Convertible Top WON'T OPEN/CLOSE GO UP/DOWN - FIXED! Porsche Boxster 986 Troubleshooting Tips

Рет қаралды 87,800

4 жыл бұрын

Yesterday the convertible top on my 1998 Porsche Boxster 986 would not open when I pressed the button suddenly. I did a lot of research online from various places and found that there are several areas that might fail and learned how to troubleshoot them. I tried to assemble a step-by-step troubleshooting guide in this video to help solve most of the common issues with the top failing to close or open. It is long, but it's very comprehensive.
Be sure to comment below if this helps you find the issue or if you had a different issue that others should be aware of.
Troubleshooting PDF:
I added the images to my Facebook page: / helpmediy
Brake Light Switch Part Number 996-613-112-02
Micro Switch under Latch Handle:
amzn.to/3eWws0R
Or from ECS Tuning: bit.ly/30c0xHO
Switch under hand brake:
bit.ly/2YDVUpM
Convertible Top Relay (986.618.111.02):
amzn.to/3jDLCeJ
Southwire Multimeter:
amzn.to/3eWhOXm
101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster book:
amzn.to/2uZOeyO
986 Service Manual:
amzn.to/2JPdgVr
Here is the QuickJack lift that I use:
amzn.to/2RY2JuN
If you want to buy an "I AM THE WARRANTY" shirt OR if this saved you a good deal of time and/or money and want to buy me a coffee or a beer, you can do those things right here: ko-fi.com/helpmediy
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @helpmediy
Follow me on Facebook: / helpmediy
Follow me on Instagram: / helpmediy_official
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Disclaimers
Help Me DIY is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission.
I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field.
Help Me DIY assumes no liability for anything you choose to do to your car, before, or after watching one of my videos or utilizing the content from this web site.
All DIY repairs or modifications you perform to your car are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you've done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.
Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.
Lastly, please don't do anything to your car unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.

Пікірлер: 254

@pjay3028 3 жыл бұрын

This is an absolutely fantastic video. Thanks for showing all the details about how to test connections with a multimeter (so many people skip over things like this), I have learned so much here. Brilliant!

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+p jay thanks so much! You’re very welcome 😊

@pjay3028 3 жыл бұрын

It's amazing how much easier it is to learn by watching things done in context. I have seen videos where people just tell you to test things with a multimeter, and I have then watched videos specifically about how multimeters work, but I've never got my head round it. To watch you actually do it, along with your clear explanation, makes it all completely clear. That's going to be so helpful for me, I really appreciate that you take the time to make these videos.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

@@pjay3028 I’m glad I’m not the only one! That’s why I made another video on “how to apply 12v” because people say to do that all the time to test components and I had no concept of how to do that. I even googled it and found almost no info 🤷‍♂️

@TeamAteem 9 ай бұрын

This will be forever an 'evergreen' video! Thank you for making it, I went through the relay checklist and it was the micro switch that was corroded and I resoldered. All working!!

