Helpful top info. in cold wet weather

[MS3DALE]

I know you guys probably don't mess with your tops in cold & wet weather,but just in case!......
Service Information


Document ID: 2583390
#PI0378: Information on Convertible Top Operation Below 0C (32F) in Snow, Rain or After Wet Conditions-Ice Formation in Water Management Bag - (Feb 18, 2011)

Subject:Information on Convertible Top Operation Below 0°C (32°F) in Snow, Rain or After Wet Conditions - Ice Formation in Water Management Bag

Models:2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern

Currently, page 2-19 of the Camaro owner’s manual states that you should not operate the convertible top in cold weather, below -18°C (0°F). In the next printing of the owner’s manual, the operation temperatures of the convertible top will be raised to 0°C (32°F). When the ambient temperature is at or below 0°C (32°F), the convertible top will not operate and you will see a message in the Drivers Information Center (DIC) stating: "Temperature Too Low - Top Disabled."
During PDI, while in the possession of the dealership or during delivery to the customer, if the weather conditions are rain, snow or if the vehicle has been wet, you should not operate the convertible top when the ambient temperature is below 0°C (32°F). Ice can form in the water management drain bag and may settle in the same location as the top mechanism when the top is in the down position. If the top mechanism comes in contact with ice, damage may occur to the top mechanism, the water management bag or both. Inspect for the presence of ice by following the Recommendation/Instructions below.

Recommendation/Instructions

If the vehicle was recently subjected to the temperatures below 0°C (32°F) and there is a need to lower the top assembly, the convertible top water management bag MUST be inspected for the possible presence of ice. If ice is present, you may hear the ice crunch and/or feel the ice while squeezing the bag. When ice is present, DO NOT operate the convertible top until the ice has melted.

Note: To further ensure the customer receives a car free of residual water from the Assembly Plant Quality Audit Water Test, open the trunk and squeeze the water bag in the lowest locations (see following graphics) to facilitate draining any remaining water toward the drain holes.

1. 
   
   
   
   Open the trunk and access the water management bag in the rear compartment. The low points of the bag will be on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
   
   
   Squeeze the lowest locations of the water management bag (left side shown in the graphic above) listening and feeling for any indication of ice. If ice is present, DO NOT lower the convertible top until the ice has melted.
   
   
   Carefully start to lower the convertible top and stop movement when the top is approximately 100 mm (4 in) from the windshield header.
   
   
   
2. Inspect both sides of the water management bag for possible ice formation in the areas below the rear glass (1). If any ice is present, DO NOT lower the top any farther until the ice has melted.

Please provide a copy of this PI and share this information with your Camaro Convertible Customer at the time of sale.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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[Baba]

Bump.

Spring isn't too far off and we're all itching to put the top down and cruise. Many of us all around the country, however, have been exposed to freezing temps, ice and snow this winter. Please make sure to check your Water Management Bags for ice BEFORE you lower your top and follow the suggestions in the bulletin so you don't goof up your WMBs or your tops.

[OrangeVert]

Thanks, Baba! Got a few more weeks to go here in southern, NH before it will be top down weather. Although the snow piles will start melting this weekend, we need a good couple of rainstorms to take away the salt and whatever they put on the roads nowadays. Hopefully by April 1st.