Roof problem - not the pump/motor

Z

zriha

Member
 Zagreb, Croatia
Hi lads, I don't know what to say, I want to go back to my Miata. I didn't know this German like Alfa Romeo is full of problems. :)
So let's started:
- beautiful day, the roof was down, we were driving for a couple of hours.
- the previous owner did great maintenance of everything, so the pump/motor had no strange noises, everything worked great

The problem:
- we stopped and the parking lot, and I pressed the button to raise the roof, but the roof stuck at halfway of the closing procedure.
- the light on the button for closing start flashing, nothing happened
- I tried to help the roof with my hand, but it was solid as a rock, and when I pressed the latch (that was opened), he moved a little bit and then stopped.

So, I went to YouTube, found an emergency procedure, went to the boot, pull that lever and manually closed the roof (I used the tool that I got to close the latches).

I am writing this, as I live in Croatia, and our limitations of mechanics that can service a convertible are really high. And there is no way I will go to the official dealer, as they don't know s**t about cars, so I need your help, where to start?

I saw the post from https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=53729 and I think the a similar issue, some sensor/wire problem, as the pump works fine, I think some switch/wire is blocking it.

Also, how can I now reconnect the pump/motor with the roof? As I used that emergency latch in the boot.

Thank you!

p.s. I was expecting something like this, I really loved the mechanical hand roof on Miatas, no problems at all :)
 
Morning

I had similar; the stop half way action of the roof was caused by a kink/break in the cable loom that travelled up the roof to the top latches.

I think you can reset the red handle in the boot for normal operation once you have sorted the issue

I'll post a link to my thread if it helps?

Stuart
 
bigwinn said:
Morning

I had similar; the stop half way action of the roof was caused by a kink/break in the cable loom that travelled up the roof to the top latches.

I think you can reset the red handle in the boot for normal operation once you have sorted the issue

I'll post a link to my thread if it helps?

Stuart
Click to expand...

Well, maybe we have the same issue. Thanks for the help mate! Can you please just point me in the right direction, where that cable is located?
Here in Croatia, we are struck by the heat wave (over 37C) so I am waiting for a few cooler days to deal with this.

Cheers!
 
Don’t blame you- I did this in 28° heat and that was enough

Best thing I can do to guide:

Stood looking at the car from the front you’ll be working on the right hand side of the car

With the roof half open (you may need someone to help as it will sink over time)
Pop the plastic cover off that hides the manual location- you’ll see this near to the central rear view mirror
Remove the 7 small screws that hold the plastic cover in place: the plastic headlining

From that point you can see the loom that feeds the two grab locks that engage the hood to the screen

Unclip the loom from the connectors

Now trace it back down through the roof toward the pump motor

Somewhere along there I reckon you’ll find a kink or cable trap

I’ll dig the photos out I took that may assist

Cheers

Stuart
 
It’s worth unclipping the loom and get the protective armouring off to have a proper look

I wouldn’t have found the kink otherwise
 
bigwinn said:
It’s worth unclipping the loom and get the protective armouring off to have a proper look

I wouldn’t have found the kink otherwise
Click to expand...

Thanks mate for the detailed explanation and advice. I will do that, and I will buy a new protective armouring, so I can repair it. I hope this is the issue! :)
Just to get some cold days, it's bloody hot as hell here...

Cheers!
 
bigwinn said:
Good luck

Drop me a line if you need any help
Click to expand...

Thanks, mate, I hope I will deal with this during the upcoming weekend, the weather will go normal again.

Just a quick one, did you have to replace the wires, or just fix them and put the rubber cover on them (or how do you call it).
 
I was ready to replace-

When I found the kink and break, I cut all wires, re spliced, soldered, heat shrinked them then refitted armoured cover

Very simple once you find the problem area
 
bigwinn said:
I was ready to replace-

When I found the kink and break, I cut all wires, re spliced, soldered, heat shrinked them then refitted armoured cover

Very simple once you find the problem area
Click to expand...

Just to report - still didn't tackle this problem, but magically the roof started to work, but I suspect it is this wiring problem.

Between us, I am a little bit scared about opening all this... :) But next week, the weather is going normal again, so I will spare a couple of hours to deal with this.

I bought the new armoured cover and everything. :) I am good with wires (technical school), but not with roof :D
 
Good to hear- that deffo sounds like a wire nip somewhere- mine was and 5/10 times it was ok

Have faith- it’s an easy fix

Give it a go you’ll surprise yourself
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom