C70 Cabrio: roof only works on battery power

[ITSv40]

A chappie on one of the facebook C70 pages has had a weird issue. He puts the ignition key at position 1 and the windows drop slightly as if the roof was going to open - he doesn't touch anything other than turn the ignition switch to 1. Switches off and turns key to position 1 again and windows drop a further amount, similar to the roof opening.

The instant cure was to swap the roof module. May be worth the OP doing similar to see if that works. Good roof modules are about £30 and do not need programming to the car - they are a straight swap.

[NickP]

I thought the roof should only move with the engine running. That's what mine does.

VIDA says

Conditions
The convertible top may only be
operated when:
◾ the car is on a level surface
◾ the engine is running
◾ the handbrake is applied
◾ the gear shift selector is in position P (automatic transmissions) or N (manual transmissions)
◾ vehicle speed is less than 4 km/h
◾ the boot lid is closed.

[Simmy]

check if some one has fitted a smart top after market module this allows remote roof operation via key fob and also able to lower the roof while being driven these modules can cause all kinds of problems if not fitted well .

[NickP]

I checked mine and actually, yes as others have said the roof does move fine with the ignition on position 2 but the engine not running. Which stands to reason I guess.

[C70mmy]

The roof is now working again with no issues.

We’ve had the car since new (well, parents-in-law to us and with me for 7 years) and it’s never had anything retro-fitted to the roof, module-wise. It now works exactly as it has always done and should...phew.

The only thing I can think of and is *maybe* related is, I changed the boot shock absorbers recently and sometime later I noticed the boot lid was not sitting quite as flush as before (no ‘open boot’ warning light) so I opened the boot and gave it a good slam (technical, I know) and since then it’s been fine. Still doesn’t make any sense though!

I really appreciate everyone’s thoughts.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by C70mmy

The roof is now working again with no issues.

We’ve had the car since new (well, parents-in-law to us and with me for 7 years) and it’s never had anything retro-fitted to the roof, module-wise. It now works exactly as it has always done and should...phew.

The only thing I can think of and is *maybe* related is, I changed the boot shock absorbers recently and sometime later I noticed the boot lid was not sitting quite as flush as before (no ‘open boot’ warning light) so I opened the boot and gave it a good slam (technical, I know) and since then it’s been fine. Still doesn’t make any sense though!

I really appreciate everyone’s thoughts.

Good that it is fixed and also to have an update.

The closed boot is critical to the roof operating, but still no logic between working on battery power only. Some things there just isn't a logical answer to.

[Rocky Outlook]

Hi folks, Can't believe I've just come across this post as my 01 has just today started with the same problem. Had it for 15 years and never had a roof fault before. Glad poster has problem sorted for now but don't count your chickens.

[tony209]

Originally Posted by NickP

I thought the roof should only move with the engine running. That's what mine does.

VIDA says

Conditions
The convertible top may only be
operated when:
◾ the handbrake is applied
◾ the gear shift selector is in position P (automatic transmissions) or N (manual transmissions)
◾ vehicle speed is less than 4 km/h.

I find this amusing, how do you achieve 4km/h with the gearbox in P/N and the handbrake applied!

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by tony209

I find this amusing, how do you achieve 4km/h with the gearbox in P/N and the handbrake applied!

with amazing dexterity....