convertible top repairs - almost there

[jcm]

2002 with 112k.

Open issue: top needs a helpful pushback upon reaching about 2' of height. Appreciate any helpful thoughts.

With the help of a Tech 2 Saab dealer and 2 sessions at $55 each, we found a the following:

1. T-cover micro switch out. This was the probable cause of the broken u-joint in the t-cover mechanism. Donor car parts. I found it easier to just replace the whole trunk assembly purchased for $45 from a yard.

2. 5th bow micro switch. Metal lever badly bent. Replaced with donar parts. $20

3. 5th bow cylinder on the driver's side outboard - this has position switches inside it that report position of the bow. Tech 2 read showed the cylinder was reporting one position sensor showing bow open while the sensor at the other end of the cylinder was showing the bow was closed. Replaced with donar part. $25

Got it all together but the but system was still not working properly with inconsistent latching and stop chimes. So I picked up a can of Tri-flow (teflon based lubricant) and sprayed all joints. I found the cables which pulled the t-cover down stiff to the point where I could pull them up with a finger and they'd hang in position so I sprayed inside the cable.

So now the top cycles correctly except as reported above still needing a gentle push on the down cycle only. Closing cycle works perfectly.

Working on the top was only possible with the help from forum on how to unlatch the 5th bow by accesssing the left side trunk connector's gray/brown wires to lock/unlock. I employed the use of a hand drill power pack with alligator clips.

[jcm]

fixed - found the 5th bow switch was not plugged in