Audi A4 Cabriolet Soft Top/ Roof / Hood Motor Repair Guide

Does this cleaning of the motor apply to a 56 plate A4 ? I took my roof down a few months ago in very cold condtions, maybe only 2-3 degrees as I was shifting some gear. The roof never came back up and I had close it manually. Now when I try to open the roof it only dis engages a couple of inches then stops. No sound comming from the motor. Does this sound like a knackered motor, or will cleaning fix.

Either way, I want to avoid a £500 Audi bill.
 
Fellas, before I try this is the actual roof fused in any way? Must admit I haven't tried that.
 
shabba007 said:
Does this cleaning of the motor apply to a 56 plate A4 ? I took my roof down a few months ago in very cold condtions, maybe only 2-3 degrees as I was shifting some gear. The roof never came back up and I had close it manually. Now when I try to open the roof it only dis engages a couple of inches then stops. No sound comming from the motor. Does this sound like a knackered motor, or will cleaning fix.

Either way, I want to avoid a £500 Audi bill.
Click to expand...

Hello Shabba,

Yes the first thing to do is check a fuse. If this fails

The guide is for a 56 plate A4, the problems tends to occur more in the cold weather as the brushes get stuck in the carriers and arc on the commutator. From the description you have given me it sounds like the motor is not kicking in.

Follow the guide step by step, do not forget to pry open the carriers slightly. I would recommend to disconnect the battery or fuse based on feedback received.
 
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Hi Everyone

Just writing to say Krumz detailed description on how to repair a non working roof is spot on. Bought a 56 reg A4 Cab a couple a weeks ago online at auction but did not realize the roof was not working till I got home. Checked the net for help found this guide and now problem solved. Thanks very much to Krumz for his patience and understanding who guided me through all the steps (even though I forgot to mark the motor housing and had to open and redo the right way round). Once again thanks.
 
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Hi, is it obvious which fuse is for the roof ? Also noticed I get a few flashing roof warnings when I switch the ignition on.
 
OK, the fuse is OK, so then cleaned the motor, but still no joy. The following still happens...

1. turn on ignition, get flashing roof light.
2. press the 'roof down' button, windows go down, roof dis-engages then stops after one inch. Storage compartment doen not open. No 'motor' type noise.
3. Have to press roof button again to close it.

Mechanically the roof is sound as I can manually open and close it all day long.
 
shabba007 - Your description is exactly the same as the problem I had. Mine is 56 plate (feb 07) a4 3.2
Presumably you noticed plenty of fluid in the pump reservoir?
Did you manage to get the spindle (if that's the right word) really cleaned up? I found it tough until I wrapped some sandpaper round a screwdriver and applied a fair bit of pressure onto the surface and turned the motor by hand for a good 5 mins, it really cleaned up and I wear the roof goes up and down a bit quicker now!
 
Must admit I only spent a couple of mins cleaning it with a bit of sandpaper, I didn't think it looked too bad. It was a little grey to begin with. Yes fluid looks ok. Did your storage box lift when things weren't working ? I don't have a multimetre so havent checked for power.
 
well cleaned it again. This time noticed a little gap between one of the contacts as shown on the pic by the arrow. It felt like it was a little stuck and wasn't pushing up against the copper so, I helped it a little. Also notice a little play in the spindle ie, I can move it a couple of mil from side to side. That might be normal, I don't know.

Anyway still no reaction from the motor.
IMAG0269.jpg
 
managed to borrow a multimetre. Anyone know where (what) I should be checking for power to the motor ?
 
