Don't drive one unless you plan to unload the C4 for a C5. Been there done that........
2002 Convertible Question
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: S. Daytona Florida
2002 Convertible Question
Hello All,
I hope this is not a stupid question, but it just might be. If it is I am sorry. Anyway I own a 1991 C4 convertible, and a neighbor of mine has a 2002 C5 convertible and we were talking and he told me his top has stopped working. I think the C5 is different than mine as I have a manual release for the rear bow. His problem is when he pushes the yellow button to releas the bow it sounds like a motor like a power door lock motor comes on but no rear bow release. Anybody have any idea what is wrong, I think he bought the car new or have had it a while, and am assuming he knows how to lower the top. This is my first post on the C5 Tech as I am normally on the C4. Thanks in advance, Kim
I hope this is not a stupid question, but it just might be. If it is I am sorry. Anyway I own a 1991 C4 convertible, and a neighbor of mine has a 2002 C5 convertible and we were talking and he told me his top has stopped working. I think the C5 is different than mine as I have a manual release for the rear bow. His problem is when he pushes the yellow button to releas the bow it sounds like a motor like a power door lock motor comes on but no rear bow release. Anybody have any idea what is wrong, I think he bought the car new or have had it a while, and am assuming he knows how to lower the top. This is my first post on the C5 Tech as I am normally on the C4. Thanks in advance, Kim
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: S. Daytona Florida
Thanks 8Vette7,
I just read the ownwer's manual online. It tells to unlock the top from the windshield and then raise the top to the vertical position, then raise the back bow to vertical, then press the yellow botton to release the tonneau cover, correct? I am a bit confused as my 91 I have a cable under the tonneau cover to release the back bow. I am assuming that the rear bow will not raise until the front bow is at vertical due to either cables or overcenter linkage. Anyway he was not raising the front bow back to vertical or away from the windshield. Of course the tonneau will not pop up unless the rear bow is raised. Maybe he has not had the top down in a while and has forgotten how to operate it. He is a retired airline pilot so I am thinking he can operate a manual top, LOL. I will go over this afternoon after work to see if we can get it down. Thanks again, Kim
I just read the ownwer's manual online. It tells to unlock the top from the windshield and then raise the top to the vertical position, then raise the back bow to vertical, then press the yellow botton to release the tonneau cover, correct? I am a bit confused as my 91 I have a cable under the tonneau cover to release the back bow. I am assuming that the rear bow will not raise until the front bow is at vertical due to either cables or overcenter linkage. Anyway he was not raising the front bow back to vertical or away from the windshield. Of course the tonneau will not pop up unless the rear bow is raised. Maybe he has not had the top down in a while and has forgotten how to operate it. He is a retired airline pilot so I am thinking he can operate a manual top, LOL. I will go over this afternoon after work to see if we can get it down. Thanks again, Kim
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
I had a 90 and now have a 02. They operate completely different. You unlatch the front first, then raise the front to vertical. Once the front is vertical, raise the back to near vertical. Once the top is folded front and back, then release the toneau cover with the button. If it fails to release, there is a cable behind the waterfall that can be used to manually release. It won't release if the trunk is unlatched.
If he is a new owner, he should download and read the owners manual.
If he is a new owner, he should download and read the owners manual.
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From: S. Daytona Florida
I am thinking now that all is well and it was just operator's error. I do not think he is a new owner as he told me he has owned at least 4 prior to this. He might have bought this one new. I did not know prior to reading the manual online this morning how it worked. I know how my 91 works. Again I will go pay him a visit this afternoon and see. Now, I have never driven a C5 mainly cause I am a bit afraid I would fall in love with it and have to have one, LOL I do love my 91. Is there really a big difference? Should I go and test drive one? Thanks to all, Kim
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
Just FYI, if the windows are up when you press the release button, they will go down. There are no sensors for the front of the top, but the rear of the top won't raise until the front is raised. When the front is pushed back down and latched, that puts pressure down on the back of the top to keep it down and sealed. The only electronics involved is the release and the window down command. The rest of the top is completely manual with no sensors or wires.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Don't drive it unless you want it. The difference is night and day. When I sold my C4 and bought the C5 I always thought I would get another C4 some day. Then I saw the duplicate to my C4 and realized how big the difference was having lived with the C5 for a while. Lots of trunk space, more power, etc.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
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From: Pittsburgh PA
I see a lot in common with Harleys. Newer the better.
An old Shovel or Pan head would be fun to play with but if I wanted to actually go somewhere, it's Evo or newer.BTW, nice looking C4.
Last edited by fendermender; Apr 28, 2012 at 06:15 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: S. Daytona Florida
Thanks to all,
I went over to Bubba's, yes that is his name, from Louisiana originally. Anyway the top works fine. He has had it for a few years, and has lived in Fort lauderdale till recently. Of course it was too hot most of the time for top down and he is older and probably got used to the A/C. Anyway it is very nice here now in the am and evenings. Thanks to all that has helped. He did offer the keys to me to drive and compare, but I am afraid I will love it. I think I will drive it and also have the wife drive it, Hmmmm we will see. I also agree about the Harleys, as I have owned a few older ones and a newer 2004 Ultra. Yes a world of difference!!! But I still love the BMW's and Guzzi's over the Harley. Kim
I went over to Bubba's, yes that is his name, from Louisiana originally. Anyway the top works fine. He has had it for a few years, and has lived in Fort lauderdale till recently. Of course it was too hot most of the time for top down and he is older and probably got used to the A/C. Anyway it is very nice here now in the am and evenings. Thanks to all that has helped. He did offer the keys to me to drive and compare, but I am afraid I will love it. I think I will drive it and also have the wife drive it, Hmmmm we will see. I also agree about the Harleys, as I have owned a few older ones and a newer 2004 Ultra. Yes a world of difference!!! But I still love the BMW's and Guzzi's over the Harley. Kim
