Convertible Top Stuck Closed

Liessi · Post by **Liessi** » 11 Jan 2021, 13:33

Hello guys!

I just recently purchased a 2004 C70. However, I'm having a major problem figuring out why the top won't go down. It is stuck in the closed position. The backglass was also broken which will need replacement soon. I'm hoping you guys can provide some help. The person I bought the car from had messed with it and I believe they broke the mechanical mechanism that will put the top-up when the automated system fails. When I try to lower the top (using the button), the windows go down about a 1/4 of the day and stop. If I persist, 1/4 of a time, all four windows will go down to the end and I hear an electric motor sound in the back and nothing moves. It's almost like the cables have snapped... I just purchased a system with Vida on it and have the dice interface to check things out. With very limited Vida knowledge, I ran a diagnostic test and got an error code (836: CCU-130 pic attached).

I'm hoping I can work with you guy to figure out how to resolve this issue. I'd love to get this car to work like it was designed to. Can you guys give me some guidance on what to do next? Again the mechanical system seems to be broken by the previous owner so this seems like a unique problem.

greg850r · Post by **greg850r** » 13 Jan 2021, 17:24

Looks like PO disconnected everything, or worse (and more likely), forced it and broke things. Either way you're going to need a donor car. Not just for parts but to examine to see how it all works. More time than I could spend. I would cut my losses and look for a way to make it work manually.

Post by **cuhfs** » 13 Jan 2021, 17:52

The convertible top has a different software system than is used via VIDA. Dealers plug into a different system which is used to calibrate and balance / system micro switches etc. I am know expert but having had a few of these and replaced a top I do know how sensitive the system is. The slightest misstep with the top system essentially throws it off and makes it not function. Probably worthwhile paying / getting an estimate of the problem from the dealer. I was once lucky and a dealer got my top working via a calibration process for less than $200 and I was thrilled. I do not believe a shadetree mechanic can calibrate these due to the unique software requirement.

As for manual operation opening and closing, the owners manual should have a description of a 2 small tools that came with these cars to close and open the top should it fail. Not very convenient but it does work.

Teaches04 · Post by **Teaches04** » 23 Jun 2025, 11:06

The manual operation only goes ¼ up. The side wings are not full vertical