[martijnj]

Hi all,

Hoep you can help me. It was the first beautifull day (Netherland) and I did the roof down. The roof went down but the tonneau was stuck " standing up" , so not fully open. Using the " roof " switch and nothing happens anymore. I disconnected the motor from the arm so taht at least I could close the Tonneau but the roof cannot be opened/closed anymore now. The error I get on the display is " check latches" .

Does anyone know this problem and how to fix it? WHere are the latches and what can I do to check them or do some DIY?

Many thanks for your help!!
Martijn

 

[Vespa]

Check Latches error to me means the microswitches that get engaged by the latches (I call them 'fangs') that hang off the back of the 5th bow on the top. They tell the top computer (the car has a separate computer for everything it seems!) when the 5th bow is down or is away from the tonneau deck.

What year is your 900? I think all years of 900NG's use electric motors for things and then in '99 they went with mostly hydraulics for the 9-3 OG's.

Either way, it's probably the same thing. So what probably happened is one or both (common ground broken maybe?) of the switches got stuck and is telling the top computer, "Hey, tonneau don't move since the 5th bow is down and in your way!". That's my best guess right now.

The microswitches are very visible with the tonneau up. Just look where the latches go in to where the slots align from the tonneau. The latches push on the levers of the microswitches. Maybe squirt some tuner cleaner in them or push on them a few times just to get you by for now.

I would think you could find low cost replacments that aren't 'Saab-Scania' sanctioned since microswitches are all a pretty common size and layout.

 

[john bernard]

I think that the tonneau has latches at the forward tips on bothsides, and that those are the latches the SID is reporting. They are not latched because the control unit has not latched them. Unfortunately I have the same problem. If I knew what to do I'd happily tell you

 

[martijnj]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies!

My english knowledge of car terminology isn't that good...I have tried to find a manual to show me where the latches are (how do they look and where can I find them)

Does one of you maybe has that?

By the way, my car is 1997 so i think everything is electric instead of hydraulic.

I know, very carefully, manually pulled the roof up (it's Netherlands, it's already raining again ) so that probably screws uop the computer as well. I heard that disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes could help te reset everyting?

Thanks!
Martijn

 

[john bernard]

If you have raised the roof manually, I assume you have pulled down that handle behind the rear seat backrest that releases the motors to allow manual movement of the top. Use search to find a post by member flyhop that tells how to lock and unlock the fifth bow latches, which must be unlatched to allow the strikers on the fifth bow to enter the openings in the tonneau cover and must be latched to hold the fifth bow in place. Also, pulling down that red release handle apparently disconnects the tonneau cover motor, which is located on the right side of the luggage compartment behind the trim panel. After pulling the trim panel out of the way, you can reach in and move the motor assembly and it will reengage when in the proper place.

 

[Vespa]

Avoid disconnecting your battery unless you have the code to turn your factory radio back on once the battery is re-connected. Otherwise a $tealership will take your money to do that!

This is the flyhop link john bernard mentioned:

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148882&highlight=tonneau+motor

Also courtesy flyhop:

http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/...fttop/?action=view&current=MotorsOverview.jpg

 

[Vespa]

Sorry, forgot to mention: disconnecting the battery for any length of time won't rememedy what the top computer expects. As far as I've read to date anyway. Personally I've avoided taking my car to a mechanic for Tech II analysis or programming but sometimes it's the only way.

Let us know if you get any of the motors to run. Good luck!