Hi there,

I wondered if anyone could help me with my Roof issue please ?
i have a 07 plate a4 sline, basically like most of the post one here i opened it one day and it wouldnt close. The boot lid popped open but wouldnt push its self back up.
I found the manual key, opened and shut it a few times but still not working.
I then closed it with the key, then tried to open it with the button.
The roof unclips windows go down but only opens about a inch.
So today i took it to audi, they told me that i have a electrical fault with the pump not pushing the fluid up to make the roof open...
You will have to forgive my naivety, if thats a incorrect explaination... i am a girl and have no idea of how a car works full stop !!
Audi then told me that i need a new pump which would be £1400, i nearly passed out !!
Any ideas if this could be fixed, eg buy getting a auto electrican to do the previous diagram displayed on the first pages as i dont think i will be able to undertake this myself in a million years.
Or do i just have to face the fact that i will be using that massive key for the forseable future.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
sounds like you have the exact same problem as I have. Thats the biggest quote I've heard so far. Someone will probably correct me, but I think the motor that drives the pump is around £200. Alternatively, if you (or friend) can get you motor out following the guide on the previous page, you can send it to this guy who can fix the motor.
I'm just in the process of sending mine.

Audi A4 Cabriolet Roof Motor Repair (Power-Packer) | eBay
 
just an update. This chap on Ebay who fixes the motor is awesome. Motor was posted on a Wednesday and I got it back by Friday. Roof now works again.
Job done £75
 
Hi everyone and many thanks to Krumz for the great info. My hood had the same symptoms ie hood cover would unlatch and then nothing. I have looked at the pump and found one of the brushes jammed - this was fixed. In the meantine we had some sunshine and the hood was operated manually. Now the "hood not latched" alarm is on whenever the hood is up - it clears if the hood is manually lowered and stowed properly. I suspect the controller is out of synch and I have tried manualy operating the hood three times with the ignition on - it did not clear the alarm and nothing happens when the hood switch is operated - both up and down.

Anybody got any ideas as to how to clear the alarm (it goes off every time 20 mph is reached) as I suspect I am getting nowhere until then. Grateful for any suggestions
 
Krumz, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I purchased my 2006 cabriolet 2 days ago with a known 'roof won't come down' problem and i am pleased to say that following your advice i have managed to fix it. Like others have posted i also had a brush stuck in its holder. A simple use of a flat bladed screwdriver to open up the gap on the brass sleeve and the brush now moves freely and makes contact with the motor. The most difficult part of the whole job was removal of the boot side panel, but with care it came away from its clip without damage.
If you are ever passing the Cotswolds then i owe you a pint or two as thanks.
Nigel
 
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shabba007 said:
well cleaned it again. This time noticed a little gap between one of the contacts as shown on the pic by the arrow. It felt like it was a little stuck and wasn't pushing up against the copper so, I helped it a little. Also notice a little play in the spindle ie, I can move it a couple of mil from side to side. That might be normal, I don't know.

Anyway still no reaction from the motor.
IMAG0269.jpg
Click to expand...

Shabba, sorry for not getting back to you, the problem you had was the brushes were getting stuck in the carrier and this needed to be pried open in order to let the brushes move freely. Glad you got it sorted anyway
 
Niccib said:
Hi there,

I wondered if anyone could help me with my Roof issue please ?
i have a 07 plate a4 sline, basically like most of the post one here i opened it one day and it wouldnt close. The boot lid popped open but wouldnt push its self back up.
I found the manual key, opened and shut it a few times but still not working.
I then closed it with the key, then tried to open it with the button.
The roof unclips windows go down but only opens about a inch.
So today i took it to audi, they told me that i have a electrical fault with the pump not pushing the fluid up to make the roof open...
You will have to forgive my naivety, if thats a incorrect explaination... i am a girl and have no idea of how a car works full stop !!
Audi then told me that i need a new pump which would be £1400, i nearly passed out !!
Any ideas if this could be fixed, eg buy getting a auto electrican to do the previous diagram displayed on the first pages as i dont think i will be able to undertake this myself in a million years.
Or do i just have to face the fact that i will be using that massive key for the forseable future.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hello niccib, same problem that I have written the guide for. To be certain it is the motor slap a multimeter to its power. Otherwise just open it up, give it a clean and do not forget to pry open the brush carriers. Let me know how you get on
 
davidB7 said:
Hi everyone and many thanks to Krumz for the great info. My hood had the same symptoms ie hood cover would unlatch and then nothing. I have looked at the pump and found one of the brushes jammed - this was fixed. In the meantine we had some sunshine and the hood was operated manually. Now the "hood not latched" alarm is on whenever the hood is up - it clears if the hood is manually lowered and stowed properly. I suspect the controller is out of synch and I have tried manualy operating the hood three times with the ignition on - it did not clear the alarm and nothing happens when the hood switch is operated - both up and down.

