355 power top not working

parking brake is on
unlatch top...windows move down 3" by themselves...push back manually about 1 foot until I hear the beep...hit the button and it just beeps at me
happened last year too then just started working again...any ideas ?

 

Are the seats moving? If not, try moving them forward manually (with their individual switches). If that is the problem, you may need to replace one of the seat potentiometers. BTW, not a bad idea to check your fluid while you are at it (though that is not your problem).

 

I agree with the last post I had the same issue a couple of times and on both occasions the seats were not far enough forward one time I think the floor mat had stopped it

 

You may have to bleed the lines, there could be air in them.

 

it dont go to the step of the seats moving...i hit button it beeps...I can hit the individual seat buttons and they both work fine
was going to check the hydrolic fluid as I saw some people had mentioned..or is there no chance that is the problem

 

I would top it up regardless, it cannot hurt. And if you are severly low, you risk damaging the hydraulic rams.

If your seats are not moving, then you have to figure out why. If you move the seats forward with the individual switches, then will the top open?

 

put windows down... put both seats all the way forward...unlatched top...pushed back 1 foot...got beep...hit button...just beeps...since I wanna check the hydrolic fluid...I'm assuming that its under the cover right behind my right elbow...saw in manual thats where the pump is...is the resevoir there too?...shame im not rich would just trade the thing in on a 430... 7 years this has been good to me until now...and Im due for a major service...dealer wants $6500

 

It could be as as simple as putting in some fluid. If its too low, or empty, the pump is doing nothing and the top won't move.
The reservoir is indeed under the cover by your right elbow. Put both seats all the way forward and remove that cover. You'll see the "min" and "max" lines on the drivers side.

 

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=136278178&postcount=25

Chaa used regular hydraulic jack oil. I used Pentosin CH11S hydraulic fluid which is typically used by many German car makers and Bentley. I don't know if it makes that much difference really. You could probably use that jack oil, or get whatever the nearest car dealership uses for their convertible cars

Most of the Ferrari dealers recommend using Mercedes branded stuff, which I believe is relabled Pentosin CH11S . http://pentosin.de/flexxtrader/data/usf/Pentosin%20CHF%2011S_GB.pdf

 

Flip the top bar over/ around. it sounds like it is getting hung up. VERY common.
This is the top crossbar that is exactly over your head when the roof gets stuck halfway. Just reach up and twist it.

Jay

 

Check the p-brake switch, check the micro switches to be sure they are working, make sure door switches are working, make sure boot and engine lids are shut securely...etc...

 

Make sure the seats are really moved all the way forward. I thought my driver seat was going all the way forward when it was stopping two or three inches short of all the way. Turned out a Quarter was wedged in the track. You can tell if they go all the way forward if the rear mounting bolt is visible and accessible.

 

Did you try to access the micro switches inside the center console behind the seats? The manual shows how to operate the top in an emergency situation. One method if seats don't move. Another if they do and the top still does not go up. You find the switches behind a round pull out cover on the driver's side of the console behind the seat. I just did this for my neighbor's 98 spyder. hth

 

finally got some time to look at this again.... yep I'm low on fluid...couldnt figure out how to top it off... going up to the garage to look at the pump again and try to figure it out... little help would be greatly appreciated

 

Check post #9....

 

There's a golden box on the front of the unit with 2 allen bolts. Remove the allen bolts, and swing the box towards the passenger side. You'll then see a 13mm bolt head.
Remove it, and pour fluid in through there. Put a paper towel or rag under the unit to catch any drops.