Roof not locking open

[b1nuzz]

My 2005 roof won’t lock open.
It stops about 20mm short of where it needs to be.
Now I know that this is covered fairy extensively in the forums, but I’ve tried everything I can and it doesn’t seem to be making a difference.
My motor has recently been relocated the boot.
Here’s where I am:
- Pump is 3/4 full of hydraulic fluid.
- motor is upright.
- the roof locks and unlocks from the front successfully and travels up and down with no issues.
- I have checked the roof folds correctly and also left it down for a period of time to try and train the corners to fold properly (which it still doesn’t).
- If I push the roof the last 20mm to lock it, the light stops flashing, BUT, upon engine restart with the roof still locked, the light will begin flashing again.
- there are 2 distinct noises when the roof is lowering. Once it gets to the bottom (short by 20mm) it sounds like the pump stops but the motor carries on, although I appreciate that probably isn’t the case.
- The Bowden cable is stuck in, so assume it is seized, but given the roof is working in its motion, I think this is a separate issue.

Anyone able to offer any additional thoughts of what I could look at and try?
Thanks!

 

[Number5]

The second tone of motor you are hearing is not the hydraulic pump, its the claw motor. This operates when the roof thinks its down far enough and winds the claws in. The reverse happen when the roof is near the winsdcreen.

I'd say your issue is possibly that your hydraulic motor/pump is on the way out and doesn't have quite enough power to 'suck' the roof down and compress it, which is the most demanding part of the pumps operation as it meets the most resistance. After a few bumps in the road the roof is popping up slightly above the tolerance of the 'down' sensor and it the ECU then thinks the roof operation is incomplete and between the up or down sensor stop points, so the switch LED will flash

In conclusion, unless there is an obstruction around one of the sides that is preventing the roof going lower, Id say your pump is getting weak.

 

[b1nuzz]

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, that makes perfect sense.
I hear you’re the guy to check these things out in Bristol. Would you mind sending me a message? I’ve only just joined so can’t message just yet.
Thanks.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Three posts and you can send a PM

 

[Number5]

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, that makes perfect sense.
I hear you’re the guy to check these things out in Bristol. Would you mind sending me a message? I’ve only just joined so can’t message just yet.
Thanks.

Message sent

 

[Kromy972]

Did U try in manual mode?

Sorry, but m’y english is not perfect

 

[b1nuzz]

Bowden cable is seized so can’t do manual mode.

 

[Kromy972]

May B the ball working as à by-pass is stuck.
Try to push it with a screwdriver.

 

[Kromy972]

Push this "gold" ball.

 

[zriha]

I had a similar problem, and the issue were wires coming from the central locking motor to the pump. With time, they break, well, they don't have a good connection, and when you dangle them a little bit, all goes normal. Check them (I have a left-hand drive car, so it is on the driver's side, in your case, maybe it's the opposite side/passenger side).

 

[Number5]

Push this "gold" ball.

That’s not really going to help. Pushing that in will decrease or totally release the hydraulic pressure and the roof won’t move at all. If anything he’d need to pull it out to raise the pressure and increase the suction down into the boot.

The OP is only about 7 miles from me so I’m having a look at it tomorrow evening

 

[b1nuzz]

Just to wrap this thread up. Thank you for all the help. Went to see Alan (Number5) this evening to take a look at the motor. What a great guy. Super friendly and super helpful. If you have any roof motors concerns, give him a shout.
My issues were all sorted and it’s all neat and tidy. Looking forward to perfect roof action!

 

[BumpyZ4]

So what exactly fixed your problem?

 

[b1nuzz]

Sensor realignment, correct seating of the hydraulic lines, and a good service of the pump.