How do i lower the top on my 1988bmw - 1997 BMW 328

It is a hydraulic pump that applies pressure to the 2 hydraulic pistons to raise & lower the top. So, check for something obstructing movement first.

The convertible top:

• is motor-driven.
• requires parking brake engaged to complete circuit for operation.
• is equipped with a back window glass (42006) . The back window glass is permanently attached to the folding top back window curtain (52500) and cannot be opened.

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VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical

• Damaged fluid reservoir.
• Damaged folding top hydraulic cylinders .
• Damaged folding top motor upper and lower hose .
• Damaged convertible top regulator.
• Parking brake not engaged.

• Open power distribution box circuit breaker CONV TOP (30A), fuse junction panel Fuse 1 (15A).
• Circuitry open/shorted.
• Damaged convertible top switch.
• Damaged raise/lower relay .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .

• Convertible Top Does Not Raise/Lower

• Open circuit breaker or fuse.
• Circuitry open/shorted.
• Damaged folding top switch.
• Damaged raise/lower relay .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .
• Parking brake not engaged.

You need to hook up the car to the factory tool, and check for codes. I think the lower limit for the main or 5th bow potentiometer needs to be adjusted. lots of service information at www.saabservices.com in the convertible top section

Removal and Installation L4-2.5L (QR25DE) Engines To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Engine cover
   • Front/right-side engine undercover
   • Drive belt
   • Alternator harness connector
   • Engine ground wire from top mount
   • Alternator upper and lower mounting bolts
3. Set the alternator aside and remove the top mount.
4. Remove the alternator.

To Install:

1. Slide alternator in place.
2. Install or connect the following:
   • Alternator top mount
   • Alternator upper and lower mounting bolts
   • Engine ground wire from top mount
   • Alternator harness connector
   • Drive belt
   • Front/right-side engine undercover
   • Engine cover
   • Negative battery cable

V6-3.5L (VQ35) To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Drain coolant from the radiator into a suitable container.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Radiator
   • Front/right-side engine under cover
   • Drive belt
   • Idler pulley
   • Alternator adjustable top mount
   • Alternator lower mount bolt and nuts
   • Alternator lower front bracket bolt
   • Alternator harness connectors
   • Alternator

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Alternator in place
   • Alternator harness connectors
   • Alternator lower front bracket bolt
   • Alternator lower mount bolt and nuts
   • Alternator adjustable top mount
   • Idler pulley
   • Drive belt
   • Front/right-side engine under cover
   • Radiator
2. Replace the engine coolant.
3. Connect the negative battery cable.
4. Start the engine and check for leaks.
5. Recheck coolant level and top off as needed.

Relase the 2 latches aove the windshield, lower the windows and then operate the switch to lower the top. the top has an electric motor that operates a pump that sends hydraulic fluid under pressure to a piston on each arm behind the rear seat. That raises or lowers the top.

If you look closely , shifter knob is two pieces. You need to seperate them by pushing the lower part down.Use a wide flat head screwdriver (make sure it is not sharp). Place it on the top of the lower part where two pieces meet and hit on top of the screwdriver. That will push the lower part down and give you access to philips head screws that hold the upper part. After you remove those screws pull the knob out. This will help. Thanks please keep updated. please do rate the solution positively .thank you for using fixya

There are 2 hydrolic rams that raise and lower your roof. You can just disconect them from the top, then manualy raise and lower the top. But it sounds more like your fluid level is low. Open your trunk and find the pump pull the plug and fill the resiorvor.

hi bunkeyh, try helping the top when it stops by continuing the movement in the open direction. if it continues operation you probably have bad convertible top straps. another tell-tell sign is if the rear section slams down on the cover or does not hold position. you should be able to reach your hands under the canvas and between the liner at the second bar of the top frame from the windshield to check for sagging or weak straps. in anycase the straps will need to be replaced.

here's some info

Symptom Chart Condition Possible Source Action

• Folding Top Does Not Raise and/or Lower

• Blown fuse(s).
• Circuitry open/shorted.
• Damaged folding top switch.
• Damaged raise/lower relay .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .
• Parking brake not engaged.

• Go to Pinpoint Test A.

• Top Hesitates and/or Comes Up Uneven

• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .
• Damaged folding top motor upper and lower hose .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic cylinder .
• Damaged folding top linkage.

• Go to Pinpoint Test B.

• Top Does Not Raise or Does Not Go All the Way Up

• Damaged folding top linkage.
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .

• Go to Pinpoint Test C.

• Hydraulic System

• Damaged fluid reservoir.
• Damaged folding top hydraulic cylinder .
• Damaged folding top motor upper and lower hose .

• Go to Pinpoint Test D.

Lift Cylinder, Power Top Removal and Installation
NOTE: The cylinder rods should be in the fully-retracted position.

1. Remove pump and motor as outlined.

1. Remove the upper and lower hose fitting from the folding top hydraulic cylinder (50600) . Use absorbent rags or a container to catch any hydraulic fluid that leaks out when removing the fittings.

1. Remove each of the service cylinder plugs one at a time and attach the hose fittings. NOTE: Be sure each fitting is installed in the correct position on the folding top hydraulic cylinder .
   NOTE: Make sure that the tetra seal is installed in the bottom of each of the folding top hydraulic cylinder ports before attaching the upper and lower hose fittings.
   

1. Connect the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit (533A00) to a 12-volt power source and cycle the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit in and out several times to purge the air from the hoses. Some noise squeal may be noticed due to the air.

1. Carefully remove the rubber fill plug from the back and the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be at the bottom of the filler hole. If necessary, add Synthetic Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic transmission fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent.

1. Replace the fill plug with a new fill plug.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

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"check latches" comes across my screen when trying to lower my convertible top on my Saab 900