981 Roof not fully opening

[dpoynton]

Our first Porsche was an early (S reg) 2.5 Boxster.

We had an occasion when we got home after a long trip and the roof would not close at all, we managed to garage it at a friend's house overnight before we got it fixed at JZM Porsche, Kings Langley.

They diagnosed the switch to be at fault, they cleaned it, refitted it and it worked fine ever after.

The cost was a modest charge for the labour.

Hope this is the same for you.

David

 

[notechmike]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Mine misbehaves whether I use the switch on the centre console or the remote control - so I'm thinking not the switch even though that would be nice and cheap!

 

[dpoynton]

Wrong switch!

I mean the one that, in my case, sat low down in/underneath the car, worked the roof mechanism and was susceptible to being covered in road s**t.

Hence a good clean and hey presto!

ATB

David

 

[notechmike]

My Boxster roof opens about 80% and then stops. If I push the button to close it a little and then to open it sometimes goes all the way open. Sometimes it takes multiple ups and down to achieve full opening. I have notice that on the occasions it stops early, the latch hook is still hanging down when I think it should have been retracted out of the way.

Any ideas on root cause and solution? Might this be a faulty trip switch somewhere or a faulty motor or something wrong in the central processor??

Many thanks, Mike

 

[notechmike]

Ah - thanks for the explanation.

 

[Ringmaster999]

Ah - thanks for the explanation.

Hi @notechmike

Any further with your roof problem re why/resolved? My MY13 981 Boxster has just started behaving exactly the same. I’ve booked it in mid September. Couldn’t have happened at a worse time as I’m going over to Europe next week and TBH I’m loathe to open the roof now in case it fails completely. Which would then involve a manual closer which I don’t want to have to attempt road side possibly in a rai shower.

 

[iborguk]

The microswitch in the roof latch is a common point of failure, which can exhibit the behaviour.

 

[iborguk]

https://youtu.be/XD0GEyI48F4

 

[Ringmaster999]

The microswitch in the roof latch is a common point of failure, which can exhibit the behaviour.

Cheers @iborgk. I have seen that vid and have concluded that it’ll be the micro switch, fingers crossed, meaning hopefully a quick and not hopefully not too expensive a fix. It’s in a local respected Indy on my return.

 

[Ringmaster999]

So unfortunately my visit to my Indy today did not bring a happy ending to my ongoing 981 roof problem. He has ruled out the latch mechanism which I was hoping was the culprit. He mentioned the possibility of a failed micro switch on one of the motors below the roof which involves a roof out job. So unfortunately he has advised a visit to my local OPC which he rarely does. All booked in for the 4th but I’m really not looking forward to what could be an expensive visit.

 

[Ringmaster999]

So picked my car up from OPC Cardiff today after delivering the car to them a couple of weeks ago to rectify the intermittent roof opening and closing problem. Firstly I’d just like to give praise where praise is due. OPC Cardiff and the individual I’ve being dealing with have been absolutely awesome. When I delivered the car I expressed my concerns over cost and the fact as it was an intermittent problem this could lead to costly repairs that never actually resolved the issue. Especially as the diagnostic time had not actually read any fault and as such they couldn’t say exactly what it could be. This therefore meant they had to try firstly replacing the hook mechanism at the centre of the scree then go from there. I was reassured that I wouldn’t be charged for repair part costs and be responsible for all the labour costs. Needless to say the first attempt at a fix, central hook mechanism never resolved the issue. I mentioned from what I had read it might well be the micro switches at the base of the roof. Unfortunately requiring the roof to be removed before the micro switches could be accessed. This was the next job and after prolonged testing it has resolved the issue.

So after hearing horror stories around the amount of labour hours this might involve I was thankful they were not true and the total bill was acceptable and I was more than happy with. Cost of the actual parts after discount was £72 each. Two required. A really cheap fix if your prepared to take it on yourself

 

[dpoynton]

I am becoming increasingly concerned at a lack of investigation or interest by PC staff when the diagnostics do not reveal a fault, but we tell them that there is one. My post refers - 718 engine overheat message | Porsche Forum from Porsche Club GB

I appreciate that they have a process to go through, but it seems that, more and more, we are telling them how to fix the faults!

David

 

[Ringmaster999]

I am becoming increasingly concerned at a lack of investigation or interest by PC staff when the diagnostics do not reveal a fault, but we tell them that there is one. My post refers - 718 engine overheat message | Porsche Forum from Porsche Club GB

I appreciate that they have a process to go through, but it seems that, more and more, we are telling them how to fix the faults!

David

I agree. When I first took the car to my local OPC I told them the more than likely problem. All based on talking to others via forums who had experienced similar. Only a few thankfully as this problem on the 981 is not common. The person I dealt with did listen but like you say they have a process that they need to adhere to. The first being a diagnostic hour which I told them wouldn’t show anything as I’d already had it on similar with a respected Indy. But I suppose you have to play by there rules which was fine by me once I’d expressed concerns over spiralling costs but no resolution and the fact I couldn’t be in a situation that ended in me being out of pocket with no fix. Reassured I was happy for them to proceed as they did. Diagnostic didn’t show anything. There first strategy, replacing the hook mechanism did not work and then following consultation with myself they replaced the micro switches underneath and bingo. It appears to have resolved the issue. My experience with OPC Cardiff has been nothing other than positive on everything I’ve had done on this occasion and previously on things like retro fitting x73, PSE etc and I’m just happy it’s been resolved as it was denting my confidence with the car.