@HelpMeDIY 9 ай бұрын

+Team Ateem thanks! Hopefully most of my videos will fall into that category 😉🍻

@jackmitchell5187 3 жыл бұрын

I've got to thank you especially for putting together this video, because you got my convertible top working again! I had to replace the relay as it was actually not there when I purchased it. Plugged it in, top still didn't want to go down. Started troubleshooting other things like fuses the parking brake and the safety switches for the top release. Everything appeared okay but once I looked closer to the solder connections all of mine were corroded. Put the soldering gun right to the old solder and cleaned up the connections. Put it in the car and convertible top still did not want to open. I have to remind everybody the car was still very fun to drive and get familiar with in the first stages even without the top working. Found out the hard way I ended up needing to replace my alternator,.... did the swap and was so glad I did because the old one came out disgusting dirty where you couldn't even see the copper coils anymore and the bearing sounded like crap. Instead of waiting for a refurb I had already picked up the new one and was glad I did at that point I put it in and waited another weekend for a warmer day. This day actually came next the next weekend,.... went out to my budget boxster knowing it had a healthy battery, a new alternator, a relay that should not be bad, and safety switches which I cleaned up and resoldered per like you recommended. Turn the car on and the roof didn't move at all I was very upset then I thought there's just got to be something wrong here and I reached down to the relay while hitting the button for the top I pushed the relay in and all of a sudden the top literally burped and came to life 🤪. Can't tell you how excited I am to be using this vehicle in 2021 it's going to be a collector's item in just a couple years. It's obviously my baby, 2001 boxster s 6 speed manual with Borla exhaust, upgraded headlights, clear side markers, and it had wheel spacers from techart only in the rear. 65,000 Miles, Carfax says it's had three owners prior, I think two people took care of it and one person beat it up lol unfortunately. At this point I think I've got it just in time!! I got it before winter last year and stored it so now it's out and I'm doing the crucial maintenance that is definitely quite a good list before 70,000 miles. Sure am glad I have your channel to refer to!! I've got my eye on a quick jack, seems foolish to DIY without one! Much respect 🙏💯 I plan to do my IMS bearing and new clutch after this season, can't wait to work on it over winter time.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

That’s great, thanks for sharing!!

@erikwood4315 20 күн бұрын

Great video! Fortunately, I didn’t need to get any further than the “whack the relay a few times“ before I solved my issue!

@HelpMeDIY 20 күн бұрын

+@erikwood4315 thanks! Glad you got it sorted 😎🍻

@neilvincent986 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the fantastic tutorial. I gave this a go today, and managed to fix the issue myself. I would never have had the confidence to try, without your video. Really user friendly : )

@HelpMeDIY 8 ай бұрын

+Neil Vincent glad to help! Hope you’re a subscriber now 😉🍻

@neilvincent986 8 ай бұрын

I certainly am 👍

@HelpMeDIY 8 ай бұрын

@@neilvincent986 💪

@streettunner 4 жыл бұрын

Loving the content! Always good to know what to expect if this happens to me so please keep making these helpful videos. I can appreciate the detailed info you provide.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+oigres maldonado thank you for your support!

@susanniermann70 3 жыл бұрын

Great Advise!!! Thank you so much! I looked at my emergency break light and it wasn't turning on when engaged. Opened the panel to see mouse droppings and my two brown wires from the brake micro switch chewed and one open. Put a jumper to reconnect the broken one and the electronic convertible top is working. So happy! Thank you again your so helpful!

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Susan Niermann thanks for sharing and I’m glad the video helped 😁

@jonturnham 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Thank you. I live in the Cayman Islands and to have this fixed locally would be virtually impossible. You’re a hero. Thx.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Jonathan Turnham that’s awesome! 🍻

@JayZilla306 4 жыл бұрын

This was great! awesome format love the trouble shooting!! glad you got it sorted for free man.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+James Zilla thank you!

@johnradford5904 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely brilliant,I booked it into the garage later this month, but this video has now solved the problem many thanks.

@HelpMeDIY 2 ай бұрын

+@johnradford5904 glad to help! 🍻

@markangelich 3 жыл бұрын

This helped me out! It fixed my Boxster top not operating. I thought when the latch was operated and the windows dropped, the latch interlock was good, you provided the info about the other switch. I had to re-solder the second microswitch. Thanks very much for the help!

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Mark Angelich you’re welcome! 🍻

@trollordie 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I skipped checking all the big relay fault modes and went straight into the micro switches connections soldering. The soldering fixed it exactly as on your video, it also burned down a hole in my wife’s favorite table cloth, but there must be some losses. Thank you for posting.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Michal Pytel 😆 well at least you got it working! Hopefully you’re a subscriber now even if your wife isn’t.

@mikemcmo Жыл бұрын

If it makes you feel better, about when you were burning the tablecloth there was a news story about a guy who was going after a spider with a can of hairspray and a lighter, and you'll never guess what happened. Yep, the WHOLE house.

@MarkMS550 Жыл бұрын

Thank so much for this! I just fixed our 987 using your guide, only one micro switch with two wires in the roof latch, but heated and moved the joints……it worked!

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Mark M 💪🍻

@helmhurst 3 жыл бұрын

great detailed vids man and no annoying music. Thanks man

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Helm Hurst thanks! Yeah I hate the annoying music!!

