Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Roof won't retract

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
GNR1
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 33
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

Roof won't retract

Post by GNR1 » Wed Nov 24, 2021 1:13 am

Hi All !!!!

Got the roof motor out ,relocated, and the hydraulic topped off. Pushed the retract button---nothing. Windows did not go down and it did not unlatch.

Figured if motor was bad it would go through the window, latch routine anyway. Thought that perhaps the previous low fluid level was cause of retraction failure.

All ideas very welcome.

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14797
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Roof won't retract

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Nov 24, 2021 9:22 am

Morning.
First thing to check, is the microswitch on the parcel shelf correctly located and operating?
Very easy to put the parcel shelf back in wrongly aligned in the slot.
Assuming you have actually put the shelf back? If not, then close the switch with a suitable item (I used an old wheel nut) and see if it works then.
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

GNR1
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 33
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

Roof won't retract

Post by GNR1 » Wed Nov 24, 2021 6:17 pm

enuff_zed:

I thought of that this morning.---I think you are right on target The shelf is still out. Where do I find the micro switch?

User avatar
rdm05z4
Member
Member
Posts: 440
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 8:51 pm
Location: Columbia MO USA

Roof won't retract

Post by rdm05z4 » Wed Nov 24, 2021 6:34 pm

The Micro Switch is located about midway in the boot bulk head. Just do a search in the forum for Micro Switch or even Youtube for z4 Micro Switch and you will see where it is and how operates. My Switch went bad and as your case nothing worked until replaced. Good Luck,
2005 3.0i Manual, Sterling Gray Metallic Sport suspension, heated seats, top line Business Cd radio
2007 Nissan Maxima -Silver-Auto
2009 VW Wolfsburg Jetta-Black-6sp manual

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14797
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Roof won't retract

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Nov 24, 2021 7:29 pm

rdm05z4 wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 6:34 pm The Micro Switch is located about midway in the boot bulk head. Just do a search in the forum for Micro Switch or even Youtube for z4 Micro Switch and you will see where it is and how operates. My Switch went bad and as your case nothing worked until replaced. Good Luck,
In this case, it is not failed, just nothing there to operate it.
I can understand you want to check everything before you reassemble it so look for the vertical slot in the middle of the forward boot wall. You'll see a small curved metal bit sticking out. Wedge it back using something as I suggested and your roof should work.
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

GNR1
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 33
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

Roof won't retract

Post by GNR1 » Thu Nov 25, 2021 1:27 am

Thanks enuff_zed & rdm05z4. Will be checking the switch out in couple of days.
Thanksgiving tomorrow , Turkey & football (NFL)--not the REAL football.. :)
Appreciate the help.

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14797
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Roof won't retract

Post by enuff_zed » Thu Nov 25, 2021 9:14 am

GNR1 wrote: Thu Nov 25, 2021 1:27 am Thanks enuff_zed & rdm05z4. Will be checking the switch out in couple of days.
Thanksgiving tomorrow , Turkey & football (NFL)--not the REAL football.. :)
Appreciate the help.
Enjoy your turkey and 'football'. :D
Let us know how you get on, with the car I mean.......... :wink:
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

GNR1
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 33
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

Roof won't retract

Post by GNR1 » Sun Nov 28, 2021 12:09 am

Back at it today.
Wedged the microswitch, pushed/held button for top down, windows went down, but no unlatch.

Tried to separate motor from pump. 1 allan screw had been previously stripped, wrench just went around. Managed to get a star wrench in and biting well, but could not loosen. Obviously had been overtightened by some previous owner/ mechanic.

I'm going to have to remove the hydraulic lines from the pump to take the unit out and put in vise for bolt removal.
Will there be a back flow of hydraulic oil into the boot/trunk ? Trying to avoid a big mess if I can.

Thinking I can remove lines from pump into a container for the limited back flow if any.
If successful, is there a way to bleed the lines after reassembly of new motor to hydraulic pump ?

This is almost as much fun as working on a sailboat !!!!! But not upside down as much !!

All thoughts /experiences welcome !

User avatar
Smartbear
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 13685
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2014 6:54 pm
Location: a barn in Somerset

Roof won't retract

Post by Smartbear » Sun Nov 28, 2021 12:30 am

I think the pump self bleeds when operated.
Rob
Image

e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

GNR1
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 33
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

Roof won't retract

Post by GNR1 » Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:18 am

    thanks ,smartbear

    GNR1
    Newbie
    Newbie
    Posts: 33
    Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

    Roof won't retract

    Post by GNR1 » Tue Nov 30, 2021 12:41 am

    Would anyone know the specs for the 2 small bolts that hold the motor to the pump, or a resource I can search.
    I got it apart, but one bolt had its allen socket stripped, now got to replace.

    Got very little hydraulic oil flow back when disconnected the lines.
    Any clues about locating the holes in the bolts that hold the 4 lines to pump ?

    Making progress.

    GNR1
    Newbie
    Newbie
    Posts: 33
    Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:50 pm

    Roof won't retract

    Post by GNR1 » Fri Dec 03, 2021 12:30 am

    Installed new pump motor. Hit retract button--windows down, no unlatching.
    Checked pump (now in boot/trunk)--low oil--added more---button light flashing--windows go down, no unlatching, no retraction.
    Leave garage for home----1/2 mile away, roof decides to start retracting--pull over--roof successfully retracts completely

    Pitch dark, rain is starting. Roof will not go back up.
    Return to garage (daughter's)

    Saga will continue tomorrow.
    More hydraulic oil will be needed, I'm sure.

    Should the unlatching work even with low oil ?

    I will depress the brass button on the pump so I can raise the roof manually---thankfully in the trunk now.

    Any ideas out there ?

    User avatar
    enuff_zed
    Lifer
    Lifer
    Posts: 14797
    Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
    Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

    Roof won't retract

    Post by enuff_zed » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:54 am

    Hmmm, I think I'd be looking to the wiring along the side of the roof for any damage.
    Are you 100% certain you haven't kinked a hose or damaged any wiring while you were moving it?
    HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
    Always happy to help if I can.

    If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
    Image

    User avatar
    bigwinn
    Lifer
    Lifer
    Posts: 4631
    Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
    Location: Lincoln UK
    Contact:

    Roof won't retract

    Post by bigwinn » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:56 am

    enuff_zed wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:54 am Hmmm, I think I'd be looking to the wiring along the side of the roof for any damage.
    Are you 100% certain you haven't kinked a hose or damaged any wiring while you were moving it?
    Took the words right out of my mouth

    I'll post my thread up from the same issue
    If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:

    Image


    EWS Delete PM me
    Coding- airbags etc PM me

    User avatar
    bigwinn
    Lifer
    Lifer
    Posts: 4631
    Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
    Location: Lincoln UK
    Contact:

    Roof won't retract

    Post by bigwinn » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:57 am

    If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:

    Image


    EWS Delete PM me
    Coding- airbags etc PM me

    Post Reply