One step forward and two steps back. I jumped the gun before Pizzaguy got back and put an order for a PTCM on Ebay. I installed the used PTCM and cleared the codes. I ended up with the same behavior on the DRBIII emulator (trunk lid not closed) whether Pin 16 was grounded or not grounded per Pizzaguy procedure. So it appears the PTCM is not the problem. One curious thing happened though. During the exchange process, the replacement PTCM registered a DCM on Body Control Module about incompatibility. I cleared the code and it seemed to be good. Then as I was trying it again it reappeared (Maybe adding and removing the plugs with the power off)...So I am not sure about the process for syncing up a replacement without a code reader/clearer. Anyway with no active or stored codes the behavior of the replacement was no different than the original.

I found something else. I had been focusing on the sensor wiring and loom based on the trunk sensor failure warning from the DRBIII, but as I was trying the sync process (again) and various resets, I noticed I was now not getting any window movement and was getting beeping with lights flashing. This is a recent behavior, indicating something else is wrong. I verified that the ebrake was "on" and I toggled the windows on the DRBIII sensor screen with success. The two trunk latch motors worked as intended (I heard them) Then I tried the 4 solenoids on the same screen and I did not hear them activate (they are supposed to be quiet). What I did not hear was the hydraulic pump. It has worked before because I felt the resistance in trying to move the roof in manual mode and had to pull Fuse No 5 to let off the pressure. (One of the steps back)

So I looked deeper in the trunk at the "pump power wire" connecting to the PTCM. I saw plastic electrical tape on the wire. To me that was a sign that somebody had been in there after the factory. I recalled that the previous owner said there was a broken wire that was repaired. I thought maybe I had found the source of the problem. I unwrapped the electrical tape and did a late-night look to see if there was a visible fix in the wires. Did not seem obvious. There was a large diameter shrink wrap boot covering up the wires going to the solenoids and motors.. That was followed by electrical tape (which I had removed) from the boot up to the PTCM "power" connector. I was assuming that the black electical tape was not factory, but I am not sure.
I may have multiple problems now and the trunk latch DRBIII signal may have led me astray.
I have two weeks left in Florida before I go north to my other (working convertible top) Crossfire in Michigan.
tightworkautorepair@gmail.com was really busy and could not get to it for a month or so, so maybe I will have to wait for Fall.


This is the original PTCM. The "power" connector wires had electrical tape (shown to the right) wrapped around the wires, but there appears to be no crimping or soldering repair.
ctor