2003 Z4 convertible top issue

[Rpsutt]

I had my very able mechanic relocate the top motor onto the back wall of the trunk. I hear the motor working but the top is not going down. He bled the air out of the system and still not working. The red pin in the truck is engaged so that's not it. Any thoughts?

[shogun]

moved to Z4 forum

[Clearancediver]

Check the micro switch on the rear bulkhead... if the silver “lever” isn’t oroperly engaged by the sh et of it won’t move...


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[JAS1169]

Since you wrote that you can hear the motor running, I'm assuming the top is releasing from the windshield and then stopping movement....but, you then can hear the motor going.

If so, it's most likely hydraulic. Your by-pass (red handle in trunk) might be jammed open. The red handle is simply the way to engage the by-pass. The actual by-pass is built into the motor/pump. The by-pass valve within the pump is jammed. This is a very common problem and they either jam open or closed. However, it also might be failed hinge lifters. Finally, one of your hydraulic line's may have failed.

A simple test to determine if your hydraulic system is pressurized is to push top down. Now, after the top stops near the windshield and without engaging the red handle by-pass, attempt to manually lower the top. If your system is pressurized it should be very, very firm and difficult to move. Another test is checking the hydraulic fluid in the milky white plastic cap on top of the pump. Since the motor/pump is now in the trunk this is possible. A flashlight held against the plastic top helps. If you can't see any fluid then you know it's a line or bad hinge lifter.

[JAS1169]

Note: I have zero idea how your mechanic mount the motor/pump to the wall in your trunk. However, it should be mounted milky plastic part at the top (highest)but, slight slanted towards the rear or front of the car. Mounting the motor sideways could result in problems like your writing about.