Ongoing Convertible Problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 770
Ongoing Convertible Problem
When the top is going down, there is a cable attached to each nacelle that pulls them under the top before the top goes down. The metal piece at the end of the cable that attaches to the Nacelle tends break off, which means the top cannot finish it's motion down. I have a 2020, and it has happened to me 3 times, the last time about 6-8 months ago. One would think that this would be an easy permanent fix for GM. My question is twofold: has anyone heard any feedback from GM about this, and have many of you experienced or are still experiencing this absurd problem?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,768
Likes: 10,202
From: Garden Valley CA
This is probably the most reported problem with the HTC. I haven't seen any feedback from GM nor have I seen a design change in the replacement cables. It has also happened to newer cars.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 8,532
The way to figure that out is to find the part number and see if it is the same for all years. The problem is, for certain convertible parts, the parts suppliers don't give full information. From another thread, others said this is the part number for the cable. 85150325. Can someone else confirm that number? The name of that part number is " Folding Top Cover Side Tension Cable", and what bugs me is that sounds more like a cable for ragtop. In any case, when I find that part number in the on-line part supplies, it does not give the fitment data.
In many/most cases, the fitment data will reveal the applicability of the part suggesting a part changed (or not).
Racer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 371
Likes: 349
From: Barrie, Ontario, Canada
from all the reading I've done, seems like this is happening to many HTC owners....I have my zip-ties in the frunk just in case...I must say I think of this every time i function the top...You must be very frustrated having it happen x3, which is total BS....I've asked on many different threads, wondering if the dealers are just repairing this with the exact same cable or not (which will just keep happening if that's the case), but have never been able to get an answer....This should be a very easy fix for GM (use a stronger cable), and a bulletin should have been issued, because it's not happening to everyone early on, so some will have no Warranty left when it happens, and it definitely should not cost the owner any $$ when it does happen since it's a common problem ever since the C8 was introduced.....GM dropped the ball on this, but can still fix it if they choose too....I did read, somebody mentioned they thought a different cable was used at some point in 2023, but not confirmed, and I think its happening to 24 & 25's so I doubt this is true....
GM, please fix this!!!
GM, please fix this!!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 8,532
Isn't it just snapping at the end where there is a fastener sort of thing? Perhaps this can be prevented ( by us) by modifying the way the end is fastened or held in place. I think I have even seen a thread or post where someone did that. Maybe @RKCRLR will remember it (if that's right).
I agree GM should change the part, by the way.
I agree GM should change the part, by the way.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,768
Likes: 10,202
From: Garden Valley CA
Isn't it just snapping at the end where there is a fastener sort of thing? Perhaps this can be prevented ( by us) by modifying the way the end is fastened or held in place. I think I have even seen a thread or post where someone did that. Maybe @RKCRLR will remember it (if that's right).
I agree GM should change the part, by the way.
I agree GM should change the part, by the way.
The cable doesn't come out of the end piece (at least in the pictures I've seen), the cable fails at the end piece. It appears that the end piece is cast in place (I guess this is a common practice in cable manufacturing). My guess is the failed cables have a heat affected zone due to poor quality control that eventually fails due to fatigue. My suggestion is to go to a bicycle or motorcycle shop and have a custom cable made to fit in the existing housing. The best way is to make a loop at the end of the cable but I don't know if there is room for that.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,751
Likes: 2,499
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
This just happened to my buddy. We were raising the top to install a clear eng8ne cover and we heard a pop. The upside is, I just tie wrapped the nacelle in the up position until he received the cable to be replaced under warranty.