@danieljackson8242 4 жыл бұрын

Great video I, it helped me fix the switch issue with my Boxster! I didn't realize there was more than one switch in the upper latch, in my case the spring had relaxed and was not engaging the micro switch plunger. A quick bend of the spring fixed the problem, once I saw the switch in this video, I was able to fix it in record time.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Daniel Jackson that’s great! Please consider subscribing if you haven’t 😉

@peterhalt3116 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, I had exactly the same experience with my switch. I just happily took the $239 relay out of my Amazon shopping cart. Thank you so much.

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Peter Halt haha you’re welcome! 🍻

@Rebelliosaurus Жыл бұрын

You're a legend. Thank you for the video, it helped me find the probable problem in a couple of minutes, the handbrake light does not go on, so will investigate there! Love your 986 diy video's.

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Eduard Flipse thanks! 🍻

@philiponsolent7232 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, a really useful video to bear in mind and add to my knowledge. This sort of problem might be tricky / expensive to fix.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Philip Wheeler yes, what is probably a really easy/inexpensive fix can be quite costly if you don’t know what to look for and pay someone else to diagnose and fix it!

@edwardbartlett2943 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this. I had lost all hope trying to fix my roof. I follows this and it was the exact same problem. Thankyou so much

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Edward Bartlett that’s awesome!

@benbullock8021 Жыл бұрын

You, my friend are a freaking genius! I got to the "take out the relay and smack it around" part and though, that doesn't sound very "German", but what the heck. And LOWE AND BEHOLD! it fixed it and the roof now moves. Thanks a lot man.

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Ben Bullock glad it worked for someone! 😂 🍻

@FredrikFridsten 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome! This video actually helped me fix my own convertible top. I hade the same issue. Thanks a lot! :)

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Fredrik Fridsten great to hear! 🍻

@wjrwalton 4 жыл бұрын

My 98 Boxster has exactly the same problem and (so far..) the same solution. I went through the diagnostics until the same step that failed for you. I took the roof latch switch assembly out and messed around a bit, and when I reinstalled it, the roof worked again. Like you, I don’t know what I fixed so I kinda expect it to fail again but at least I know for sure where the issue was. Awesome video! Thank you

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+James Walton hahaha that’s great! Hope you’re a subscriber now 😉

@wjrwalton 4 жыл бұрын

Help Me DIY I subscribed :-)

@ghen20ghen 2 жыл бұрын

Great video saved my life! your videos are so natural good for people loves diy. don't care if you scratch something because that's what diy all a out not like others. keep it up!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+ghen20ghen thanks for the kind words, really appreciate it!

@ramonseguijr.7049 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks I fiddled with the microswitch and it started working appreciate it

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Ramon Segui Jr. that’s awesome!

@reneklotsje Жыл бұрын

Hi there Aron, thanx for sharing this video. I suddenly couldn't get my roof open anymore. So I followed your steps. And after I took out the relais and hit it on the table and placed it back. It works again! I'm very happy with this, so thanx again!

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+reneklotsje you’re welcome, glad it helped. Hope you’re a subscriber now 😉🍻

@reneklotsje Жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY Offcorse I did subscribe to your channel! Cheers

@peterskaltsis1136 3 жыл бұрын

Thank You ! anyone that would give this video a thumbs down.. is a joke... this video just saved a lot time and money...cant thank you enough...it was the relay under the parking break and all fixed in no time....you are the best !!

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Peter Skaltsis I mean I kind of think so too 😁. You’re welcome! You can always thank me with a beer 🍻 hint hint 😉

@gabithielen2624 2 жыл бұрын

Worked for my dads boxster, great video, absolute legend!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Gabi Thielen love to hear that! 👊💪💪

@carlosrangel1045 Жыл бұрын

Aaron you genius!! You’ve done it again My top wouldn’t open at all, I raised and lowered the parking break and boom! Works! 😂😂😂 thanks again

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Carlos Rangel haha the simplest fixes are the best 😉🍻

@karlheinz5149 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. Had the same problem with the top and scraped the corrosion of the soldered ends on the latch switch thing with a razor blade. Reconnected and it worked.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Karl Heinz excellent!

