" Chinese knock off scanners sold on Amazon. Even, the cheapest code reader; could at least get you codes but seeing "live data" as shown in the above Ross Tech Convertible top basic operation video, is really helpful to fully diagnose the issue successfully.

Ross Tech VCDS V2 (requires a Windows based PC; laptop, sub notebook, device, etc. to run the software)

OBDEleven, white 1st gen wireless dongle (runs on Android)
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: OBDeleven OBD2 Diagnostic scan Tool, Scanner for Audi Seat Cupra Skoda Volkswagen, Bluetooth Device Supports Android only. : Automotive

Buy OBDeleven OBD2 Diagnostic scan Tool, Scanner for Audi Seat Cupra Skoda Volkswagen, Bluetooth Device Supports Android only.: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

At over $2k in estimates, a investment in a factory level VW scan tool; will cost some money but based upon our experiences with these convertible tops, I'm pretty confident you can fix it correctly with the right vw scanner for much less. Many shops "shotgun" parts and replace everything, rather then diagnose the issue correctly and repair things, in a intelligent and cost effective manner. IT CAN BE DONE! :)
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C
Thank you for all your help! I'll see what she wants to do.
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