430 Spider flaps stuck

Sounds like the capote flap arm has snapped off, which connects to the softtop mechanism.

If both capote flaps has that issue, it could be one/both of the clips holding the cable into the central motor unit coming loose, and then screwing up the flap movement synchronisation.

Look inside the gap, and I think you should be able to see the flap in there.

 

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/images/diagrams/full/430sp_117.jpg

Raise the softtop, until you can look right behind it. I think part number 15 in the diagram has popped out, and screwed up the capote mechanism.

Have a look and see if that's the case.

 

It's a somewhat common issue, where the alignment of the last mechanism in top closure is off. It was a 15 minute fix at the dealer.

 

Keep us updated. Curious what the cause is.

good luck.

 

My guess would be the roof hasn't hit the limit telling the flaps to go up or the electric motor that move the flaps up is having an issue. either burnt out, or could be a disconnected wire, or fuse. If the roof doesn't hit the limit, it will not finish its cycle and will not put the windows up also at the end, which would be after your flaps come up and hit there limit to tell the ecu to put the windows up. The light on the dash will show the roof open. Check the manual there is a step by step showing limit switch sequence.

 

There is an ECU just for the top. It records all sorts of things - like # of cycles etc, but you can only get the info with an SD2/SD3.

 

If I'm not mistaking the micro switch you are looking for it right in the picture you posted.
it is right below the shiny peg on the left. The micro switch under the peg on the right is for when the top is up.

Your right the top is vary complex. I own a 360 spider and my main frame just cracked right there where you picture shows. Next week I will be going in and taking the whole thing apart to see if I can replace the casting or scan it and have a complete new piece created.

 

Funny but I don't seem to have that problem with mine.
Alan

 

Sorry to thread swap, but this particular thread is a great reason to keep the 360/430 forum together, the spiders share the same top mechanism and the 360's have been around much longer exhibiting some historical reference for a question like this.

Sorry I have nothing constructive to add to the problem other than suggesting a good independent to look at it, it surely will be less costly. Just make sure they have an SD tool or the Leonardo.

 

This same thing happens in my 360 from time to time. Mine has always managed to correct itself next time I start the car. The last time it did it I turned the battery switch off and back on and that seemed to also correct the problem. It has been good ever since.

 

Mine did this once. I had someone else operate the top while I looked at it closely from the outside. When the flap failed to start moving when it was suppose to I gave it a little light pull with my hand and it closed. Hasn't done it since so who knows!

 

I lost my 430 for 6 weeks last summer to the same issue. Was trucking it from dealer to dealer to find a fix. Fixes would only last a week. You are on the right track. Turned out to be a stripped cable. Perfect since replacement.

 

Just one.

 

Steve, I don't pretend to understand the top, but the one cable affected everything on my mine, not just one flap. I cannot tell you why. I just know that the guy that finally fixed mine painstakingly went through and replaced or tested every possible part, actuator, etc., and then removed them if they didn't help, and it came down to the stripped cable.