Top Pull Down/Tonneau Release Toggle Switch Problem

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:23 pm

After not driving or having my battery attached to my '87 in about 7 weeks, I reattached the battery cables and tried putting the top down yesterday and the switch did not work...no sound at all. Never had the problem before. Any thoughts on how to rectify? Is the motor/switch behind the carpet covered panel housing the switch? Obviously ASC never planned for this problem like they did with the remote cord for the gas door and cord for the trunk...OR DID THEY?

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:22 pm

I do NOT think it has anything to do with the battery being disconected. I've had mine disconected all winter past, and conected it recently (May) and the switch works. Sounds to me like a wire slipped off or for some other reason it's not getting power. Inorder to work, the car has to be running, and the emergency barke has to be pulled up (engaged).
Try it that way.

MercRS · Post by **MercRS** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 5:36 am

i think door has to be open as well.

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 3:09 pm

Thx Sandy and MercRS for your thoughts, but it still doesn't work. I've never had to engage the parking hand brake before, but did try it and no luck. So, if a wire has come loose or the switch itself has a problem, do I assume that I remove the carpeted panel that the switch is mounted on to get to the switch? If I don't see a loose wire, do you think I should remove the switch and take it to someone who can check to see if the switch just stopped working? If I need a new switch, is this switch a standard "toggle switch" or do I need a McLaren switch (from Hank??). Is there any other way to get the back/bottom of the top open (prying it up?) and then a way to open the tonneau without a working switch? I hate to ruin the hold-down screw mechanism by prying it open.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:54 pm

I can't help, sorry ~ BUT do not pry anything off of anything. Others on here have better fix-it skills than I do. Someone will be along....

toddf · Post by **toddf** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:37 pm

Not sure if yours is wired like my 86, but I had same problem. Ends up the power is ran off the same circuit as the heated seat. The heated seat circuit opened up and I lost power. I simply removed the heated seat from the circuit and ran the power directly off the fuse panel. I installed a fuse in series with the motor.

I would check to see if you have 12 volts anywhere (make sure you use a good ground) on the switch, if not, then your problem is probably very much like mine.

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:15 pm

PROBLEM SOLVED! Thanks to a suggestion from Sandy, I pulled the switch out and sure enough, one of the wires had broken off! When I touched wire to broken piece, it worked. Thanks Sandy for your great suggestion...I guess 22 year old wiring gets a little brittle. And to Todd, I'm surprised to read that your '86 has heated seats...didn't know that was an option, but then, maybe it wasn't by the time the '87 redesign happened. It's great to be a member of this esteemed group!!

Kentennis · Post by **Kentennis** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:28 pm

The Recaro seats with the stereo headrests and 3 bag lumbar support are heated. kind of a waste here in Florida but mine has them.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:14 am

GLAD THAT I COULD HELP !!!

ascMcLaren Enthusiasts

Top Pull Down/Tonneau Release Toggle Switch Problem

Top Pull Down/Tonneau Release Toggle Switch Problem

Heated seats