A3 Cabriolet Roof

[Sepecat]

Went to open the roof to clean the screen!
Upon selection, it unlatched and then stopped about 10mm open. The roof warning light was flashing with a warning in the DIS, the roof would not close when selected. Was unable to open the boot using the fob.
I manually closed the roof using the emergency key - the amber roof light warning was again flashing, but I was able to open the boot.
Thought I'd give it another try - exactly the same fault and indications.
All windows work and central locking is good.
Can anybody give me an idea as to what might be occurring.
Thanks in advance.

[Crasher]

What you describe suggests the pump has failed but you should start with a fault code read as it could simply be a faulty F294/F295 open/closed switch.

[Sepecat]

Thanks for your quick response, unfortunately, I've lent my VCDS cable to my brother as that would have been the first port of call. I can live with the problem at the moment but hope to sort it soon. It's a bit too cold to be messing about outside!
Meantime, I'll do some more research.

[Crasher]

If it is the pump they don't tend to leave a code, the roof just jumps out of the header rail and does nothing else, keep us posted.

[Sepecat]

I’ve managed to diagnose the problem. I ruled out the pump by connecting it to a 12V source and checking it that way – it doesn’t matter what position any of the switches are in or whether the control unit is functional or not – the pump either works or it doesn’t.

After unlocking the roof manually, I opened the roof (openwindows first!) using the pump as described above to gain access to the header rail cover screws and removed the cover. (The videos on YouTube are not that clear, so with the cover removed a lot more can be seen.)

I closed the roof and manually locked it and noticed that the L/H micro switch was not operating when the roof was unlocked – the switch operating lever was sticking on the pivot preventing the lever moving.

Operating the switch by hand, I’ve managed to get the roof to operate correctly – so am happy that the diagnosis is good.

Oil or WD40 has not cured the problem, but I now know whatneeds to be done.