@jamespenn180 3 жыл бұрын

After sitting 3 months and just warming my baby to keep battery charged! I took it out Sunday and flipped the switch and it didn't work so Thanx this video will help me tremendously when weather is better I can try these methods!😀

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+James Penn good luck!

@allenhsu869 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! Very informative and helpful!

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Allen Hsu you got it!

@karlreddy1429 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks you - very thorough and a great tutorial - mine is a 987, same issue, same troubleshooting process, just 2 small relays rather than 2 big ones

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Karl Reddy glad to hear it helped!

@bjmcguir Жыл бұрын

Hi. I have the same problem on a 987 but can’t find the relay on my UK RHD model. Can you help? Also, sometimes my roof will open, but not close. So not sure if that could also be a micro switch issue?

@lean2k 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos btw!!!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+lean2k thanks for the kind words! 🍻

@johnmorgan7262 4 жыл бұрын

Great. I learned something today.

@darrylkershaw9361 Жыл бұрын

I have a boxster but it's a automatic .I love it .it needs body work and computer but I was able to get the car free and now I only have to find a leak when it rains thank you for your video I'm saving so much money.

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Darryl Kershaw glad to help!

@tiagomonteiro6503 3 жыл бұрын

You saved my wallet with this video! Did exactly the same and it’s perfect ! Thanks

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Tiago Monteiro 🍻

@olexyspictures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You very much! You just saved me 250 EUR. The same problem with switch. Very professional video!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+olexyspictures you’re welcome 🍻 Saved enough money to buy yourself an “I Am The Warranty” shirt 😂

@olexyspictures 2 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY also a good idea! :)

@user-uf9cv7gw7n 2 ай бұрын

So far the best and better explained steps. Need info to help you with buying you a tshirt! Big like from me brother!

@HelpMeDIY 2 ай бұрын

+@user-uf9cv7gw7n thanks! What info do you need?

@Andrea-zm8nn 9 ай бұрын

Amazing video , got the same problem and i was going to change the relays with a very high cost , I will chek the 3 switches cos i was simply though that was just designed for the windows open function . Thanks from Italy .

@HelpMeDIY 9 ай бұрын

+Andrea you’re welcome! Good luck 👍

@philterzian9162 Жыл бұрын

You saved me again Aaron. Thank you.

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+phil terzian woo Hoo! 🤜🍻

@nnightwalker 3 жыл бұрын

You saved my a lot of $$$. Thank you!

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Sinan Olcayto 🍻

@Riley_1955 4 жыл бұрын

Great video.....Thank you for that useful info......Keep the helpful videos coming.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Riley 1955 thanks buddy!

@Riley_1955 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah I just bought my first Porsche last year a 99 boxster base W/47,000 on it my first German car and I am doing a lot of checking fixing and other stuff just like you.....Just finished putting coilovers on all 4 and moving on to the next project.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Riley 1955 💪

@DanBeauleArt 2 жыл бұрын

Did this fixed this weekend. Also Deb Dans a little hot glue behind the switches so they stopped pushing in. I took out the mechanism in the dome light just literally disintegrated. Thanks again homes. No time for the water pump the belt literally sheared the pulley right off its shaft

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Dan Beaule you got it!

@dannyaerts8192 Жыл бұрын

Thnx you, i fixed my roof by this video !!

@kathrynsimmons7298 3 жыл бұрын

superb saved me a fortune keep it up

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Kathryn Simmons thank you beers also accepted 🍻 😝

@memyselfandi36 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic this fixed my roof. Wahoo...bloody microswithes tho...a porsche failure in design

@HelpMeDIY 3 ай бұрын

+@memyselfandi36 sweet!!! 💪🍻

@pabvalencia 4 жыл бұрын

thanks for show that and make me save money ordering that part

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Juan Pablo Valencia Verdejo you’re welcome!

@simonshipstone431 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely Perfect video, thankyou so much.

