Background:
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Yet another issue with my 07 vert.
This vert has been plagued with problems.
I've repaired and replaced under warranty an obscene number of major parts in this car.
But alas I am out of warranty now after an extension to a 6/50 plan. It paid off because it saved me much money.

Issue:
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Power top just stops about 3/4 of the way down, where a popping and grinding sound occurs and it will go no further.
I searched the TSB knowledge base and also this forum and I came up with the following TSB: specifically service bulletin #09-08-67-013C.
Where the bulletin references these convertible top straps which need to be adjusted.
The back vert glass section is making contact with the Tonneau cover and halts the operation.
I haven't been able to substantiate this problem because my woman who was driving the vert panic'd and immediately drove it to the dealership
where they summarily diagnosed and relayed their repair strategy.

Dealer Svc Dept. Diagnosis:
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$1,000 to replace a communications module which drives the top operation.
I think they are gouging me over a strap adjustment.

Anyone have this issue, a resolution, experiences , insights so I can evaluate.
Think the service Dept is looking for money and picking the most expensive route.

Kind Regards,

Matthewelle

 

 

Okay, I went back to dealer and now the story has changed.
It's a vert top actuator.... yet the top goes back 3/4's of the way. If it was really malfunctioning it wouldn't go back 3/4's of the way. At least that's my assessment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Found this .... which is the problem.
Forum is just the best.
Armed and ready to deal with the stealership ....d bastards.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-troubles.html

 

Hey Matthew,

How did the visit to the dealership go? Is your convertible fixed?

Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Went as good as possible , ... I trust the service advisor and the vette specialist at this particular dealership.
But you never really know if it was a $25.00 gear nut or the actual $400.00 actuator. Bottom line probably best to replace both to be sure.
But Like I said I trust the advisor at the dealership.

Unfortunately the top is still rubbing up against the tonneau cover and you can hear it.
The good thing the top can run full cycle in and out of the trunk so it appears to just need an adjustment.
So I'm thinking a strap adjustment I believe at this point.


It's back to the dealership ......

Thanks for asking.

Kind Regards,

Matthewelle

 

Tell us where the strap is........??

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...n-closing.html

Reference post 3.
There is plenty more on this but you can search this out.

 

As of today it's all gone to hell in a hand basket at the dealership.
So what else is new...

I'm just documenting this because it's therapeutic for me, and helps me manage my stress every time I have to bring the vert in for repairs.
I can hear myself think and I can be more objective about the miscues experienced.

I'm essentially blogging for myself.... so please excuse me.
It's gonna be okay, these guys at this dealership will get right. I have faith in them.

Kindest of Regards,

Matthewelle

 

Hi Matthew,

I am sorry that everything is not going well! Do you want me to get involved and help out? If so please private message me with your info including VIN, mileage and the name of the dealership you are working with. I look forward to your reply,

Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Kelly J.

What I need is the actual fix repair instructions on how to tighten the tension strap for the vert back window operation. Reiterating the rear window section of the convertible top does not retract far enough to provide sufficient clearance for the tonneau cover operation; as to not to make contact, during the open procedure. Technician is uncertain on how to proceed over the proper protocol, and does not want to jury-rigg a fix over concerns on how long it will last. I respect their concern over a makeshift fix and sending me on my way.

There appears to be no way other than tying it up [ i.e. knotting the strap] or placing a stitch in it [i.e. sowing] to shorten the string [ i.e. strap].
I have referenced the above TSB but there appears to be no real fix other than having the dealership jury-rigg it.

Bottom Line: I do not want GM dinging this dealership over a customer care issue where the service centers caution is warranted. I basically need to remain on good terms with this particular dealership because they are without question the best I have experienced in my area.

So if you can help , please do.

P.S.: I have searched and referenced a lot of material on this, and I did come up with a particular dealership in 2013 that said they know how to actually repair this...
Bob Steel Chevrolet 321 632 6700. So I am encouraged that there is a fix out there to be had.

 

I have a 2007 convert with the power top and the car has had no service problems with the top or of any other kind since it was new other than changing the differential fluid per the TSB.

My power top works perfect but will follow your post just in case to see what your problem and cure ends up being.

What other major problems have you had and how many miles are now on your car?

 

Hey Matthew,

I am going to reach out to that dealership and to my internal resources. Hopefully I will come back with some positive feedback.

I completely understand not wanting to get ding your dealership. That is not what I do, promise! When I get involved I help to leverage resources. I do not get anyone in trouble, unless the customer has a complaint. If you say they are great, I make sure to tell them how much help they have been. I respect the tech too, I would not want a make shift fix. I am happy that they were honest with you as well. Now hopefully I can find something out.

I will keep you posted,

Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Yeah so did mine until it didn't.
Present mileage is 52.3K. Most of that mileage was accumulated in the first 3.5/4 years of driving.
Da problems you ask : they're all basically documented on the forum, and I had a majority of them and beyond.
Some I believe I pioneered my way through with a number of techs.

So no need to rant... bottom line they get/got fixed under warranty, and of course with a lot of due diligence on my part.
A discipline I acquired vis-à-vis the C5.

 

I have the same issue with my 08 vert. I went to my local trim shop, who does much of the Corvette convertible top warranty work for a local Chevrolet dealer. He advised the elastic cord needs to be replaced, but he recommended against it because it is an extensive job.

I just reach back and move the glass inward so the cover clears the top when going up or down.

The fix of putting more tension on the elastic cord by stitching it up sounds like an easy fix and could easily be done at a good trim shop.

 

If you are near Robbins top shop in Ventura, they are the best of the best with convertible tops...you might try calling them.

http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/index.php

 

'07 vert owner also following this post. Mine sometimes is grazed by the tonneau when it is passing by and now without even thinking about it I just use one finger to momentarily hold the top of the window away from the tonneau. It has almost become a reflex action. My car is no longer under warranty, so I'll stick with this method.

 

My 06 does the same thing and I too just reach back and pull the window away from the tonneau. In looking at it I have no idea how tightening the elastic straps would help as the top/window is bumping into the rear of the seats which are all the way back.

 

Yeah, this sounds Like a good course of action. A convertible top shop should be able to perhaps help do the stitching. I'm actually considering doing this myself - who knows at this juncture.

I read a few convertible do-it-at-home replacement articles and this seems to be quite extensive indeed.
Hopefully this is not the fix repair GM will present. I'll pass on anyone taking apart the top just to get at the straps running in between the lining.

 

Hi Matthew,

I called Bob Steel Chevrolet and they were awesome! However they do need more info about the person or car that they did the repair on. Do you have any more information on who had their convertible fixed? Do you have their name on the forum? I am also looking into other things. Thanks,

Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care