Just Another Roof Problem

[NewToZ4]

So, I know this is a common problem, but i feel like all the tutorials all say the same thing and nothing has worked. My bmw z4 roof will not move an inch, unless manually. I have
- checked and added hydraulic fluid
- ran the roof motor on battery to cycle the fluid
- made sure the red pull was pushing in all the way, and as I was replacing and relocating, made sure the pulley on the motor side was in the correct position
- checked hydraulic lines (they were 11 and 13, and 12 and 14, which matched up with the markings on the motor itself)
- tested motor externally through a battery pack (spins fine)
- disassembled the motor, made sure the spring mechanism was properly linked up to the motor shaft
- blew out any water still in the motor
- pressed the “roof close” button to see the motor bouncing as I have yet to put it in place for the actual relocation, and therefore have the tray and side hinge pulled out
- tested to make sure there was the proper amount of voltage getting to the motor

But I am now completely lost at what more I can do. the Motor sounds, and you can see it spin, but the roof just doesn’t budge. Manual Pin put back in place, and pushing the mechanism to allow it to move (forgot what it was called but i’m sure you probably know what i mean) and all i get is a red light as if the roof was moving back, but it simply doesn’t. It unhinges properly, both way, but doesn’t move. I have check the blue and green, and even reversed them just incase I had misplaced them, but nothing. Any suggestions?

 

[NewToZ4]

Actually i have a question regarding this problem and certain functions. How would i diagnose a hydraulic pump not sending adequate fluid? or an actuator that has gone bad?

 

[Number5]

If you’re not losing fluid from the reservoir then you’ve no leak.
I’m not sure from your descriptions of you’ve made sure the brass pin/plunger on the pump is out ?
Often pulling the red hoop will push it in, but releasing the red hoop doesn’t always mean it has sprung back out.

If this is the case it will give you all the symptoms you describe

 

[bigwinn]

When I had my issues with the first car, when the motor was relocated it was clear the water had badly corroded the area of the brass pin/plunger- so even when I moved the red handle it was ineffective

 

[NewToZ4]

If you’re not losing fluid from the reservoir then you’ve no leak.
I’m not sure from your descriptions of you’ve made sure the brass pin/plunger on the pump is out ?
Often pulling the red hoop will push it in, but releasing the red hoop doesn’t always mean it has sprung back out.

If this is the case it will give you all the symptoms you describe

so with the red pin in, the plunger on the mother should be sprung out? I believe i tried it both ways and it didn’t work, but i will definitely give that a try

 

[Number5]

so with the red pin in, the plunger on the mother should be sprung out? I believe i tried it both ways and it didn’t work, but i will definitely give that a try

Yes. The brass 'ball' on the pump head should spring back out as soon as you release the pressure off it. Not far but there should be an obvious 5mm or so of movement on it, in and out.

 

[NewToZ4]

so with the red pin in, the plunger on the mother should be sprung out? I believe i tried it both ways and it didn’t work, but i will definitely give that a try

Yes. The brass 'ball' on the pump head should spring back out as soon as you release the pressure off it. Not far but there should be an obvious 5mm or so of movement on it, in and out.

Holy, Thank you, got the motor working! the pin was not pushed all the way over (maybe the spring to push it back isn’t functioning right?) anyways, i wad messing with it for hours yesterday, and today my dad comes and within 5 seconds, pushed the pin in, and it sort of clicked and it works. thank you for the tip!

 

[bigwinn]

Enjoy!!!