E85 Roof Not Opening

[Chengy]

Hi all,

Yes yes, another thread on the roof sorry! I've searched the forums and I think my roof motor is dead, wanted to check if there is anything I've missed.

When the roof wasn't working first time round (amber light when pressing roof down button, nothing happening) I found that the metal part of the microswitch had fallen off. I put it back in the microswitch and hurray! The windows lowered and the roof unlatched..

..and that's how far it gets when holding the button down. Roof doesn't move beyond the initial unlatching.
I can't seem to hear a noise from the relocated roof motor, just the initial roof unlatching mechanism directly above me.

What I've checked so far:

1) Metal switch in the microswitch successfully engages (click sound when lowering shelf)
2) Emergency cord is full inserted

Apart from the fuse, anything else I should check before condemning this roof motor? Seems pretty new and in good condition, previous owner had done it himself in the last year or so. Roof was working fine couple of weeks ago. I've washed the car since, could I have damaged something?

Newbie to all this, thanks for your patience!

 

[DMike]

Just a couple of thoughts before the roof experts chime in… After checking the fuse, close the roof and try disconnecting the battery for a minute or so. Could be just a confused module. Also, try opening the roof with the engine running as undervoltage from an old battery can cause random misbehaviour.

 

[bigwinn]

Also check that your windows don’t need resetting- if they are out of position the roof won’t operate correctly so Google anti trap window reset for z4 e85

 

[Chengy]

Just a couple of thoughts before the roof experts chime in… After checking the fuse, close the roof and try disconnecting the battery for a minute or so. Could be just a confused module. Also, try opening the roof with the engine running as undervoltage from an old battery can cause random misbehaviour.

Mike,

Many thanks for your post. I’ve tried opening the roof with the engine running and still no luck.

I’ll try disconnecting the battery - will it cause any issues with error codes etc?

Cheers!

 

[Chengy]

Also check that your windows don’t need resetting- if they are out of position the roof won’t operate correctly so Google anti trap window reset for z4 e85

Thanks bigwinn. I did a window reset first time round then realised the issue was the metal part of the micro switch had fallen out. I’ve not tried the reset since fixing the micro switch so could be that.

 

[bigwinn]

Final throw of the dice if nothing else works

Pull the red cable in the boot allowing you to open the roof manually- see if you can close it on the button once open

I had it once where that was the issue as the roof again didn’t know it’s position so just refused to open

After that I would start to look at loom breaks

 

[markplant]

The button on top of the motor that the cable acts upon can seize, see if you can see it moving when you move the cable

 

[enuff_zed]

The button on top of the motor that the cable acts upon can seize, see if you can see it moving when you move the cable

That only bypasses the hydraulics, the motor would still run.

 

[enuff_zed]

I would see if you are getting power to the motor. If so then it’s the motor, if not then wiring or control module. Also try taking jump leads from the battery to the motor terminals. If it runs it is down then to wiring or the control module.
If all else fails I would remind you that you already mentioned a trip over to see me,

 

[Chengy]

Hi all, thank you very much for the advice.

To update - all 3 fuses for the power roof were fine, I did the window reset and still nothing.

I then took a look at the motor and realised why it wasn't working - one of the connectors had been unplugged from the roof motor. It was the blue (live?) wire that had disconnected but it was hidden out of view. Can't believe it was so simple but very grateful indeed! I think I moved it slightly when just taking a look round.



On a slightly different note, I don't seem to get a clean line when roof is folded down.



What should the position of this fabric be at?
Should the fabric be tucked behind the plastic or hang over?

Fabric hanging over:



Fabric tucked behind plastic:



Think I've tried both and still get this uneven fold.

Thanks!

 

[Chengy]

I would see if you are getting power to the motor. If so then it’s the motor, if not then wiring or control module. Also try taking jump leads from the battery to the motor terminals. If it runs it is down then to wiring or the control module.
If all else fails I would remind you that you already mentioned a trip over to see me,

Thanks Martin - didn't want to pester you! Roof now sorted after realising one of the connections had come loose.

Just wondering how to get a clean line at the rear now when the roof is folded down! Pics above.

Cheers

 

[Chengy]

Ah, think I found out what's happening and it's unrelated to the fabric mentioned above.

enuff_zed this is the same problem as this one I think: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=133948

Thanks

 

[enuff_zed]

Can’t quite see but if you mean the piece of fabric that hangs down the back then it has a plastic trim which push fits into to rear edge of the parcel shelf. If loose it can rattle a bit.