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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 12:53 PM
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Default power top not operating

i drove my 2008 Convertible to get breakfast thsi morning and when I arrived and pushed the button to raise the top nothing happened. I tried putting in D (automatic) and back to park but still nothing. Turned off engine and nothing, started car and still nothing. No clicking, no beeping absoluting nothing.

Any ideas as to the problem.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 12:05 AM
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The first thing to try is re-indexing your windows. The top will not operate if the window index information has been lost. If your battery is weak this can happen. On manual transmission cars the parking brake has to be on. Not sure if it is the same for auto cars. Does your brake light indicator light come on when the handle is pulled if not maybe the micro switch is bad. Could many other things also.

Tom
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 07:27 AM
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Tom, Thanks I'll try that. have it on the battery tender, I have felt that the battery was somewhat suspect because after sitting even for a day or two the starter will spin very slowly.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by billsblue73
Tom, Thanks I'll try that. have it on the battery tender, I have felt that the battery was somewhat suspect because after sitting even for a day or two the starter will spin very slowly.
Let us know how it works out. I have an 07 vert but no problems like that so far.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 08:45 AM
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from what I've read, if batt. is low, a batt. maintainer will take quite awhile to fully charge, maybe 1+ days. it may be time for a new batt.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 10:09 AM
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Vertical truck separator carpeted panel has become loose - losing the connector connection.
Just reattach - click it back on, It is circular part black plastic.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Kenny94945
Vertical truck separator carpeted panel has become loose - losing the connector connection.
Just reattach - click it back on, It is circular part black plastic.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 01:29 PM
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billsblue73,
I'd start by trying to reindex the windows. If this issue is still persisting I'd consider checking out your battery. If all else fails, take it to the dealership. They should be able to locate the problem without much difficulty.

Chevrolet Customer Service,
Justin
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 01:55 PM
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Index the windows
Check the trunk separator and make sure all snaps are connected.
Check the condition of the battery


In that order


Elmer
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 05:12 PM
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If you follow ALL the above suggestions,,,,, read and post ALL your DTCs. If the VERT TOP has an issue,, that stops it from functioning,,, it will set a DTC!

Bill
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 08:43 PM
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also try pulling the emergency brake. 1 Click up and you can raise or lower the top , while car is in motion.....
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 06:36 AM
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You could also try checking the fuses located in the passenger compartment.

There appears to be four separate fuses related to the power top/tonneau.

If the top is sluggish or refuses to complete a full up/down motion, make sure the pressure relief valve on the pump is tightened all the way.
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 12:40 PM
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Thanks, I'll keep trying. I have reindexed the windows, tried to raise the top with the car running or off. I tried leaving the trunk open and pushing the button to lower the top. This shoudl give a warning message "Close trunk to move top" but nothing. I have opened the separator in the trunk and re-connected it. Nothing at all. I'm leaning toward an electrical problem. Perhaps in the switch. I will be taking it to the dealer on Monday. Good news is that I have the GMPP major guard coverage with 0.00 deductable. I'll post what I learn there. This forum has been great.
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 09:18 AM
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So, I get home from work yesterday and after a recommendation to check the fuses, I see that the same fuse for the power top is also for the rear fog lamps (I didn't think the C6 had rear fog lamps). So I put the car in accessory mode and turn on the headlights and turn the bazel for the fogs lights. And they don't come on. I think start the car and try the lights again. After trying the fog lamps three or four times they come on. Ok , strange. What the heck, push the button to raise the top. I hear a click, then several clicks and then the top cover opens and I am able to raise the top.

I drove to work this morning and if it is warm this evening I'll try to put the top down for the drive home. Starting to look more and more like a battery problem.

I am still planning to take it to the shop on Tuesday. The battery was replaced about 13 months ago under warranty.
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 11:18 AM
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Bill

If you have to keep a battery tender on the battery to keep the battery alive,,,, You either have a battery issue OR an excessive current drain problem (something staying ON when the car powers off that should be OFF)

If they replace the battery, recommend that that conduct battery CURRENT DRAW TEST which will tell them that the cars BCM Sleep Mode sets correctly and the battery current that is consumed in that mode is with in specifications.

Bill
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Old Nov 18, 2011 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Bill

If you have to keep a battery tender on the battery to keep the battery alive,,,, You either have a battery issue OR an excessive current drain problem (something staying ON when the car powers off that should be OFF)

If they replace the battery, recommend that that conduct battery CURRENT DRAW TEST which will tell them that the cars BCM Sleep Mode sets correctly and the battery current that is consumed in that mode is with in specifications.

Bill
Well, you were correct it was the battery. They performed the current draw test and found nothing out of the ordinary. But the battery (which was purchased in June 2009) would not hold a charge. Replaced with a new battery and everything is OK now.
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Old Nov 18, 2011 | 07:39 PM
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Outstanding news!! Glad you were able to pin down the cause and THANKS for up-dating the post with the resolution!!

Bill
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Old Nov 25, 2011 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by billsblue73
Well, you were correct it was the battery. They performed the current draw test and found nothing out of the ordinary. But the battery (which was purchased in June 2009) would not hold a charge. Replaced with a new battery and everything is OK now.
The saga continues.

After driving the 2008 on two of the last five days, I pull out of my garage with the top down to drive to work. Everything is fine until I get to the gate in my neighborhood ( its about .7 miles from my home). As I approach the gate all the gauges go to zero. Low fuel warning is displayed, low tire pressure. No battery voltage, etc. Mileage is XXX.XX fuel average XX.X. Car is still running. I stop and try to raise the top, NOTHING. Drive back to the garage and turn motor off and back on. Most of the gauges reset and I am able to raise the top. But the Thift deterrent system light on the gauge cluster is still lit. Try to open the dorr, but power lock doesn't work. I used the manual opening lever to get out. Since I had to get to work I drove my other car.

Now I'm getting a little upset after paying $350.00 to check the electrical system and replace the battery a week ago.

Your vehicle is equipped with a theft-deterrent alarm
system.
With this system, the security light will flash when the door is open and
locked with the power door lock switch.
If this light is on continuously while the engine is running, your vehicle needs service.
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 07:47 AM
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Default Still a PROBLEM

So I start it this morning and everything is normal for about 30 seconds then all the dash lights flash, service soon, service antilock brakes low fuel, etc. NPP switches modes. push start button and can't turn off the engine. Wait a few seconds and it resets and then starts all over again. HELP.
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 08:59 AM
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only thing I can say is they didn't solve your problem for $350. they owe you; take it back. or have them take it back and diagnose the correct (or there may be other) problem(s).

seems to me if that's an '09 batt. and you've now replaced it again just recently, some thing or some one is running down the battery in an unusual manner. could be your driving (not blaming you, just saying lots of short trips can do it), or some drain on the system. looks like now, the tech will have to test the entire electrical system incl. all grounds, computer, starter, alternator, etc. to find the problem.

btw, are there any things that you've added to the car in the way of modifications, M2W, subwoofer, etc.?

Last edited by AORoads; Nov 28, 2011 at 09:10 AM.
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