rrich49132

I have a 2000 430 Convertible and have the following problem. When I go to put the top down it works but about 1/2 way through it does not move any more? I have confirmed that nothing is making this stick and I am fine closing it. I have confirmed that the power motor is fine as it will go 1/2 way and close fine? Any suggestions as I hate spending money at the dealership and for all I know it could be the relay which I could replace myself but dont want to just replace random parts.

Missinlinc

Does it do this every time or only some times? It could be the relay beginning to go out or maybe your cables are loose or have stretched.

ad the lad

rear shelf might not be fully cliped down u and friend get in rear and apply all your weight to click it back in

gn3

I'd be careful with applying too much weight. You may be increasing the cost of you repairs, there is a tool to latch an unlatch the top compartment and bow. Also when you move it you should turn the screw on pump counterclockwise. I think this allows the fluid do move around in the system when you move it manually. It's under a flap in the back of your trunk. Look in the manual if you have one, it's all in there.

bobbyjo9

Relays are cheap but they are not know for being intermittent. When you say "goes half way" do you mean the movement or the operation? If the top begins moving and stops moving in the same spot each time then it sounds like an obstruction. In manual mode will it retract completely without resistance?

siloran

I'm having the same problem as RRich. You open the top, pull the switch, the rear window moves forward, the boot opens, the rear window goes back down, and the front part of the top moves about 3" and stops. I took mine to the dealer, and after a hundred and fifty bucks to diagnose the problem, they said it was the Soft Top Module....they wanted $1200 for a new module, and $400 to install it. I found a module online for $450, put it in yesterday and guess what....it does the same thing....so I either got a bad module, or it's something else. Does anyone know what relay or sensor operates this part of the top??? Thanks, Bruce

bobbyjo9

Ahh yes! they love to blame the module and not even offer a guarantee that it will fix the problem. I too have an "xtra" after a dealers diagnosis. Have you checked the pump and fluid level? Try opening manually and then attempt operation from the stowed position. See if same result? Ive heard of this before but never a resolution. Sounds like a weak pump or low fluid

Whodat

Silly question, but does anybody having this problem also have an issue opening their trunk?

siloran

thanks guys, it does it all the time, once manually retracted all the way and boot closed, the top will close without a hitch.

bobbyjo9

Damn if this isn't a tough one. Like I said I've heard I believe ALL the problem's before, but never the solution to this one. Are you getting any kind of a warning flash from the button when it stops operation? If you reverse operation after it stops, will it complete in the opposite direction? I'm sure you checked for obstructions but maybe try a second set of eyes during operation to double check nothing was missed. Maybe even try to manually operate FROM the point of stoppage to check for freedom of movement???

siloran

You're telling me....I tried it again to night, I tried to push it up as it was opening, and it actually locked up, which hasn't happened in the past. I pushed down on the switch, and it did reverse....once it stops, the light does flash, slowly.

Once it does stop, I usually push it down manually, and it actually goes down easy, then I close the boot manually, and push it down until it locks.