Soft top not working

[zedthreeplease]

Morning guys,

Got a problem with the soft top on my 1997 Z3. Any ideas what I can do to try and see what the problem is?

Thanks

 

[GazHyde]

What does or doesn't happen? There are several known weak points in the system...

• Do you get any noise when you try and raise/lower the hood?
• Check your brake lights work when you press the brake pedal, which checks for a faulty brake pedal switch
• This article shows the location of the hood micro switch which can fail - http://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-hood-micro-switch-replacement.52/
• Sometimes you need to make sure the front part of the hood is lifted enough for the micro switch to engage

 

[zedthreeplease]

• No no noise at all.
• OK will try that.
• Will look that up
• The handbook says 8 inches - I would be lifting it more than that

Just checking the circumstances in which the roof will open. Is it ignition on, neutral, foot on brake?

 

[GazHyde]

Is it ignition on, neutral, foot on brake?

That's the process!

You could try lifting the hood a bit more, just in case the micro switch is faulty. There is a natural point at which it feels wrong to lift it higher

 

[zedthreeplease]

Yes i figured that - I am lifting it until it hits the point where it won't go any further.

Just tested the brake lights and they're fine

 

[zedthreeplease]

On the microswitch - is that something that is turned on when I open the handles or is that something i need to switch manually?

 

[GazHyde]

The micro switch is 'automatic' if you look at it's design in this image. It's a simple contact switch.

You could as a test bypass it by shorting the two wires together. Not advisable to leave it this way as you could cause other damage. Would at least prove it's not that causing the problem though!

 

[zedthreeplease]

OK will try that. What is the T25 torx tool?

 

[GazHyde]

OK will try that. What is the T25 torx tool?

Torx is this style screw.

 

[zedthreeplease]

OK so I've taken it apart but the only way I can short the wires is to cut them is that correct?

They seem to be fixed into the switch with a piece of molded plastic

 

[GazHyde]

I've just read through the article I linked to again, and it does look like you need to cut the wires . I had assumed they were push on connectors.

I haven't had this issue myself, so didn't realise they are fixed to the switch in that way. Sorry!

 

[zedthreeplease]

NP - so as long as the fuse in the fusebox is not blown then that's the only thing it can be?

 

[GazHyde]

NP - so as long as the fuse in the fusebox is not blown then that's the only thing it can be?

As far as I know that would seem the be the likely issue. Not sure if you have a Maplins (or the like) nearby, but might be worth seeing if you can get the bits before you proceed...

 

[zedthreeplease]

OK good idea - I will check it out. Thanks for your help

 

[gizze]

Don't cut the wires, just strip a bit of the sheath and then short them.

 

[hard top]

You could also check the rest of the wire running down from the micro switch.

 

[zedthreeplease]

Yes we've found out that it was the switch - shorting the wires made it work. So I will replace the switch

Thanks

 

[t-tony]

BTW you don't need to be in neutral, I often roll up to a roundabout on the way home and drop the top in very slow (crawling) traffic as you only have to have the brake lights illuminated not necessarily applying the brakes.

 

[zedthreeplease]

OK good to know thanks

 

[hard top]

This should be of help.

http://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-hood-micro-switch-replacement.52/