Yesterday the convertible top on my 1998 Porsche Boxster 986 would not open when I pressed the button suddenly. I did a lot of research online from various places and found that there are several areas that might fail and learned how to troubleshoot them. I tried to assemble a step-by-step troubleshooting guide in this video to help solve most of the common issues with the top failing to close or open. It is long, but it’s very comprehensive.
Be sure to comment below if this helps you find the issue or if you had a different issue that others should be aware of.
Troubleshooting PDF:
I added the images to my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HelpMeDIY
Brake Light Switch Part Number 996-613-112-02
Micro Switch under Latch Handle:
https://amzn.to/3eWws0R
Or from ECS Tuning: https://bit.ly/30c0xHO
Switch under hand brake:
https://bit.ly/2YDVUpM
Convertible Top Relay (986.618.111.02):
https://amzn.to/3jDLCeJ
Southwire Multimeter:
https://amzn.to/3eWhOXm
101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster book:
https://amzn.to/2uZOeyO
986 Service Manual:
https://amzn.to/2JPdgVr
Here is the QuickJack lift that I use:
https://amzn.to/2RY2JuN
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Disclaimers
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This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field.
Help Me DIY assumes no liability for anything you choose to do to your car, before, or after watching one of my videos or utilizing the content from this web site.
All DIY repairs or modifications you perform to your car are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you’ve done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.
Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.
Lastly, please don’t do anything to your car unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.
This is an absolutely fantastic video. Thanks for showing all the details about how to test connections with a multimeter (so many people skip over things like this), I have learned so much here. Brilliant!
Thanks about to do same
You, my friend are a freaking genius! I got to the "take out the relay and smack it around" part and though, that doesn't sound very "German", but what the heck. And LOWE AND BEHOLD! it fixed it and the roof now moves. Thanks a lot man.
Thnx you, i fixed my roof by this video !!
I have a boxster but it's a automatic .I love it .it needs body work and computer but I was able to get the car free and now I only have to find a leak when it rains thank you for your video I'm saving so much money.
Great video saved my life! your videos are so natural good for people loves diy. don't care if you scratch something because that's what diy all a out not like others.
keep it up!
try back probing next time save you taking the switch assembly apart
um no those solder joints needed reflowing get some new solder in there with a clean iron
Get a better multimeter for testing on a car you’re wasting you time with cheap ones
Great video and helped me fix my top.
If I may address another problem I have. I close my passenger window. Once it closes it backs off about 5 inches. It won’t stay up unless I keep tapping the close switch till it just about hits the top.
Wow, I had exactly the same experience with my switch. I just happily took the $239 relay out of my Amazon shopping cart. Thank you so much.
Worked for my dads boxster, great video, absolute legend!