Prevention and Other Stuff

Always have the engine running when moving the top up or down.
Why? First, heavy motors like the pump unit do not like low voltage and are not designed to run on low voltage. Second, fluid flow rates are somewhat important, a slow running pump means slower flow rates.

But the above are almost theoretical reasons. I have a PRACTICAL experience that make me sure my rule is a good idea. I've owned three Roadsters, never had any real issues with the top operation to speak of; always used my "engine running" rule like a religion. BUT, with my current SE, one evening, I went out to put the top up. But I was lazy, didn't want to get in and push the clutch, etc. So I just turned the key on (with a five year old generic battery) and hit the button. The tonneau lid raised about four inches, the pump stopped and I got a fast bee-beep and flashing light. I cycled the ignition switch, nothing worked. Had to put top up manually (after pulling fuse 25).

The next morning, I started the engine, but the top would not move. I did the "up and down manually" thing twice and it was happy. BUT, I have a seatbelt light now. My seatbelt module had been damaged by the spike coming off the motor (I suppose). I blame a swinging low voltage off the old battery, since the alternator was not there to keep things above 13 volts or so.

It is up to you what YOU do, but I believe in running the engine when moving the top.


Use The Top System Often
Some people avoid moving the top because they want to "save" the hydraulic system. I think lack of use is worse than use. My Graphite was my daily for five years. I drove it year around in the south. I HAD to have put the top up and down at least 550 times (and probably twice that) in those years. Again, that was was never an issue for me.