@HelpMeDIY 3 ай бұрын

+@simonshipstone431 ❤️🍻

@user-kv1hc8ge4v Жыл бұрын

I had a different problem with my top not wanting to go down. No electronics. Purely mechanical. If you partially open the lid about six inches, you will see there are a couple of rather robust wires with little screws attached to the end of ball joints that attach to both sides of the convertible roof. One of my screws had come loose and fell out its socket and got lodged in the mechanical lifter and essentially held it from opening. After dislodging it (no small task), I put it back in place with a 7mm box wrench and tightened the screw. Then it worked perfectly. I also tightened the screw on the other side as it was working its way loose. Now my care runs even faster. I hope this is useful and you can make a video for this problem!

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Greg Arbon thanks for the detailed info!

@joseluismartinez5500 4 жыл бұрын

Really useful video!!! Thanks a lot

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

🍻

@jlinwinter 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome man.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Jonathan Lin thank you 🍻

@notbabyrodney7040 3 жыл бұрын

I will check all this steps.! Thank you.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+j ramirez you’re welcome 🍻

@jayliq Жыл бұрын

Great video

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+jayliq e thank you! 🍻

@scoazecjean-pierre3612 3 жыл бұрын

Bravo et merci pour cette vidéo très enrichissante.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Scoazec Jean-Pierre de rien! veuillez vous abonner. 😁

@garyl5128 4 жыл бұрын

Another very useful video that's really helpful. :o)

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Gary L thank you sir!

@kamakauketwo5282 2 жыл бұрын

After seeing that switch on your video, I wondered if the problem was just a stuck plunger. I wiggled the hand brake and - for good measure - I tapped the console panel at the bottom of the hand brake with a towel wrapped hammer. The “park”light now works and the top does too. This probably isn’t a long term fix, but might come in handy if you’re on the road.

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Kamakauke Two yes the taping of the switches on this car seems to work quite often for me too 😁

@birdynumnum3473 5 ай бұрын

Well done!

@HelpMeDIY 5 ай бұрын

+@birdynumnum3473 thanks! 🍻

@r.rodriguez5983 4 жыл бұрын

Your awesome bro.. great video..

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+R. Rodriguez 🙏

@ianmaxwell3683 2 жыл бұрын

Roof fixed big thank you 🙏

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+ian Maxwell you got it! 🍻

@soulgrease 10 ай бұрын

Dude thank you so much

@HelpMeDIY 10 ай бұрын

+-K- you’re welcome!

@garymccarthy2573 3 жыл бұрын

I could use a T shirt: 4 Rockingham Close Thrapston Northants NN14 4QP UK Size XXL (UK Size) Your videos are great, I'm using them to maintain my 986 2.5L. Gary.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Gary McCarthy thanks! Shoot me an email at helpmediyshirts@gmail.com

@Boxsta_57 Жыл бұрын

Question,do you have a video that shows or pans by the hood hinge cover in the engine compartment?Want to have an idea how n where it sits.Think it clips over the strut🤔

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Heinzr 57 hmm… probably but I can’t think of one right now, sorry

@jeannemurphy7004 Жыл бұрын

Great video- thanks for posting! QUESTION- what are the little round washer thingies called that hold the switch onto the main housing? I really butchered mine and can't back to a snug fit....

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Jeanne Murphy thank you! I actually have no idea what they are called 😂

@scoazecjean-pierre3612 3 жыл бұрын

Hello,could you tell me where is positioned ":the cowl panel frame micro switch" on the Boxster 986?Sorry for my bad english (frenchie). Thank's for your answer.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Scoazec Jean-Pierre sorry I don’t know where that one is but maybe someone else can chime in

@ImproveCX 3 жыл бұрын

Superb video - I have this problem and will be using your video to troubleshoot. You have a new subscriber and new fan. Would you kindly republish the pdf link again - its broken. Thanks Sam

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Improve CX thank you! I’ll try and get a new link. Thanks for letting me know.

