Seized Latches on Soft top

S

selimdemirk

Member
 Maryland
Hi! Sorry if this has been asked before, but my latches seem to be seized on my soft top. I was wondering how I could retrieve them and how much time that would require. I'm currently on break from college, so I have all the time in the world, but I want to know what to expect.

I also have a kind of random problem where my power steering light will turn on whenever making u turns etc, and I have no clue why. I scanned, and there seems to be no problem other than actual interfernece, my front rotor from the previous owner does seem to be messed up, so I will be replacing that, and honestly, he seems to have been BSing stuff as he went, especially with silicone on trim.

But as I said, my main issue is the seized latches. I know I have to remove the one thing, but that seems to require a good deal of effort, and I would love to know if anyone has done it before plus some tips.

Also, my soft top is pretty badly stained, so could I theoretically change the soft top and do this at the same time as a layer of convenience? Thanks a bunch!
 
Oh, and some new soft top recommendations. I want to try to save some money, so OEM isn't the biggest concern at all. Black or Tan
 
I'm assuming you're talking about the latches at the windshield. Do you hear the motor running when you press the button? Do the windows drop halfway when you press the button? Do you have a red or yellow light on the panel? The more info the better.
 
Hey Bumpy,
Yeah it does all of those and the motor spins too but clicks as it cant spin further. Only an amber light while clicking occures
 
selimdemirk said:
Hey Bumpy,
Yeah it does all of those and the motor spins too but clicks as it cant spin further. Only an amber light while clicking occures
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Sounds like the drive gear might be stripped or the cables are bad. The latch motor is bolted to a transmission that spins two cables that move the two latches

The amber light is for the parcel shelf micro switch. Either the switch has become dislodged, or the shelf is not in the full down position.
 
BumpyZ4 said:
Sounds like the drive gear might be stripped or the cables are bad. The latch motor is bolted to a transmission that spins two cables that move the two latches

The amber light is for the parcel shelf micro switch. Either the switch has become dislodged, or the shelf is not in the full down position.
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Excuse me, I meant yellow. I remedied the switch issue earlier in the process. I already rebuilt the drive gears, and even with cranking with an allen key, they don't move. Just click the gear inside. Im still fairly certain the latches are seized up bad
 
There are two shafts that connect the motor to the claws. They fail.

I have a couple of sets here in the uk if you can’t source any in the US
 
Oh,
bigwinn said:
There are two shafts that connect the motor to the claws. They fail.

I have a couple of sets here in the uk if you can’t source any in the US
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That would be pretty helpful. US sourcing seems to be absolutely horrendous, so that would be great
 
selimdemirk said:
Oh,


That would be pretty helpful. US sourcing seems to be absolutely horrendous, so that would be great
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If you are going to pay for those parts to be sent over, would it be prudent for @bigwinn to send over the complete front motor and gear set as well (assuming he has one)?
 
If he could, that would be great, obviously. My current motor is pretty decent, but the gearbox is a bit iffy. I rebuilt it with the brass gears, but the previous owner kinda whacked up the back plastic cover and such.

You guys over there are so spoiled with this stuff, haha.
 
selimdemirk said:
If he could, that would be great, obviously. My current motor is pretty decent, but the gearbox is a bit iffy. I rebuilt it with the brass gears, but the previous owner kinda whacked up the back plastic cover and such.

You guys over there are so spoiled with this stuff, haha.
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Well if Stuart hasn't got one, which I doubt, then I do. So we could put the lot together in one package.
 
Got a complete roof latch and motor assembly too.
If bigwinn and enuff_zed need the odd bit to make up what you need, just ask.

Got a 2nd motor and spare shafts also.

1000036961.jpg
 
Yup, thanks so much for the help, guys! Really means a lot.

I might be getting an N52 07 facelift version after this 2.5 auto who also claims vert problems, so if there's any issues, I'll visit this thread again.

Have a great one!
 
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