Originally Posted by
NH_Crossfire
Thanks!
1) If you unlatch the top from the windshield frame, do the driver and passenger windows automatically go down?
No. Nothing happens.
When you unhook the top from the windshield frame, the removal of the latch hook from the frame allows the retainer switch to relax, applying a ground to Pin C1-16 of the Top Control Module. The TCM then sends data on the CAN bus to the Body Control Module which in turn puts the windows down. Most commonly, this fails due to a bad switch in the windshield frame.
2) Once the windows go down, is the little light on in the top switch?
Switch is lighted and blinking. Windows never move.
Lighted means a cycle has started. Blinking means there is an error preventing the cycle from starting.
3) If so, and you press the switch, do you hear a beep?
No
A lighted switch that results in a beep means the cycle can't start due to one or more sensors not indication proper state. NO BEEP but blinking means there is, again, an error preventing the cycle from starting.
4) If it does NOT beep - do you hear the faint sound of the electric trunk lock activating?
I don't think so. Can listen closely when I go out to the garage again.
With a blinking LED and no windows going down, I doubt the electric lock is activating. Skip this.
5) Do you then hear the hydraulic motor start running?
I hear a constant hum from the rear when the car is running.
Skip this one as well.
Given that the LED blinks a lot AND the TCM is not telling the BCM to lower the windows, my guesses are:
- The battery has been allowed to go dead a time or two, and the battery is weak/bad. (Please do not tell me that the car starts fine - that is not the point.)
- The TCM has lost it's mind and synchronization - this happens at times - keep reading.
- Someone has ignorantly 'jump started' the car without paying attention to what they were doing and destroyed the top module.
- The car has been stored outside OR was on the trailer in heavy rain with a top/back window not sealing properly - the wheel wells are full of water and the Top Module (and maybe even security module) are under water and destroyed.
- The car has been stored some time where rodents can get into it and the wiring of the car has been chewed.
Items 1 and 2 can happen more-or-less together. If the car will start and run (without a jump start or battery booster) then I'd try this:
- Start car and let it idle.
- Perform the manual top lowering and raising procedure - going thru the entire procedure all the way - this can re-sync the top's electronic controller with all the sensors. The engine must be running while this is happening so the TCM can watch the sensors change state.
Manual top operation:
Try what I have suggested. If it gets you no where - then take all the trim out of the trunk and gain access to the wheel wells. Inspect for water damage or rodent damage.