Porsche 996 convertible top not working

There are only Two things in the right rear the pump motor and the top ajar switch. This sounds like the motor is locked up or the top is jammed or going the wrong way. First disconnect the motor and if the noise stops it's the hydraulic unit trying to move the top watch the top to make sure it's going the right way, the top ajar switch could be bad. If you're confident in the hydraulic unit and motor the only thing left is a jammed top, a bad connection at the hydraulic unit, or the top ajar switch. I hope this helps. Take care.

Principles of Operation
Convertible top operation is controlled by the smart junction box (SJB). When the convertible top raise/lower switch is operated, the SJB commands the front and rear windows to the full down position. Window operation is disabled while the convertible top raise/lower switch is being operated. When the SJB receives a full down input for both rear windows, it commands the appropriate relay closed to raise or lower the convertible top. If the SJB does not receive a full down input signal for both rear windows, the convertible top operation is disabled.

The convertible top hydraulic system uses a 12 volt reversible pump and motor assembly. When active, the pump uses hydraulic pressure to extend the hydraulic lift cylinders to raise the convertible top, or retract the hydraulic lift cylinders to lower the convertible top. The convertible top motor/pump assembly is equipped with a thermal circuit breaker. The circuit breaker typically resets after 5 minutes depending on the ambient temperature. The thermal circuit breaker cannot be repaired and must be installed as a unit with the motor/pump assembly. In the event of a hydraulic system failure, the convertible top cannot be operated manually.

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.

1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical

• Convertible top brackets and frame
• Convertible top latches
• Convertible top pump and motor assembly
• Hydraulic lift cylinders
• Hydraulic lines

• Bussed electrical center (BEC) fuse(s):
  • 13 (40A)
  • 51 (10A)
• Circuitry
• Convertible top pump and motor assembly
• Convertible top ajar switch
• Convertible top switch
• Connector(s)
• Convertible top raise relay
• Convertible top lower relay
• LH or RH rear power window motor
• Smart junction box (SJB)
• BEC

1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

1. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC) and select the vehicle to be tested from the scan tool menu. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
   • check that the program card is correctly installed.
   • check the connections to the vehicle.
   • check the ignition switch position.

1. If the scan tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the scan tool operating manual.

1. Carry out the scan tool data link test. If the scan tool responds with:
   • CAN or ISO circuit fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to Section 418-00 .
   • No response/not equipped for SJB; refer to Section 419-10 .
   • System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs, and carry out self-test diagnostics for the SJB.

1. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Smart Junction Box (SJB) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index.

1. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart .
2. Smart Junction Box (SJB) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index DTC Description Source Action B1141 Convertible Top Full Down Position Switch Circuit Failure SJB Go To Pinpoint Test E . B1142 Convertible Top Full Up Position Switch Circuit Failure SJB Go To Pinpoint Test E . B1402 Driver Power Window Down Switch Circuit Failure SJB Go To Pinpoint Test A . B2068 Convertible Top Up Output Circuit Failure SJB Go To Pinpoint Test A . B2069 Convertible Top Down Output Circuit Failure SJB Go To Pinpoint Test A . B2481 Convertible Top Up/Down Switch Fault SJB Go To Pinpoint Test A . B2578 Passenger Power Window Down Switch Circuit Failure SJB Go To Pinpoint Test A . All Other DTCs - SJB Refer to Section 419-10 .
3. Your best bet ,take it to a qualified repair shop !

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.

Almost all power convertible tops are electric over hydraulic. The ecectric motor runs a hydraulic pump. The pump pushes fluid to the cylinders that work the top. Most are located behind the rear seat backrest. Either remove the rear backrest or access the motor/pump from the trunl. It will be shaped like a cylinder. At one is the electric motor, at the other end is the hydraulic reservoir. At the end of the reservoir is a rubber plug. With the top down, remove the plug and fill it with tran fluid till it over flows. replace the plug and cycle the top up and down as far as it will go. Repeat the process till it will take no more fluid. A turkey baster with a piece of vacuum line makes a good filler tool. With that said, you must find the leak. You may have a leaking pump, hydraulic line or cylinder. RNever replace one line. Do them all. Always replace cylinders in pairs.

Good luck, Karl at aoksales.com

Do you hear the motor running? If yes, then it could be the fluid level in hydraulic unit.

To check the hydraulic unit:
- Remove luggage compartment trim.
- Open convertible top once and close again to bleed the system.
- Convertible top must be closed.

If you have another way of bleeding the hydraulic unit, then do it and make sure to bleed the hydraulic unit.

Good luck!

HYDRAULIC PUMP/MOTOR ASSEMBLY Any diagnosis of the power top system should begin with the use of a scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures Information. The scan tool can provide confirmation that the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus is functional, that all of the electronic modules are sending and receiving the proper messages on the CAN data bus, and that the power top motor is being sent the proper hard wired output by the driver window regulator module.


NOTE: The convertible top system is equipped with a hydraulic bypass screw that is used to relieve pressure from the hydraulic system in the event that the top must be manually raised or lowered (such as a low battery or a convertible top operating concern). Always verify that the bypass screw is tight in the pump housing prior to replacing a hydraulic pump/motor assembly (Refer to 23 - Body/Convertible Top - Standard Procedure). If the power top is completely inoperative and the hydraulic pump/motor assembly is suspect, perform the following:

(Refer to 23 - Body/Seats/SEAT BACK - Removal).(Refer to 23 - Body/Convertible Top/ASSEMBLY, Hydraulic - Removal). If not OK, use a scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures Information to complete diagnosis of the power top system.

On convertible vehicles, the convertible top switch is hard wired to both window regulator modules by the Power Top Switch Mux circuit. When a top operation input is received by the driver window module, it will ground the respective relay control circuit which in turn will operate the motor. If the convertible top switch is pressed and held to the down position second detent, it will command both modules to drop all windows to the fully down position. The windows cannot be raised when the convertible top switch is in the top down position. When the switch is held in the top up position and all four windows are fully up, the modules will lower the respective front window 40 mm (1.6 in), lower the respective rear window approximately 55 mm (2 in) and the driver window module will ground the top up relay control circuit. Once the top is back up the windows will not raise automatically.

Your missing that you don't have a clue on how the electronic's on your vehicle work . Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop . Your trying to fix something you have no clue on how it works , going at it blind .

Your top is moved by an electric motor wich operates a hydraulic pump which moves two pistons which move the top.
The "oil" thet you see is probably hydraulic fluid leaking from the drain hole in the car near the tire.
You have a leak in the hydraulic system.
You need to start at the motor/pump/reservoir unit behind the seat and find the leak.
Most commonly, it is a bad line. Second in popularity is a bad cylinder(s). Third on the list is the motor/pump/reservoir.
If you replace a line, do them all. If you replace a cylinder, replace them both.

Karl at topgunwon.com

Your top only has one motor. It powers a hydraulic pump that operates two hydraulic cylinders.
If one cylinder is not working, it is either damaged, worn or there is a problem supplying fluid to it.
Always replace cylinders in pairs.

remove the plastic trim cover inside at the front where the latch secures to the top of the front screen, then remove the 2 small plugs in the rear interior trims behind rear seats on side panels. Using the special allen key tool turn the catches approx 90 degrees to release the rear of the hood, then simply lift off and back