Originally Posted by
pizzaguy
The OBD readers read the codes stored by the ECU as part of the emissions control system. That is what the "Check Engine" light is about, as long as that light is out, the ECU has what it needs to comply with emissions standards - if that light is on, the system cannot guarantee compliance. This is why you can't pass an "emissions test" with that light on.
Your convertible top is not part of the emissions system. There are no emission codes to read.
Now...
If you want to read the position data from the various switches and sensors that tell the PTCM (Power Top COntrol Module) what is happening, the only instrument I know of that does that is the STAR diagnostic system (or one of the Chinese knock-offs) Prices range from a high of around $1500 for a 'new' system from China down to $250 or so for one that someone is selling because they have sold their last Crossfire.
I find those to be nice tools to have, but I have fixed countless convertible top issues without one. The secret is to understand how the system works. That is the reason for my "Convertible Top Sensors" thread that so few read because reading the thread and learning how the system works requires too much effort and is not an "instant fix" that most are looking for.
If my tone sounds negative, it's because I put a hell of a lot of effort into that thread and most won't read it - they want things done for them.
I feel your pain. I have read every word of your posts and have downloaded the manual and wiring diagrams and printed out dozens of pages to work with.
From that information I was able to find a broken divider switch, find that the latch switch in the windshield header was bad, and understand the system completely enough to figure out that the little motor inside the electric trunk latch was bad. That last item is what has given me a top that now closes on its own, just not open.
I was hoping for a tool, not to cut corners, but to help me stop flying blind in this endeavor.