roof problems on my 996 cab

roof problems on my 996 cab

Author
Discussion

jerryharrow

Original Poster:

27 posts

196 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
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yesterday when i tried to open my roof with the rocker switch, it would not open, although there was a clicking sound from the roof on the passenger side . Checked the fuses, no issues there. When I tried to open the roof with the key, it opened successfully. However, then when I tried to close it using the rocker switch, it would not close! Eventually i figured I may have to manually close it, so started removing the back seet covers, but before I tried to manually turn the allan key device, i tried the rocker switch again and this time it closed. Opened and closed a few times to test and it worked. However, this morning when i tried to open it again using the ricker switch again, same problem, in that it would not open.

Any thoughts on what this might be?
thanks

pontypool

614 posts

238 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
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Do the windows drop and clamshell open or is nothing happening at all?

jerryharrow

Original Poster:

27 posts

196 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
quotequote all
when pressing the rocker swtich, nothing happens at all, except for the clicking sound! Although when I opened it using the key, it all operated as normal (clamshell opened, windows dropped).

pontypool

614 posts

238 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
quotequote all
hmmm, i guess the obvious thing is a dodgy swith connection, but also do the usual things like check handbrake is properly up and the engine lid is shut properly...

What about the button on the key fob?

jerryharrow

Original Poster:

27 posts

196 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
quotequote all
When I use the key fob, it seems to work, but I guess something to do with te switch, but it seems to randomly work when I take the seat back out!

very stange!

PorkerSean

207 posts

181 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
quotequote all
Hi, I have just had this same problem and fixed it at my indie for £65 all-in. It was the switch/sensor that lurks somewhere under the handbrake. 996's can only operate the roof up/down with the rocker switch when the handbrake is on. After a few years, some muck/wear affects the switch or sensor (whatever it is) that is connected to the handbrake so it only works intermittently. You can still operate the roof via remote or the door locks (i.e. turn key in lock and hold for operation). That's how I got round it until I sorted it.

jerryharrow

Original Poster:

27 posts

196 months

Wednesday 17th June 2009
quotequote all
ah cool, that sounds like a simple fix...so nothing to do with the roof motor?

Do you think it is a diy job or best to take it to the garage?

thx

JW911

884 posts

194 months

Thursday 18th June 2009
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Or buy Smarttop which bypasses the switch and allows you to open and close the roof on the move.

pontypool

614 posts

238 months

Thursday 18th June 2009
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Does the Smartop not still need the rocker swtich in order to activate it? If not does it come with its own switch?

pontypool

614 posts

238 months

Thursday 18th June 2009
quotequote all
jerryharrow said:
ah cool, that sounds like a simple fix...so nothing to do with the roof motor?

Do you think it is a diy job or best to take it to the garage?

thx
You can remove the panel that the switch sits in easily. Get it off and check there is nothing silly like a dodgy connection round the back...Also I think new switches are peanuts from OPC so maybe buy a new one anyway and swap themover..Then go to an Indy if still no joy smile

jerryharrow

Original Poster:

27 posts

196 months

Thursday 18th June 2009
quotequote all
cheers Pontypool, I'll have a go at this over the weekend

PorkerSean

207 posts

181 months

Thursday 18th June 2009
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Hi, my indie did my repair in about an hour so I guess it's an easy job. It's just that I work away, so don't have the time to do such things myself. I think the new handbrake sensor cost about £2, the rest was labour.

jerryharrow

Original Poster:

27 posts

196 months

Thursday 18th June 2009
quotequote all
so the handbrake sensor is behind the rocker swtich or underneath the handbrake?

what is the part i need to order from OPC, would it be the handbrake sensor or switch? i know it depends on what wrong, but am a little confused as whether i need to check under the handbrake or behind the rocker switch

sorry not familiar with the terms, by 'indie', i guess you are referring to you the garage

SAH996

1 posts

107 months

Monday 27th April 2015
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Hi, although I've been on this site to find answers to my questions previously, this is the first time I've actually asked one. Apologies if it's been asked before.
On two occasions recently I have gone to the garage to find that the roof on my 1999 996C4Cab has lowered itself. It's not such an issue if in the garage but would be a bit disappointed if I'd parked up somewhere outside (say at an airport for a week) & this same thing happened.
Hopefully a simple fix. Please help if you can. I've only had the car a couple of months & am still picking up info
Cheers
Stewart

Slaav

4,240 posts

209 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
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PorkerSean said:
Hi, I have just had this same problem and fixed it at my indie for £65 all-in. It was the switch/sensor that lurks somewhere under the handbrake. 996's can only operate the roof up/down with the rocker switch when the handbrake is on. After a few years, some muck/wear affects the switch or sensor (whatever it is) that is connected to the handbrake so it only works intermittently. You can still operate the roof via remote or the door locks (i.e. turn key in lock and hold for operation). That's how I got round it until I sorted it.
My roof happily goes up and down whilst I drive at slow speed? Handy when in traffic smile

Manual says something like recommended max speed 18mph....