@alisterwong9757 Жыл бұрын

Great video - I have a 996 Carrera and was wondering if you could tell me where I might find the 996 version of that brilliant PDF your buddy sent you - my roof only opens 3 quarters so I think a sensor/switch for the little folding flaps is defective but don't know how to test it and that PDF seemed like it would give me a lot of insight. Cheers

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Alister Wong thanks! Unfortunately I’m not aware of any other versions, but I assume it’s the same or very similar

@stampedetrail2003 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man. Good one!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Brian Miller thank you! 🍻

@faustoescobar9095 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Aaron, I hope that you’re doing well. I wanted to start by thanking for you for taking the time to make these videos. They have been extremely helpful and they are are greatly appreciated. I am having a pretty horrible issue with my 1997 Boxster...the clamshell is stuck with the roof open. I push the button and I hear a thump, but that’s about it. I’ve read articles about using a 19mm wrench to remove the bolt on both arms (driver and passenger sides) in order to be able to manually open the clamshell to be able to close the roof. Thankfully, I have a garage to park the car in. Any insight on how I may be able to fix this will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Fausto

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Fausto Escobar thanks for the kind words! Luckily I haven’t had the problem (yet), so I can’t really add any wisdom to similar things I’ve read online. If you post the question on the 986 forum or one of the Facebook groups I’m sure you will get a lot of help pretty quickly.

@faustoescobar9095 3 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY I was able to fix it! I had to unsat the metal ball joints from the arm on the motor. It was a little tight to work with but, got it done. I was able to open the clamshell and pull the roof up by hand. The arms with the plastic ball joints got bent to hell...I'm going to have to replace those.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

@@faustoescobar9095 that’s great!

@scoazecjean-pierre3612 3 жыл бұрын

Hello ,in my Porsche manual,for The test number 2,I read:Connect measuring instrument to terminal 22(ground) and terminal 26.SWITCH ON IGNITION. In your list it's wrote:SWITCH OFF IGNITION,What do you think of that?

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Scoazec Jean-Pierre I think my list says to switch the ignition on for the test, and then switch it off to make it clear that it should be off for the rest of the tests

@lean2k 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Aaron, top wont go up or down. I pulled the relay. I created two jumpers and got it to close and open. I replaced the e brake sensor. No light in the dash even with the new plunger. Can the bulb for the dash light be out. What do I check next!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+lean2k I have another video on the microswitch locations that might be helpful?

@kykybo 3 жыл бұрын

We are inspired!

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Kristine Joshi 😎

@derekdavis7404 3 жыл бұрын

Mine looks to be the plunger/switch located under the emergency brake. Do you have a link to that part# I didn't see it in the video... My e-brake light on the dash isn't coming coming on...

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Derek Davis no, but search for Porsche Part Numbers on my channel and you’ll find the video that shows you how to get the part numbers 😉

@mikemcmo Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Taking the relay out and doing the cig-pack-whack did the trick! Any idea how long that might work? Will I have a relapse? (I don't know if it was just re-seating the relay or the whacking, though- should have just tried to re-seat without whacking...)

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Michael Moran you’re welcome! No idea though, I just read about it somewhere. Glad it helped.

@mlamenca01 11 ай бұрын

Thank was able to fix my top

@HelpMeDIY 11 ай бұрын

+Miguel Lamenca you’re welcome! Hope you’re a subscriber now 😉🍻

@steverees6242 3 жыл бұрын

Hi i have the same problem with the micro switch , did you leave the ignition on (first click ) while you done this job ? I didnt ,So as i disconnected the lead from the unit , the alarm went crazy . So i thought disconnected the battery , to my amazement the siren continued. Please bear in mind only had the car a month .how do you disable the alarm so you can work on the car , to scared to at the mo lol

@indieworks 3 жыл бұрын

The tilt alarm sounder has a rechargable backup battery inside. This alarm goes off if you disconnect the main battery unless you leave the ignition on.

@danexguitartv1375 2 жыл бұрын

tnx for sharing

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+danexguitar Tv you’re welcome

@arcellesderlantiss8278 2 жыл бұрын

Hey will this work on my 2005 350z? If not what do I search to find which fuses to test like you have on paper?

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+arcelles Derlantiss probably different. I would just Google or find a forum online and search/ask there.

