Soft top error message...won't operate
 

2013 JCW roadster. She sat through months of cold and rain and when temps were up this week I tried to put the top down and got no effort from the motor and an error message with something like "soft top not operational." It really seems like it just needs a re-set, Anyone have anything like this happen?

We've never seen that error message but I'm gonna guess you have the wiz bang nav/sound system with the big display? We don't <dunno where such a msg would display on our's> ... but our top has never malfunctioned either .... and I checked the owner's manual and don't see a mention of this in a quick look (we have a 15s <not jcw>)

1. Let's start easy ... you DID open the latch and 'pop' the top?? You didn't forget the opening procedure did you? (not trying to be cute, in my IT days you'd be amazed how many times the problem was eventually traced to the machine having become unplugged!)

2. "She sat..." are you sure the battery is fully charged? Did you try to open the top with the car running or off? If the car was not running, try that

3. I'd be tempted to try the 'computer reset' procedure of disconnecting the battery for an hour or so .....

please come back once this is resolved .... I'd like to know for the future

Thanks, I was dreading the battery reset thingy but sounds like my best option. I did do all the normal "release the latch and pop it up" stuff. I tried with the engine running and not. Battery is good, she fires right up. I also dug through the owners manual but got no wisdom. I'll get out there tomorrow and try the reset and check back in.

Good luck. I'd be interested in your results as well.

+1, bet a low charge battery and put the top down before running the car.

Battery is charged. Trying to lower the top with the car running. Tried "resetting" the windows. Tried disconnecting the battery. Nothing in the area the top folds into. Still says "Soft top cannot be actuated"

Sounds like their are few options left other than a dealer?

The top is so unique in these that I doubt a standard 'top shop' could be much help on the lowering mechanism ....

Yep the schwaben scan tool will give you a code for it, but then its troubleshooting, it might come down to a hall sensor or something.

Hall Sensor Issues and fix kit: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...operating.html

Here is the TIS for the R59 if that helps.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r59-cooper-s-roa/

This is the fault section for the top: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...roof-soft-top/

ECS ... did you LOOK at what those links bring up b4 you posted them

Cuz I looked at 'em previously and saw they were totally useless ....... I dug around 'newtis' for over an hour in hopes of SOMETHING useful .....

MAYBE you have seen something beyond what your links yield but that's not what I find .....

EXAMPLE:AM5402_00100 - Soft top malfunction





Brief description of the test module for non-electrical diagnosis:

Convertible top, malfunction



Applies to:

R59



Content (excerpt):

• Stiff convertible top
• Stiff stowage lock

Vehicle communication: No



ISTA path:

Activities / Information search / Function structure / 05 Non-electrical diagnosis - NED / 03 Body / 02 Malfunction / Convertible top malfunction



Important information:

The fault patterns in the test module depend to some extent on the production period, optional equipment, motorisation and other features. It is therefore possible that not all content or different content to that described above may be displayed for different vehicles.

and will a car throw codes for things not related to the engine? or for the emissions for that matter

do you get a code for a light out? I don't think so ......

I doubt a top (or sunroof) malfunction would throw a code

but I'm ready to be corrected as I do not own a code scanner.

BUT in addition to sleeping in a Holiday Inn last night I checked a couple of web sites OBD2 code lists and see NOTHING other than engine performance stuff . . . .

(don't OBD2 codes result in 'check engine' light for most cars ...... not a 'top' issue)

Yep i saw those, those are the ones I was pointing out since he did not see the links and it might be able to match a code. Otherwise it to the dealership for diagnosis. Just trying to give all the info I could find and know. :)

in other words

worthless?

2015 Roadster top only 1/2" open
 

If anyone knows what is causing or preventing my soft top from moving I would love to know. When I do the unlock, a gap of abourt 1/2" . No matter how hard I pull or the pressure exerted I simply can't get it to open the 5" inches or more that the manual states will result from the manual opening. The automatic toggle fails to do anything. There is no hydraulic sound when you engage it. There are 2 small purple lights around the lights/toggles over the rear view mirror with a lit up warning that the passenger airbag is off.
I troubleshot this online and have attempted it with the power on and off, with the windows closed and open and nothing makes an iota of difference. Today I took it on a ride to make sure the battery had not worn down which can cause it to not open. Nada, not one bit of difference.
I don't know if I would know the fuse box if it would jump out and bit me, let enough how you to test for a defect and/or how to change one. But if you think that may the cause and can describe how to fix it I will give it a go. Just include a video and photos! Thanks so much for your help.

Just to make sure we understand you have an automatic top that won't open right?
And after you release the top lock (turning the manual handle) you are pushing it up with your hand a few inches before using the toggle switch right? It won't open if you don't.

I unlock it and there is about a finger width opening. When unlocked no matter how hard I pull on the handle it simply won't budge. I know you are supposed to be back a few inches before engaging automatic, but I can't get it back period. Any help appreciated.

you don't pull back ...

you push UP .... it will lift about 3 inches and stop ... from here the power works ....
{when I push up it sort of 'pops' to the correct position.}

from the owner's manual: If you need one, message me .....

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...cd1eabed88.png
When you close with power the top will stop at this same point, then you pull down with the handle and turn to latch

[hopefully you haven't hurt anything trying to PULL :no:]

Honestly if you were within range I would buy you dinner AND a drink! It worked and I feel a bit like an idiot. I will make excuses for myself in that I had never seen it operate in person and everything I looked at appeared to be pulling it back most likely because I thought that was the direction you were supposed to go. I am truly good at following instructions but if you have the instruction entered into memory incorrectly apparently it becomes more difficult to correct. And then sometimes you may be an idiot as well. (Hey I can admit to making a mistake and hopefully learn from it.) This forum has been a godsend. I have learned so much.
My top is down, the sun is out and I am going for a ride!

glad to be of service ... and remember:

When you are sure everything is right

and the program does not work

something you are sure of

is wrong

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

old computer programmer proverb

p.s. ya got an owner's manual????