Roof won't open- advice needed

[garlick]

I have a 986 Boxster S, wandered out this morning, undid the hood release, pressed the button and nothing. Turned ignition off, checked the boot was shut etc still nothing.

So had a quick check of everything and noticed that the handbrake warning light on the dash was not working despite the handbrake being on.

So I assume that the hood mechanism checks that the handbrake is on before allowing the hood to operate? If the warning light isn't working does that mean the hood suspects the handbrake is off and therefore not allowing the hood to lower?

If so, is that just a fuse issue, or does the handbrake need looking at? It still works fine by the way.

Other than that, I assume there is a fuse for the hood release itself (although when you release the manual roof catch it still drops the windows a touch as usual)

Here's to hoping it's not an expensive fix?

Any help appreciated

Paul

[lemon yella rs]

Yes model dependant, later cars can open the roof on the move(so no hand brake signal required). But yes roof needs handbrake on signal to open.
Most likely cause is the handbrake switch itself, sticky or faulty. Easy diy fix or take it to a specialist. Try Boxster forums for diy fixes.

Edited by lemon yella rs on Friday 13th April 10:54

Edited by lemon yella rs on Friday 13th April 10:58

[Fidgits]

I'd reccomend a few vigerous handbrake turns, seem if you can loosen whatevers stuck

[ballast]

Yep - little switch on the side of the handbrake - accessible from passenger side of the handbrake. Depending on what's happened to it, may need adjusting or/and contact treatment or replacing.

Had exactly the same problem.

[BliarOut]

Your diagnosis sounds bang on. As the handbrake warning light isn't on the roof won't operate.

You used to be able to get a Boxster manual here http://cannell.co.uk/Manuals.htm in PDF format but he's temporarily taken it down. I wouldn't imagine it's too hard to fault find with a multimeter if you can get hold of the wiring diagram.

I've got a 996 PDF diagram which is probably close enough if you are any good at interpreting things.

PM me if you want it.

[MaKSiNG]

So you will need to get the handbrake warning light fixed anyway (if you are anything like me anyway, where everything has to work) ..... but there is another mod you can do which will cause the roof to ignore the handbrake warning and the fact that the car is moving. This will allow you to put the roof up and down whilst moving (at any speed but it is obviously advised you only do this whilst going very slowly). Very useful if you need to pull off from the traffic lights when the roof is only half up or down.

There is a transistor in the fuse box on which you need to blank out a pin. You can break the pin off, or do what I did, which was to insulate it. I just wrapped some cellotape around the pin.

I cannot remember off the top of my head which pin it was but I think I could find out if you are interested.

I did this on my 986 Box S with no adverse effects in case you are worried.

[garlick]

Thanks all- very helpfull. I'll pop out at lunchtime and have a look- so hopefully not that costly after all?

I'll let you know what I find

G