Morning folks!
I'm new to the forum, but I have already been liberally abusing the search function whilst trying to resolve some issues with my new to me, previously mistreated, 2.5i 03 Manual Zed.
I received the car on Tuesday the 22nd, knowing that there were issues with the roof. It was one of the reasons the car was so cheap, so unfortunately what I don't have is any information or history about when/how the various problems started. I'll list the problems that I have dealt with, and how I dealt with them, as well as what the current issue is.
Problem 1 (Fixed): Roof completely dead, pulling Bowden release cable and leaving it "locked" open still would not allow the roof to be retracted more than 8-10". Thanks to this excellent site I was able to determine that this was most likely a dead motor, and probably a seized release valve. So I fished the motor out of the onboard pond (with help from my kid!), and relocated it to the boot and replaced the motor. I also took the time to free up the seized hydraulic release valve, and it now moves freely. This would ordinarily be enough right?!
Problem 2: Roof now sort of works... When you press and hold the roof open button it unlatches correctly, the motor engages but it doesn't manage the initial movement. If you help it past the first 8-10", the roof retracts 95% of the way down without problems. It seems to catch a little when the window folds, but gets past that point. However it is always slightly "wonky" with the RHS (looking at the rear) going flush and the LHS remaining a little high. Because of this it won't lock into place. I have removed the springs from the parcel shelf flaps as I read this can help with the catching issue, but it has made no difference, the wonkyness remains. The good news is that the roof goes back up without issue, all locks into place as well. I have topped up the hydraulic fluid (it doesn't seem to be leaking anywhere), run the motor in both directions, and lubricated the hinges etc, but I just can't get it to go down flat, nor do the first part of the roof opening.
Anyone have any experience of the symptoms in problem 2, or able to offer any advice on likely culprits? I am leaning towards a faulty ram or something broken inside the roof, but I am approaching the point where I could definitely use some expert opinion.
Cheers!
Chris
I'm new to the forum, but I have already been liberally abusing the search function whilst trying to resolve some issues with my new to me, previously mistreated, 2.5i 03 Manual Zed.
I received the car on Tuesday the 22nd, knowing that there were issues with the roof. It was one of the reasons the car was so cheap, so unfortunately what I don't have is any information or history about when/how the various problems started. I'll list the problems that I have dealt with, and how I dealt with them, as well as what the current issue is.
Problem 1 (Fixed): Roof completely dead, pulling Bowden release cable and leaving it "locked" open still would not allow the roof to be retracted more than 8-10". Thanks to this excellent site I was able to determine that this was most likely a dead motor, and probably a seized release valve. So I fished the motor out of the onboard pond (with help from my kid!), and relocated it to the boot and replaced the motor. I also took the time to free up the seized hydraulic release valve, and it now moves freely. This would ordinarily be enough right?!
Problem 2: Roof now sort of works... When you press and hold the roof open button it unlatches correctly, the motor engages but it doesn't manage the initial movement. If you help it past the first 8-10", the roof retracts 95% of the way down without problems. It seems to catch a little when the window folds, but gets past that point. However it is always slightly "wonky" with the RHS (looking at the rear) going flush and the LHS remaining a little high. Because of this it won't lock into place. I have removed the springs from the parcel shelf flaps as I read this can help with the catching issue, but it has made no difference, the wonkyness remains. The good news is that the roof goes back up without issue, all locks into place as well. I have topped up the hydraulic fluid (it doesn't seem to be leaking anywhere), run the motor in both directions, and lubricated the hinges etc, but I just can't get it to go down flat, nor do the first part of the roof opening.
Anyone have any experience of the symptoms in problem 2, or able to offer any advice on likely culprits? I am leaning towards a faulty ram or something broken inside the roof, but I am approaching the point where I could definitely use some expert opinion.
Cheers!
Chris
Devon
