355 spider convertible top issue

Go through usual requirements: engine on (preferably), nothing obstructing seats going forward, parking brake on, doors closed.
Then when you unlatch top and bring back to beep ensure it stays in position and doesn't lurch forward. Then give it a try- if nothing trying pushing or helping the retraction process with maybe 5 lbs pressure.

 

I recall there's there's a procedure for putting the top up manually in the Owners Handbook. I assume you can reverse the procedure.

There's also a tutorial on the forum on how to convert the top completely to manual.

Cheers

 

After the beep, you depress the console toggle switch or it's still depressed?
You've check & tried to move the cross-bars manually toward the back? (If the elastics don't work)

try the override switch on the pump/reservoir console. You pop out the button cover & it's there (also shown in the manual)

 

Check the hydraulic fluid and the straps.

If the straps haven't been replaced in awhile that could do it. Same with the fluid level.

 

Based on your reports, there could be issues with the micro switches. This plagues early Ferrari auto convertible operations as well as Porsche, Mercedes, etc. Best to take to a shop at this point since you can also harm other components with your attempts.

 

Try what clyde and Bob are suggesting. Look at the elastic straps right above your head on both sides. They pull that bar back after you unlatch the top and push it back and allow the top to fold. It will bind if the straps are weak. So push the bar back manually after unlatching. Check fluid level.

 

Dont push the top back from the front. Just the bow that the elastic strap is attached too. That bow has to be back for the top to fold. This could be your issue or it could be the seat pots.

Either way, you own a spider, time to learn how the top works!

 

Here's a thread with the info on the elastics

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/440553-how-do-you-install-355-spider-elastic-top-straps.html

 

This may help. This picture is from 97 spider's thread on replacing his top. Do you see the small bar that is just in front of the driver headrest? That is the bar that the elastic strap pulls back. There is a strap on each side on the outer edge of the top. HTH.

Edit: Added one more pic I found.
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Hiya sl55,

nah, this here about the override for the top...

"All of this is a bit above my grade."

..isn't THAT difficult at all: I sure got two left hands but managed it last week though.

My top started too but went into beep-beep-mode shortly after due to low level in the hydraulic pump. But these override buttons ("C" for closing and "O" for opening) do not only care s*** for failing potentiometers but also try hard and give everything to operate the top open or close if needs be.

Just fold both seats to front and you can see and access the override button hole behind the seats from the driver's side - it's just clipped in; plastic tool preferred to pull it out to avoid scratching the leather. Then try to operate the buttons until you have professional help to get at the root of the issue.

Hope that helps / good luck
Alpert
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If the top shows no signs of malfunction and there is no beeping, then the top is probably waiting for the seats to be in the proper position. This won't happen if the seat pots are reading improperly. Regardless of position the top "thinks" they are back and is just waiting. Find a tech with the software to read and reset or software allow for replacement of the seat pots and reset.

 

If you have the owners manual, the top operation for both normal and emergency, is listed step by step. Section "H" in my manual. If you dont have it, I can email you my PDF of the manual. Just PM me your email.

 

Did you engage the parking brake? It must be on.....I did not see that in your procedure....

Also, doors must be closed.....

Mark