@TheAbdielhiram Жыл бұрын

I have a question, today I replace the 2 plastic push rod ball joints because I thought that was my problem when the top failed and I clearly saw one broken. Now with that replaced Ive found the motor is obviously not enabling the transmission and started to sound weird and show some smoke and suddenly died. I guess that’s OK with just replacing the motor but the doubts are: 1. You can replace only the motor? Can still use the same cables to the transmission? 2. The most annoying part now is that the windows won’t go up all the way which is a bit of a problem. Any help will be aprecciated and thanks for the video.

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Abdiel Gonzalez yes you can replace just one motor and although I’ve never done it, I’m pretty sure you can use the same cables.

@punktpower 8 ай бұрын

Hi, greetings from the Netherlands. My problem is in steps 10 and 11. The motor works when I connect ports 23/25 and 22/27 together. However, the convertible top does not open or close. What does not work if no voltage can be measured in steps 10 and 11?

@nickrobinson1166 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your videos .. they are second to none and have helped me diagnose many issues with my 1999 986. I currently have a convertible top issue and have been going thru the microswitch checklist. So far nothing is wrong so I am down to items 10 and 11 which reference terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4. Do you know where these are located because they are clearly not on the base of the dual control relay? Any thoughts?

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Nick Robinson glad the videos have helped! I haven’t had to venture that far, but hopefully you figure it out and report back!

@nickrobinson1166 Жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY The good news is I realized items 10 & 11 relate to the roof motor (the guide is somewhat confusing). The bad news is the top is still not working. Suspect it is the relay ..keep the videos coming ..

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

@@nickrobinson1166 thanks!

@eshco970 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Helped me a lot when I was troubleshooting this problem on a friends car. But at 15:12 you made a mistake when you said that number 8 on the list refers to one of the micro switches in release latch mechanism. Actually number 8 refers to the convertible top compartment lid. The switch for the convertible top compartment lid is also shown in figure d in the troubleshooting guide. It is located behind the driver below the lid. When this switch works normal, you will read 0V when the convertible top compartment lid is closed. Once it is opened, you will get 12V. Since I guess you had the lid closed during the entire troubleshooting process, it's no wonder that you measured 0V at this step. Actually number 6 and number 9 refer to the two switches in the release latch mechanism. In the troubleshooting guide they call these switches "cowl panel frame micro-switches".

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Eshco thank you and thanks for the additional info! 🍻

@nicnicholson454 4 жыл бұрын

Recently bought a project car (986). Just found your videos on KZfaq. They are very informative, particularly this one. I’m having the same issues with my roof. The PDF looks particularly useful to have. Is there anywhere that I can download it? Keep up the great work, and great videos.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Nic Nicholson thank you. Let me try posting a link to it in the description.

@TheNic1524 4 жыл бұрын

Thats great, very much appreciated. Thanks .👍

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

nic nicholson done!

@vectorcruzusa Жыл бұрын

Is it on the Facebook page? That's where the link takes me

@flyingjeff1956 4 жыл бұрын

Clean that tip bro ;)

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+Cash Dollar haha right? Too lazy 😆

@dpg7314 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Any chance I could get a copy of the pdf relay diagram and troubleshooting guide?

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+David Garland thanks! Unfortunately another site was hosting that and it appears they took it down. I don’t seem to have a copy of it saved locally to host anywhere. If someone else can send it to me or host it and provide me the link I can update it.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+David Garland actually a quick Google search turned it up. Join my Facebook page and it will be there (I had to convert to jpg and post as an image since FB won’t allow PDFs)

@dpg7314 3 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY Thanks!

@briansturgill5905 2 жыл бұрын

Was the relay clicking when you were pushing the top up down buttons?

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Brian Sturgill nope

@coreyhillfitness5451 3 жыл бұрын

Did you find that the alarm went off when you fully unplugged the unit? Apparently it has an alarm sensor or something similar, when I unplugged the interior light my alarm wouldn’t stop going off, any way to prevent that?

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+Corey Hill Fitness hmm no, that didn’t happen to me. I assume disconnecting the battery would prevent it.

@jamespenn180 3 жыл бұрын

Disconnect your battery

@MPDano Жыл бұрын

Good stuff on the video. I want to try that troubleshooting steps you have in that pdf you printed out. Do you have it posted anywhere?

