Top Won't Go Down

[Dan45242]

Can anyone help us? A 1991 convertible.

We followed the instructions exactly.

Trans is in PARK -- Ignition on RUN

Windows both down -- Trunk is closed.

Press the RELEASE button -- nothing happens and the rear bow will not release.

We did notice a 3 contact piece hanging down from the truck latch, apparently broken (see attached picture). Could this be a part of the safety interlock on the truck lid? The manual says release will not work unless trunk lid is closed.

I can find no fuse labeled convertible, and the tonneau latch solenoids operate.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Chazzman]

The procedure I used to put the top down was:

from the inside, partially roll down both windows and loosen the velcro on the rear of the window pillar buffers. Still inside, I unfastened both the windshield clamps, being careful not to break the sunvisor end holders.

Getting out of the car, I reached behind the driver's seat and, using the lever inside the storage compartment, unfastened the bow from the tonneau cover. Lifting the rear of the top, I popped the tonneau cover using the release button and opened the cavity into the trunk, being careful not to scrape the top with the tonneau cover.

I then walked around to the passenger side and eased the top back, folding the pillar material neatly between the top's framework, and pushed the passenger side of the top down into the trunk cavity.

I then walked to the driver's side and folded the pillar material and pushed the top into the trunk's cavity. When I did this right, I could then slam the tonneau cover down, and get back into the driver's seat, readusting the windows and sunvisors. Quick and efficient procedure

What I didn't hear you doing was using the lever in the storage compartment that unfasten's the bow prior to using the release button that opens the tonneau cover.

The lever is cable operated, whereas the button is electrical. Check the functions thereof. Good luck with the fix, because spring is here and I miss my Reatta..

[Barney Eaton]

It is probably just an oversight in your procedure, but you must release the back of the top and raise it before trying to open the boot cover.

The three connector thing does look like a potential problem but...your picture shows three contacts and the release only has two. There is also a toneau release relay located on the right side of the car (under the tonneau or boot cover)

If you want more details, go to www.reatta.net and look at the 1990 service manual.... section 8A-121

A quick comparison between the '90 and '91 manuals seem to be the same.

It is interesting to note that the 1990 manual shows the schematic for the power top pull-downs (which were never used in 1990) with a note "may not be present in late convertible production"

[Dan45242]

Thanks Chazzman and Barney,

This car has the electric pull-down motors at the rear bow instead of the cable operated latches. It has a rocker switch to lock/release the rear bow.

There is even a separate booklet labeled "1991 Reatta Convertible Top Supplement" which came with the car.

Thanks for referring me to the online manual, Barney. I took a quick look and the trunk light switch is indeed part of the interlock. So once I procure a new trunk latch from Jim Finn (who has been an invaluable resource) we can proceed with the diagnosis.

Thanks again, and if anyone has any hands-on experience with the electric pull-down motor system, and and all help will be greatly appreciated.