Bingo! As I was starting to remove trim I unlatched the parcel shelf and didn't think about that causing the top to fail. Thanks baznight! Tried the whole mechanism again and now the convertible closes and the sunroof closes without aide but with effort from the motor. I swear there is a mechanical friction point somewhere

 

Glad I could help.

 

The cable will seize up from moisture and non use. Its best to keep the system lubed and to periodically operate it even in the winter month to keep everything moving freely.

 

Bingo - Thanks baznight. I already posted but it doesn't seem to have gone through. You hit the nail on the head - as I was trying to track down the original problem I removed the parcel shelf and guess what... no cabrio. Now cabrio works and the sunroof closes with effort. I have cleaned and lubed all the tracks but I still think there is a mechanical friction point somewhere.

 

Now I see both posts - sorry. The top gets used daily - I drive topless to about 45 degrees as long as there is no rain. Top goes up at work and stays down in the garage at home so at least 1 up and down per day. I was thinking it was being overused.

 

If the drag point is right when you start to close the sunroof you might want to check and see if the metal bow hasn't come out is mounting point and is being hit by the top sliders. Its just a small metal bow that goes thru a channel in the fabris with a hook on easch end that install a hole on each side of the top frame. If it gets dislodged it can make contact with the sunroof assembly as it slides by.

 

any chance of a picture?

 

Sorry not till I get a new phone, I doubt this is the cause now that I think about it, usually when this come out of its location the sunroof portion of the top doesn't open fully. Its sops about an inch short and one of the switches doesn't close. Since your not having that issue I think you've got an issue with your cable assemblies dragging. Unfortunately outside of lubing them I don't think there is much you can do outside of replacing them.

 

Was just going to mention the parcel shelf , its so sensitive with the micro switch in the rear. If the parcel shelf is just not right. You will get the red flashing light right after you roll the sunroof position back. The function like to protect itself from damaging the top when you put it back and rest on the parcel.

I am glad the cleaning and greasing worked for you. Now you can motor with the top down and with the nice summer weather you cant miss it.

I posted this in another thread but if anyone has trouble putting there top down past the sunroof position always check the rear position of the parcel deck. If the parcel deck is stored on the lower position its the sensor that needs the foot to contact, if its on upper position ( for extra storage, on the top pegs under the rear headrest ) you will need to reset the parcel deck to the lower position and make sure its fitted right.

Here are some diagrams and pics.

Check the rear parcel deck in the trunk. It has to be in the lower position and foot of the parcel shelf rest on the micro switch in the trunk that is on the rear left panel. If it off a bit you cannot open the top past sunroof position.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51466980045/ES119734/



#1 in diagram




Parcel shelf located in the trunk. Part number 51467146370 Rear Window Parcel Shelf Deck




http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51467146370/ES119944/




*This is in top position which the parcel does not touch the sensor thus top only goes back to sunroof .



This is in bottom position: make sure you close the latch on the side down.




Thanks and I hope that helps.

 

Finally back at it - have been on vacation and just haven't had time. When I close the top I stand outside and let tha cabrio top close then have to give the sunroof a helper push for the first 6 inches, then the sunroof closes the rest of the way independently. How can I tell if the cables are stretched? Is there a length or tension I am looking for?

The problem point is when the cabrio motor is trying to close the sunroof the first 6 inches. Once the sunroof motor takes over no problem. Opening is no problem with either motor.

 

Sounds like the system needs lubed and cleaning of the rails. But I would check those cables. You could have a scretch or damage to the cables just at that one point where it get "hung up ".

You can try to see the cables by removing the motor right above the top brace behind the front seats.



#4 is the cover lid to the sunroof motor.

#7 is the motor, Convertible Top Motor, hat controls the sliding of the cables. Part number 67616961172

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/67616961172/




There are three screw that hold it in, unbolt it and slowly drop it down, don't turn the motor thread or anything you just want to look at the cables for damage or stretch. If you will see the cable show distance between the wire spool that looks longer compared to the rest. Then its damaged in that section. If not you need to clean the slider rails and check for grease. Then you can re-attache the motor. Also look at the motor gear for damage. I know some guys on here that had the cables seized and the motor then gets damaged.

Cable should look like this with a little wear and the green felt might be black due to dirt and use.



Sunroof Mechanism / Convertible Top Cable Set part number 54347174761


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54347174761/ES158840/

 

So I have finally had a little time to mess with the top. Tried taking the sunroof motor out but it wouldn't come out easily and I didn't want to force it. What I did find is the when the 2 "jaws" from the cabrio frame are clamping down, the drivers side lags behind a little. If I apply a downward force to the drivers side upper support as the "jaws" are latching then the top closes without additional help.

 

Can you post a video, youtube?

I want to see if the top itself is level when moving and the top is not twisted or kinked a little. Also the front jaws . They look like this Except these new one have the little nub because they updated the design on 4/2005+, people use the newest part and file down the nubs. #18 in the diagram all the way at the top.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54347174763/



Sounds like there are a couple issues here. Just want to eliminate whats not goings on.