Convertible top

2002 LEXUS SC 430
55,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
REDHOTRICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Sometimes after being used several times the hardtop will work but not open one hundred percent. It will go into its boot and close but the alarm that says it is totally closed will not stop beeping. After I drive it for a while and restart the car sometimes I can push the open switch again and it will complete the opening. Then that alarm will turn off. If I have not used the hardtop for a while there is no problem and the top will completely open. If you do not mind the dinging of the top alarm or you turn the radio loud enough not to hear it you will do fine.

Do you have any solutions? I have had a convertible top repair mechanic lubricate all the convertible top motors. His suggestion was to restart the car after driving it a while. Which does work all the time.

I appreciate whatever help you can give me. Thanks.
Nov 17, 2017 at 5:51 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
It sounds like one of the limit switches that tell the body module what the roof is doing is failing. The trick will be finding which one because it does not do it all the time. The image shows all of the sensors involved and any of them could cause the problem.
About the only way to find which one is the problem would be to plug in a scan tool while the alarm is active and see if it shows which sensor/switch is telling it that the top is not locked in properly. It may also show in the tops ECU as a stored code but I doubt it. A dealer level scan tool should be able to access the module to see if anything is stored.
Nov 17, 2017 at 7:15 AM
Avatar
REDHOTRICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so much for your help and speedy reply, I do appreciate it. My dealership told me to prepare to pay up to $3,000 for the repair. Now I feel proactive. Thank you!
Nov 17, 2017 at 12:19 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers, Ken
Nov 19, 2017 at 1:44 PM