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+MPDano Garage and Howto's thanks! Yeah, it’s on my Facebook page

@MPDano Жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY Tried to search for it and couldn't find it. I would create a files section and just post the pdf. Much appreciated.

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

@@MPDano added it as an image if you look through the images. Wouldn’t allow me to add a PDF

@george-louis6998 3 жыл бұрын

I have a w124 cabriolet soft top won't open, it keeps trying to lower the rollbar even though they are lowered the limit switch bottom is working top is missing but disconnected, new pump and rollbar valves. What could be the issue?

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t even know what a w124 is, sorry!

@paulaholleman6458 2 жыл бұрын

Nothing to do with my top but my 1998 Boxter is making a loud whining noise ? Why and what can it be ? It only happens when I’m turning or idling sometimes ? Thank you!

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+Paula Holleman sorry but I’m terrible at diagnosis

@landenhenriemusic Жыл бұрын

I have a similar issue however there is a clunking noise when I press my button and nothing moves, any ideas?

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+LANDEN HENRIE token transmission or rods or other parts

@notbabyrodney7040 3 жыл бұрын

So I just disassembled mi e and only found one micro switch, i was curious to know why only clicked once.

@HelpMeDIY 3 жыл бұрын

+j ramirez I guess now you know 😁

@jonburan2189 Жыл бұрын

You wouldn’t happen to know how to fix the nuts (I think that’s what these would be called) that are in the upper part of the windshield frame would you? Was following along and when I went to secure the switch back onto the frame they cracked and now the whole switch unit won’t secure and is dangling. I’ve been searching for hours to even find what to call them so I can properly search for a part/fix. Any help would be much appreciated. Love your channel!

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+JPM1023 oh yeah I know what you’re talking about. I’d look up the part number and get them from Porsche. I have a video on how to find Porsche part numbers too 😉

@jonburan2189 Жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY thanks brother. Really appreciate all of your vids, especially as someone not from the car world. Thanks again!

@BelfastBandit Жыл бұрын

What about when roof is down and won't react to button to get it back up. I assume the switch wouldn't have anything to do with it?! Right?

@HelpMeDIY Жыл бұрын

+Martin Ramm it certainly could

@PlanAman 3 жыл бұрын

does anyone know where that or similar pdf document can be found? I am troubleshooting a 997 targa roof issue - looks like the link no no longer works

@matao87 4 жыл бұрын

Have you done a short shifter install on your 986?

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

+matao87 yes, from a GT3. Unfortunately I didn’t install it so there is no video.

@matao87 4 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY dang. I am having trouble finding a good step by step video on the short shifter that shows everything clearly.

@HelpMeDIY 4 жыл бұрын

@@matao87 well thanks for knowing that mine would if I had one haha

@Chon-c 2 жыл бұрын

Couldnt find a switch to link @Aaron ? Lol. I got my damn chain tensioners in and my top quit 🤦‍♂️🤣. My break light isn’t coming on

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

+CHON I need to find one because mine needs to be replaced too! 😂

@Chon-c 2 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY Lol. Well. When you find a part number (because I can’t ,or havnt yet ) let me know. Lol. Tag me here if something. And if I find one ,I’ll do the same. Lol I think mine went bad when I was putting my car on the liff and set the brake. That’s when I noticed the light didn’t come on . Lol. Then I watched this & saw what happened.

@Chon-c 2 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY I’m actually going to go in the console and see if mine didn’t just come unplugged,or has a bad connection. Otherwise. I’m going to find a bypass for this for all switches . Lol. I’ll be the last owner of my car. Lol. Idc.

@HelpMeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

@@Chon-c if you do something like that make a video and I’ll post it for you 😉

@Chon-c 2 жыл бұрын

@@HelpMeDIY not sure how quick it’ll be. I think I know how it can be done. But I wanna do a little research to make sure it won’t interfere With anything else . But I wouldn’t mind doing that./bypassing everything but the relay because it can be jumped over with two “in-line fused” wires easy enough. So ,We’ll see how it plays out . But In the mean time….Keep looking. Bcuz the price is a big part of how I’ll decide what Ill do. Lol