Anybody got any ideas as to how to clear the alarm (it goes off every time 20 mph is reached) as I suspect I am getting nowhere until then. Grateful for any suggestions
Click to expand...

Check that you are locking the front of the hood to the windscreen correctly, or you may have damage the switch may be faulty. Get on Vagcom and see what it says.
 
audi upgrades
looking for some help with leak from Cabriolet roof. Water coming in at front driver's side corner where it meets the door post. Checked that roof is properly locking and lubricated latches. Is there anything anyone can suggest?
 
Michael Clarke said:
looking for some help with leak from Cabriolet roof. Water coming in at front driver's side corner where it meets the door post. Checked that roof is properly locking and lubricated latches. Is there anything anyone can suggest?
Click to expand...

I have this too, only happens when I park the car faing downwards on my drive- never solved it just park my car facing upwards on the drive now
 
Michael Clarke said:
looking for some help with leak from Cabriolet roof. Water coming in at front driver's side corner where it meets the door post. Checked that roof is properly locking and lubricated latches. Is there anything anyone can suggest?
Click to expand...

Hi Michael,

How does the roof sit with the seal on the top on the windscreen? It is possible to adjust how tight the roof seals there. Assume you have examined for no rips or wear on the rubber channels
 
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Krumz said:
Hi Michael,

How does the roof sit with the seal on the top on the windscreen? It is possible to adjust how tight the roof seals there. Assume you have examined for no rips or wear on the rubber channels
Click to expand...

Hi, no damage to seals. The roof seems to be sitting as it always has. The edge of the roof, then some runbber and then the aluminium screen edge ...from memory.
 
Michael Clarke said:
Hi, no damage to seals. The roof seems to be sitting as it always has. The edge of the roof, then some runbber and then the aluminium screen edge ...from memory.
Click to expand...

I would start by using some enigneers blue or grease to see that the seals are making contact at all points, however I am not sure the grease would do the seals any good.
 
Krumz said:
I would start by using some enigneers blue or grease to see that the seals are making contact at all points, however I am not sure the grease would do the seals any good.
Click to expand...

The seals seem to be tight enough. I closed the roof on to some paper and then pulled the paper out and there was resistance felt.
 
Hi Krumz

I have a problem with my friends 2004 A4 Cabriolet. Its a B6 model with engine BFB. There is a cable broken in the roof variable storage box. I am going to replace the complete box as you can not buy any parts for them. Do you have any information on changing the box from the workshop manual.

Thanks

Kevin
 
Michael Clarke said:
Hi Krumz,

is there anything you can suggest for this, thanks?
Click to expand...

Hi Michael,

I am thinking that the paper test you did may suggest that the roof is making contact at certain locations and maybe not all along the rubber seal.

Also how about some closeup pics of the rubber seals and I can compare this against mine?
 
Thanks Jason, we fit the new box yesterday. Info was very handy.

Kevin
 
Mine has gone again folds away then when I'm putting up windows go down then boot pops up and that's it help again please
 
I will do I think I still have your number I might have 30 min with it Tom
 
audi upgrades
Just had a look pall it was that bush again sticking so I've cleaned up and put a bit of wd40 in it seems ok again
 
I have been struggling with a roof problem with my Audi A4 2007 for several months. Found an excellent mechanic in North London with 10 years Audi experience. Replaced my roof motor, relays and reset roof hydraulics and roof working fine now for GBP 550. Worth talking to if you live in the North London area. Contact Us
 
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