Open latch warning light for vert?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Open latch warning light for vert?
I'm curious as to why the designers neglected what could have really been a handy feature. If they thought about something that would automatically roll down the windows once the top is put down, I wonder why can't a similar electrical connection wasn't used to warn the driver that he forgot to latch the top securely in place once it's put back up?
I had one of those "gotcha" moments the other day after I put the top up, then got distracted chatting with my daughter and forgot to latch it in place. At about 35 MPH, the front flew open, but I was able to grab it and close it without incident.
I was just thinking how convenient it would have been to incorporate a light in the instrument pod or a chime that would warn you if the latches weren't secure when the top was up. That would sure be a good safety feature. The same could be applied to coupes.
Then again, I suspect that once that has happened to you once or twice, you learn to latch it automatically without having to be "told".
I had one of those "gotcha" moments the other day after I put the top up, then got distracted chatting with my daughter and forgot to latch it in place. At about 35 MPH, the front flew open, but I was able to grab it and close it without incident.
I was just thinking how convenient it would have been to incorporate a light in the instrument pod or a chime that would warn you if the latches weren't secure when the top was up. That would sure be a good safety feature. The same could be applied to coupes.
Then again, I suspect that once that has happened to you once or twice, you learn to latch it automatically without having to be "told".
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
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From: arlington tx
same thing as the targa top flyin roof guys. how many idiot lights do you really need in a car anyway? somethings like a convertible top or targa top shouldnt need them. just put the top up/on and latch it. takes 5 seconds and little to no energy. just my .02 but i think there is some degree of respobsibility and attention that should be associated with operating a vehicle, weather driving or taking top up/down.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Central Ma
Originally Posted by sebringsilver97coupe
same thing as the targa top flyin roof guys. how many idiot lights do you really need in a car anyway? somethings like a convertible top or targa top shouldnt need them. just put the top up/on and latch it. takes 5 seconds and little to no energy. just my .02 but i think there is some degree of respobsibility and attention that should be associated with operating a vehicle, weather driving or taking top up/down.
The manufacturers are already forced into doing too much as it is, some sensible, some not. We do share in some of the responsibility of our cars.
Race Director
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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I've wondered that myself, Jeff. But one of the factors had to be cost containment. There's a limit to what they can pack in this car and keep it in the target MSRP range. To quote CF Member Evil-Twin.....
"It's a $100K sportscar sold for $50K."
I know it seems like a small thing, but add it all together (sensors talking back to the PCM or BCM and then reporting to the DIC) times the number of cars and you can see why the General doesn't do it.
"It's a $100K sportscar sold for $50K."
I know it seems like a small thing, but add it all together (sensors talking back to the PCM or BCM and then reporting to the DIC) times the number of cars and you can see why the General doesn't do it.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Pearland, TX
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '20
Alot of members of the FRC (flying roof club) have been asking this same question.
It's always a stupid idea ... until it happens to you!
Good question.
It's always a stupid idea ... until it happens to you!
Good question.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
No, what they call a tonneau (which has a very different meaning from what I'm used to), is not what I am referring to, though that is good to know. Yes, a message in the DIC would be the perfect place for a warning to be displayed. I'm talking about the front latches on the top of the inside windshield frame.
Team Owner
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From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by sebringsilver97coupe
same thing as the targa top flyin roof guys. how many idiot lights do you really need in a car anyway? somethings like a convertible top or targa top shouldnt need them. just put the top up/on and latch it. takes 5 seconds and little to no energy. just my .02 but i think there is some degree of respobsibility and attention that should be associated with operating a vehicle, weather driving or taking top up/down.
but people just want to blame GM for their mistake because there was no idiot light for them.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Originally Posted by Zilla
but people just want to blame GM for their mistake because there was no idiot light for them.