Body - Convertible Top Hard To Close Or Latch
61 09 07Nov. 6, 2009
2012454 Supersedes Technical Bulletin Group 61 number 09-06 dated Oct. 29, 2009 to revise authorization role.
Vehicle Information
Condition
Convertible Top, Hard to Close or Latch
Customer states convertible top is hard to close (high closing efforts) and hard to latch (high latching efforts).
Note:
^ Affects mostly light colored tops.
^ This T.B. is applicable to the original (factory installed) or replacement top (OEM service part) when hard to close.
Technical Background
Top hard to close
May be caused by top material being too tight, which leaves 76-127 mm (35 inch) gap, distance (A), between roof crossmember and top, as shown.
Top hard to latch
May be caused by misaligned top locks, -arrows-, that secure top latches to roof crossmember, as shown.
Production Solution
Final production countermeasure pending.
Service
WARNING
Note:
Check convertible top hydraulic oil level before performing this repair.
Observe safety instructions for electrical convertible tops. See owner/operator manual.
Before operating top, ensure clearance above vehicle.
^ Inspect top to verify hard to close or hard to latch condition.
Hard to Close Condition
Tip:
Fixed Operations Manager (FOM) authorization is required for this repair.
DO NOT replace top for this condition.
If top stays 76-127 mm (3-5 inch) away from roof crossmember, follow this procedure for top adjustment:
Tip:
Remove customer items that will damage due to heat.
DO NOT use radiant heat to stretch top.
^ Place entire car inside a paint oven with the top latched and all windows closed.
^ Set paint oven temperature at 83° C. (182° F.).
The temperature must be maintained for 3 consecutive hours.
Top must be allowed to cool down outside the paint booth for a minimum of 4 hours prior to fully cycling top (opening and closing).
^ Inspect top to verify the closing distance/efforts.
^ Top should stop 26 mm (1 inch) [distance (A)] before roof crossmember when top is fully forward, as shown.
Hard to Latch Condition
If top closes correctly (near the roof crossmember) and latching efforts remain high, follow this procedure for top lock adjustment:
Gain access to top locks:
^ Open top.
^ Remove A-pillar trim. See Repair Manual, Body Interior, Group 70 - Interior Trim.
^ Remove both sun visors. See Repair Manual, Body Interior, Group 68 - Interior Equipment.
^ Remove rear view mirror. See Repair Manual, Body Interior, Group 68 - Interior Equipment.
^ Remove roof edge trim. See Repair Manual, Body Interior, Group 70 - Interior Trim.
^ Remove lights for make-up mirrors. See Repair Manual, Electrical Equipment, Group 96 - Lights, Switches - Interior, Anti-theft.
^ Close top and inspect for proper top latch to top lock alignment, -arrow- .
^ Top latch pin should align with top lock hole, -arrow-.
^ Top locks can be adjusted if needed, -arrows-.
^ Loosen the left and right top locks (T-30 bolts) enough to allow lock movement, -arrows-. DO NOT remove bolts.
^ Latch and unlatch the top a few times to center top locks.
^ Latch top.
The right top lock is the reference point and must be tightened first.
After securing the top locks, recheck top alignment.
Tip:
Top locks may have to be adjusted again for final fit.
^ Tighten (4) T-30 top lock bolts. Torque = 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).
^ Recheck top closing/latching effort.
If top is not parallel to roof crossmember
Note:
DO NOT adjust the stop cables unless it is absolutely necessary.
Note:
When top is in closing transition, top latches MUST NOT hit top locks.
^ Verify top latching effort.
When completed, convertible top must be seated centrally on roof crossmember and evenly on the A-pillar.
Warranty
Please review both warranty tables prior to Claim submittal
^ Table 1: Convertible Top, Hard to Close
^ Table 2: Convertible Top, Hard to Latch
Table 1: Convertible Top, Hard to Close
Table 2: Convertible Top, Hard to Latch
Required Parts and Tools
No Special Parts required. No Special Tools required.
Additional Information
All part and service references provided in this Technical Bulletin are subject to change and/or removal.
Always check with your Parts Dept. and Repair Manuals for the latest information.