Maually Lowering Cabriolet Top
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Maually Lowering Cabriolet Top
I have a 1996 Cabriolet automatic Transmission..The Top will no longer go down..I do not have the original drivers manual.
I read that the top could be manually lowered. I tried but with no luck.. I could not open the back compartment that the top is supposed go into.
If anyone has any information regarding this, it would be greatly appreciated
I read that the top could be manually lowered. I tried but with no luck.. I could not open the back compartment that the top is supposed go into.
If anyone has any information regarding this, it would be greatly appreciated
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 442
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From: Tucson, AZ
I just did this on my 96 the other day. I found these procedures posted in this forum.
1)engine off with windows down.
2)unlatch the front T handle and unlock.
3)push up and the rear should raise a little bit.
4)grab the top at the rear where it sits on the lid and raise.
5)there should be two small covers there on the back deck.
6)open them and look for the small lever inside.
7)release the lever on both sides (unlocking the boot cover) and then the boot cover should be able to be raised.
8) once the back cover is raised stow the top into the compartment then push the boot cover down until it latches.
Only thing I did different was to have the key on when I unlatched the front. It would not release until I had the key on. There are little flaps on the rear cover on each side attached to the side panels. In this area there is a small release lever. Once you get both sides to release the rear cover opens up.
1)engine off with windows down.
2)unlatch the front T handle and unlock.
3)push up and the rear should raise a little bit.
4)grab the top at the rear where it sits on the lid and raise.
5)there should be two small covers there on the back deck.
6)open them and look for the small lever inside.
7)release the lever on both sides (unlocking the boot cover) and then the boot cover should be able to be raised.
8) once the back cover is raised stow the top into the compartment then push the boot cover down until it latches.
Only thing I did different was to have the key on when I unlatched the front. It would not release until I had the key on. There are little flaps on the rear cover on each side attached to the side panels. In this area there is a small release lever. Once you get both sides to release the rear cover opens up.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 398
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From: maine/usa
This Morning I took some photos to try
and help you.
I got in the car,turned the ignition on ,released the t-handle and pushed up on the top.When I did this the windows automatically went down. If yours don't then lower them before.Turn the ignition off after you've released the T-handle.I got out of the car and pulled back on the front of the top and the back should start to raise.I grabbed the back of the top at the boot and pulled up to reveal the covers.
Once you pull the back of the top forward far enough(enough so the the boot cover can be lifted) you'll have to release the boot cover .
I've circled the boot cover release in this photo. It's below the cover.
There is a lever on each side which must be released.Once the cover is released,raise the boot cover then stow the top into it and press down the boot cover until it latches. Raising it the reverse of course.
I've done this by myself but it's easier if you have a person on each side.
Don't force anything but remember that you are moving hydraulic fluid around so it will go slow.
Hope that's not to confusing.........
good luck
.
I got in the car,turned the ignition on ,released the t-handle and pushed up on the top.When I did this the windows automatically went down. If yours don't then lower them before.Turn the ignition off after you've released the T-handle.I got out of the car and pulled back on the front of the top and the back should start to raise.I grabbed the back of the top at the boot and pulled up to reveal the covers.
Once you pull the back of the top forward far enough(enough so the the boot cover can be lifted) you'll have to release the boot cover .
I've circled the boot cover release in this photo. It's below the cover.
There is a lever on each side which must be released.Once the cover is released,raise the boot cover then stow the top into it and press down the boot cover until it latches. Raising it the reverse of course.
I've done this by myself but it's easier if you have a person on each side.
Don't force anything but remember that you are moving hydraulic fluid around so it will go slow.
Hope that's not to confusing.........
good luck
.
Last edited by maineman; Aug 13, 2011 at 04:36 AM.
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