Interesting bit of convertible top opening experience... 2000 9-3 SE with 91k miles.
My convertible top opens only okay. But during the process of opening it stops about 5 times and only sometimes tells me (in the SID) of a 'convertible top malfunction.' If you ignore the message and click once again the open button it will continue a bit further then again tell me of the malfunction or just stop altogether without a message. These four-to-five work stoppages all happen within the first 1/3 of the opening process while the rear window is trying to lift up so that the tonneau cover can open. Also, once the convertible top does get to opening the motor sounds 'loud', like a whining. It's a bit of a straining 'loud' but I can't say for sure that it's straining. Also, once it opens the tonneau cover it continues without problem all the way close or open.
Rookie dianosis:
1. High resistance against the motors for one reason or another. According to the owner's manual the top will stop if it thinks it's being resisted.
2. Top motor is going bad (high internal resistance).
3. A sensor is telling it to stop.
To rule out #1 I manually opened the top (step by step, not a complete disconnect) and felt the 'play.' It was easy to move the top manually, in general so I ruled out resistance in the folding metal pieces or material jamming the process.
To rule out #3 I tried to 'help it along' by lifting the rear window portion during opening. It had the same problem--stopping every so often--even with my help.
So I am led to believe that there's some internal resistance in the motor, itself or there could still be a sensor issue. I assume that when the top throws a 'malfunction' that can be read, correct? Needless to say I haven't had this done.
Any experience in rebuilding these motors or having these motors go bad? I found a used one for $650--whoopie!
My convertible top opens only okay. But during the process of opening it stops about 5 times and only sometimes tells me (in the SID) of a 'convertible top malfunction.' If you ignore the message and click once again the open button it will continue a bit further then again tell me of the malfunction or just stop altogether without a message. These four-to-five work stoppages all happen within the first 1/3 of the opening process while the rear window is trying to lift up so that the tonneau cover can open. Also, once the convertible top does get to opening the motor sounds 'loud', like a whining. It's a bit of a straining 'loud' but I can't say for sure that it's straining. Also, once it opens the tonneau cover it continues without problem all the way close or open.
Rookie dianosis:
1. High resistance against the motors for one reason or another. According to the owner's manual the top will stop if it thinks it's being resisted.
2. Top motor is going bad (high internal resistance).
3. A sensor is telling it to stop.
To rule out #1 I manually opened the top (step by step, not a complete disconnect) and felt the 'play.' It was easy to move the top manually, in general so I ruled out resistance in the folding metal pieces or material jamming the process.
To rule out #3 I tried to 'help it along' by lifting the rear window portion during opening. It had the same problem--stopping every so often--even with my help.
So I am led to believe that there's some internal resistance in the motor, itself or there could still be a sensor issue. I assume that when the top throws a 'malfunction' that can be read, correct? Needless to say I haven't had this done.
Any experience in rebuilding these motors or having these motors go bad? I found a used one for $650--whoopie!
