Intermittent roof problems

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

This morning I was driving to work, roof closed, and and error popped up on the idrive about roof mechanism being obstructed. I'd add that I wasn't touching any of the buttons so this was completely random.

Error message: "Roof movement impaired"

This evening I attempted to open to open the roof.

- Back window raised correctly
- Boot opened successfully
- Roof retracted into the boot as normal.
- Boot closing action was juddery and the warning popped up again.

I've had a good rummage and there's absolutely nothing obstructing it at all.

I got home and started to close the roof...

- Boot lid raised successfully.
- Roof raised about half way and stopped. Error appeared.
- I let go of the button and pressed it again. Error message remained but the roof closed successfully.

My immediate thoughts are a dying sensor somewhere maybe? The motor still sounds strong so assume it's not a problem there. No fault codes being thrown.

Any suggestions of where to start? Thanks in advance!

 

[Anonymous]

I just attempted the full cycle again and it was different this time.

The full cycle actually worked perfectly however the error appeared when the the bootlid was locking into place in both directions.

Opening...

- Rear window opens fine
- Bootlid opens fine
- Roof retracts fine
- Boot lid closes into position
- Once in position the alarm sounded when the bootlid was locking back into place

Closing - same as above in reverse. The boot lid closes but alarms sounds when locking into place

 

[Smartbear]

I’ve read several posts now about changing the pair of salmon relays in the battery compartment every 5 years or so, they’re responsible for roof operations & can cause many issues. For what they cost I’d change them if they’re of unknown age.
Rob

 

[Anonymous]

I shall look into that thankyou.

I just attempted the full cycle again and it was different this time.

The full cycle actually worked perfectly however the error appeared when the the bootlid was locking into place in both directions.

Opening...

- Rear window opens fine
- Bootlid opens fine
- Roof retracts fine
- Boot lid closes into position
- Once in position the alarm sounded when the bootlid was locking back into place

Closing - same as above in reverse. The boot lid closes but alarms sounds when locking into place

Just tried the whole thing again and it looks like this was just random.

The roof stops in random positions now and restarts. It's almost like the whole thing is out of sync and the bits don't know when to work in order.

 

[Smartbear]

I shall look into that thankyou.

I just attempted the full cycle again and it was different this time.

The full cycle actually worked perfectly however the error appeared when the the bootlid was locking into place in both directions.

Opening...

- Rear window opens fine
- Bootlid opens fine
- Roof retracts fine
- Boot lid closes into position
- Once in position the alarm sounded when the bootlid was locking back into place

Closing - same as above in reverse. The boot lid closes but alarms sounds when locking into place

Just tried the whole thing again and it looks like this was just random.

The roof stops in random positions now and restarts. It's almost like the whole thing is out of sync and the bits don't know when to work in order.

The salmon relays switch the power to the roof motors over the different stages of operations, a HR contact on one could easily cause this. They can also cause the roof motors to run on until they melt when they go bad
Rob

 

[Anonymous]

As you say, for the sake of a few quid I'll replace them. Can I just buy two of the same or are they different?

A quick update on the situation this morning...

Had to drive all the way into work with the gong going every few seconds to say hardtop not latched. When trying to latch it, it presents with "Roof Movement Impaired". After a couple of tries of the buttons the roof will open, but on closing it apparently doesnt latch (although I'm pretty certain it has). Lastly on using the roof operation buttons the door window action was very jumpy, but when using the actual window switches they're absolutely fine.

Cheers

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much for the info. A quick google actually returned up a thread on here which outlines problems almost identical to mine:

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=95385&start=15

That thread has this very detailed write-up: http://www.eastpazscca.org/downloads/forum-5.pdf

As suggested I'll replace the relays anyway, and will get a couple of replacement switches on order.

Cheers!
Greg

 

[Anonymous]

I'm going to fire up ISTA again tonight as there surely must've been an issue when I last read the codes.

Relays coming tomorrow and when I rule out that I'll sort out the microswitches. Once I've replaced everything do I somehow need to reset/recalibrate the system somehow?

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[flybobbie]

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=106166
First time my roof failed it was this bad connector.
Stupid design as it doesn't seem to lock and the mechanism it is attached to all moves.
The connector can look pushed in, but if it partly makes contact, could cause random stoppage.

2nd failure was the salmon relays, so go for these simple things first.

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[flybobbie]

No, moulded with no lock or barb.
I glued and cable tied them together.
The plug was smooth and nothing on the key.
You can see from the inspection blue paint how far it plugs in.
If it comes loose, it can be hard to see it's not fully in.
If it comes loose, it comes up as hall switch faulty, when it isn't.
I would say this is another design fault, as the replacement hall switch now comes without that connector.

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[flybobbie]

Yes that is the mechanical switch, not the hall sensor.
Just searching for some good pictures. Look what price they are asking for here:
https://www.ebay.com/p/1326270886?iid=323780844933

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[Anonymous]

Correct.

Next weekend I will take a photo from a brand new hall sensor in my spare parts box. I've bought it last year for about €170, current price is about 230€.

Good news: until now I did not identify a hall sensor as source of any issue.


On the following page I'm tracking the prices of critical roof parts here in Germany:
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=de&sl=de&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zroadster.com%2Fforum%2Fthreads%2Fe89-ersatzteilpreiserhoehung-die-naechste-runde-alles-mit-blackweekend19-rabattcode-um-10-reduziert.136774%2F%23post-2988909

- hydraulic pump: 2.700€
- roof loom: 1.020€
- hall sensor: 230€
- hydraulic ram: 600€ each


Update:
micro switch as well as the hall sensor are using the same connector housing

microswitch2.jpg

hallsensor2.jpg

Hoping to get a good look this weekend in the light when it's not pissing down rain. Today the going is on constantly with the error "hard top not latched!". I can't get the roof to operate at all now so how would I possibly lift the boot to get into the mechanism to change the microswitches?

 

[Anonymous]

Got myself into a spot of bother there. No roof movement from the buttons, but using the fob the roof starts to open, but gives up half way. The roof then wouldn't latch back down so the windows wouldn't go up and it's a wet night here.

EVentually got it to latch and got the windows to go back off

New pants on and car locked up for the night.

I'll replace these relays tomorrow but may need to enlist the services of a professional if that doesn't improve anything.

Doesn't seem to anyone north of the border who specialise though (other than stealers)

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[Anonymous]

Boot doesn't open now I'm afraid.

I'm based in Edinburgh so a little far for you to pop over and help

I've been given a recommendation if a place that should be able to help me out so will get in contact for some info.

Thanks again