Roof Motor Troubleshooting

[kis]

So I've got an unusual issue I'm trying to resolve. Roof motor won't work, top unlatches then nothing.
Now I've pulled the motor into the boot. I've test run the motor with 12v from the battery, so I know it works...

So I've connected the motor back up to the wires in the boot and tried to operate via cabin and it doesn't spin. Is there any troubleshooting I can do?

The pump does need more hydraulic fluid, hence why I didn't test it fully assembled. So that's on my shopping list.

Anyone know what the culprit could be? Fuse?
Does anyone know what the fuses do? I checked this and found it could be 12 or 31 or 55? Does anyone know what respective fuses are for?

FYI, I've already removed the microswitch as a culprit. I tried to do it without the switch, and nothing happened at all. Then when connected and with the shelf, the top will unlatch. So I know the switch is working (and is pressed with the shelf).

Will the roof just not work because it senses no/low fluid? (didn't thinks so, but thought I'd double check).

Any feedback or suggestions welcomed!

 

[bigwinn]

If you’ve checked the fuses I’d be starting to look at the loom for the roof- it fails up the near side I’ve had two where the constant folding causes a wire break?

 

[enuff_zed]

If the level is low it will still run. Tested by yours truly. :roll:
Check the big fat 40A fuse that sends power to the motor. Though if it's popped there must be a reason.
Did you short it when you moved the motor, or has it been ok since you moved it?

 

[Number5]

Manually move the roof to a different position and keep your finger on the switch. If it kicks into action then you can bet it will be the sensor loom having an intermittent break that reconnects when the roof is at certain angles.

After that I’d suspect the roof ECU is possibly playing up. Try swapping it out

 

[kis]

Fantastic. Thank you gents!

So I packed up tools for the day and was doing some research, to continue problem solving. So hadn't checked fuses as I needed to check the fuse diagram first (don’t have one in the glove box). So it was more a case of what sort of stuff should I continue looking sort of post.

So I had a go and the motor runs! It was the big 40amp as suggested. Fuse 55.



Nice and easy, but Not out of the woods just yet. I’ve confirmed the motor spins. But still could have hose/pump issue. So will need to get some oil back in the system. And then check it all again. But progress!

Thanks gents!

 

[enuff_zed]

It was the big 40amp as suggested. Fuse 55.

Woo hoo! I got something right!
I popped one by shorting out the motor while messing around with the connections.

Hope you manage to get the rest of the issue sorted ok.

 

[Bob123]

Just wondering if when the hydraulic fluid is low in the roof motor does it operate slower? Mine seems to be a little slow in operation and a bit noisy with a loud whirring noise.

 

[kis]

Just wondering if when the hydraulic fluid is low in the roof motor does it operate slower? Mine seems to be a little slow in operation and a bit noisy with a loud whirring noise.

Has it been re-located? Could be drowning?
I'd start with re-locating. Then get the motor off and cleaned up. It'll be easy to check hydraulic level once out, so you'll know if that's the issue or not. Then maybe worth greasing the hinges as well?

 

[kis]

It was the big 40amp as suggested. Fuse 55.

Woo hoo! I got something right!
I popped one by shorting out the motor while messing around with the connections.

Hope you manage to get the rest of the issue sorted ok.

Yes indeed, thank you mate!

 

[Bob123]

Just wondering if when the hydraulic fluid is low in the roof motor does it operate slower? Mine seems to be a little slow in operation and a bit noisy with a loud whirring noise.

Has it been re-located? Could be drowning?
I'd start with re-locating. Then get the motor off and cleaned up. It'll be easy to check hydraulic level once out, so you'll know if that's the issue or not. Then maybe worth greasing the hinges as well?

It's not been relocated, though I know that the previous owner had it rebuilt by a BMW mechanic down in Surrey. The drain holes seem to drain fine, no blockages. Sounds like it's difficult to check the fluid level in the motor? I'll follow your suggestion and grease the hinges, then try to check the motor.

 

[kis]

The drain holes were fine on mine too. But if water finds its way into the plastic motor case it can’t get out of there. It’s like a bucket with no water drain hole. So mine was clear, but the motor was fully submerged in the motor casing. So worth relocating ASAP.

 

[Bob123]

[ref]kis[/ref], that's unfortunate. I didn't realise that could happen.

 

[kis]

[ref]kis[/ref], that's unfortunate. I didn't realise that could happen.

Yes, I found this out myself, so can speak about it first hand!