355 soft top- checked the pump reservoir, pots and center bar | FerrariChat
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355 soft top- checked the pump reservoir, pots and center bar

Discussion in '348/355' started by AFASTA1, Jun 21, 2009.

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  1. AFASTA1

    AFASTA1 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2008
    37
    Montclair NJ
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #1 AFASTA1, Jun 21, 2009
    just got my '98 355 a few months ago and have been lovin' it. unfortunately, the infamous roof problem has claimed another victim. the top worked fine initially for about 10 cycles. now it won't go down with the center console switch but it will go up with it. i read all the threads i could find but i'm still doing something wrong. when i disengage the manual latch on the windshield top, the windows lower and then the beep sounds when i push the roof back. once i hear the beep, i push the center console switch and it will move the seats all the way forward. but then the roof doesn't move and the hydraulic pump doesn't make a sound. center bar doesn't look bent and helping it backwards doesn't seem to help. i can put the top down using the emergency bypass switch and then i can put the top back up with either the center console switch or the emergency bypass switch.

    pump fluid was near "max" line. took both seats out and the pots seem to be spinning fine and match up to KOhm readings (with seats all the way forward and all the way back) that i found posted in another thread. seems to me if it were the pots then the center console switch wouldn't be able to function in either direction?

    is this an ECU problem? or have i missed something?


    any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
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    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    #2 No Doubt, Jun 21, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2009
    There could be an obstruction that keeps one or both seats from moving forward fully, so even "working" pots would signal that the seats weren't ready. That's why your emergency switch works. Also, since the emergency switch works, you know that you don't have a low fluid or motor issue.

    The emergency switch is just overriding the pots. Could be bad pots...could be an obstruction around the seat tracks.
     
  3. AFASTA1

    AFASTA1 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2008
    37
    Montclair NJ
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #3 AFASTA1, Jun 22, 2009
    thanks - i hadn't thought of the obstruction before. i went and checked the seat rails as you suggested but found no obstruction (this car was CLEAN!- only 1760 mi).

    if the pots were bad, would i be able to raise the roof with the center console switch like i can now? my only problem (so far) is that i can't lower the roof w/ the center console switch.

    thanks
    jeff
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #4 f355spider, Jun 23, 2009
    How about the windows and e-brake?
     
  5. AFASTA1

    AFASTA1 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2008
    37
    Montclair NJ
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #5 AFASTA1, Jun 23, 2009
    not sure what to check with windows and e brake? the windows go down about an inch when i disengage the windshield latch and the parking brake stops the car and the dash light goes on. is ther something else i should be checking?
     
  6. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #6 f355spider, Jun 23, 2009
    There are sensors to detect that the windows are down, and the e-brake is set. If the brake light is on, that should be fine, but not sure about the sensors for the windows.
     
  7. Diablo

    Diablo Formula Junior

    Jan 6, 2004
    443
    In front of the comp
    #7 Diablo, Jun 25, 2009
    Why don't you bring it to a dealer. You might have to blled the sytem for an air pocket. Remove both main pistons and valving will have to be turned by following the service procedure. SD2 or 3 also to cycle the system.

    Sure beats possibly bending the damn top. they are about $35K for the top frame itself
     
  8. mike_747

    mike_747 Formula Junior

    Dec 15, 2008
    794
    Seattle
    #8 mike_747, Jun 25, 2009
    Don't you mean $3.5k for the top frame???
     
  9. AFASTA1

    AFASTA1 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2008
    37
    Montclair NJ
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #9 AFASTA1, Jul 7, 2009
    thanks for the help and suggestions but it seems it's time to bring it to the dealer...
    jeff
     

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