Top Secure???

[Steeler NY]

Has anyone else been having problems when putting top up and latched but when you start going you get warning bells (8MPH-23MPH), but no message on DIC???

I saw another thread where the guy had the same problem and figured out it was the top was not secure. I just had it happen to me this morning, could not get it to stop until I put the top down and back up and latch it again

I am beginning to wonder if there is a sensor that is not right????

[OrangeVert]

Hmm... haven't had that happen yet. But I did get into a weird state where I couldn't open the trunk - and it turned out it was because I had not *fully* lowered the top (that is, let the automatic mechanism stop it).

[Steeler NY]

Originally Posted by OrangeVert

Hmm... haven't had that happen yet. But I did get into a weird state where I couldn't open the trunk - and it turned out it was because I had not *fully* lowered the top (that is, let the automatic mechanism stop it).

Had that happen to me too

[pastohio]

I am the guy that wrote this recently, I had to take off the tonneau cover, and then I pushed the top down button and it moved probably an inch or so, then I tried the trunk release and IT WORKED....no longer getting the chime and can open the trunk, except now even though the passenger window works as it should I am getting a message in the DIC window to lower and raise, etc....I have done it now about 5 times and the only way I can get this warning to drop off the screen is pushing the set/clear button on the left handle where you change the screens in the DIC, now when I get in and start the car this passenger warning window appears until I hit the set/clear button....anyone else shed any light on what is going on ??? Curious, my car being a convertible and a festival car, it had a race driver and his family riding up on the back on top of the boot cover at the IDY parade and festivities, could their weight did some affect on the relay that sensors that the top isn't all the way down ??? This is getting crazy now !!

[HDRDTD]

If your saying they were sitting on the tonneau cover, I don't thing it was ever designed for anything close to that, nor was it ever meant to be used as a seat.

I can only imagine what damage it could have done to the folding mechanisim.

[Steeler NY]

Originally Posted by pastohio

I am the guy that wrote this recently, I had to take off the tonneau cover, and then I pushed the top down button and it moved probably an inch or so, then I tried the trunk release and IT WORKED....no longer getting the chime and can open the trunk, except now even though the passenger window works as it should I am getting a message in the DIC window to lower and raise, etc....I have done it now about 5 times and the only way I can get this warning to drop off the screen is pushing the set/clear button on the left handle where you change the screens in the DIC, now when I get in and start the car this passenger warning window appears until I hit the set/clear button....anyone else shed any light on what is going on ??? Curious, my car being a convertible and a festival car, it had a race driver and his family riding up on the back on top of the boot cover at the IDY parade and festivities, could their weight did some affect on the relay that sensors that the top isn't all the way down ??? This is getting crazy now !!

Thanks for posting this mine has happened when the top is up, I haven't had it happen with the top down but when i put the top down i hold the button until it stops completely.

The only way i could stop it was to put the top back down and back up, then every thing was fine.

[OrangeVert]

Originally Posted by pastohio

I am the guy that wrote this recently, I had to take off the tonneau cover, and then I pushed the top down button and it moved probably an inch or so, then I tried the trunk release and IT WORKED....no longer getting the chime and can open the trunk, except now even though the passenger window works as it should I am getting a message in the DIC window to lower and raise, etc....I have done it now about 5 times and the only way I can get this warning to drop off the screen is pushing the set/clear button on the left handle where you change the screens in the DIC, now when I get in and start the car this passenger warning window appears until I hit the set/clear button....anyone else shed any light on what is going on ??? Curious, my car being a convertible and a festival car, it had a race driver and his family riding up on the back on top of the boot cover at the IDY parade and festivities, could their weight did some affect on the relay that sensors that the top isn't all the way down ??? This is getting crazy now !!

I would never ever allow aynone to sit on the lowered top of my 2011 vert 'cause of all the sensors, alignment, and plastic nowadays. My '71 Malibu, LeMans, and Barracuda were another story. They could take it, but then again, had no benefits of modern technology. Also rusted out long before they would have worn out. :-(

[Baba]

Originally Posted by Steeler NY

Has anyone else been having problems when putting top up and latched but when you start going you get warning bells (8MPH-23MPH), but no message on DIC???

I saw another thread where the guy had the same problem and figured out it was the top was not secure. I just had it happen to me this morning, could not get it to stop until I put the top down and back up and latch it again

I am beginning to wonder if there is a sensor that is not right????

Originally Posted by pastohio

I am the guy that wrote this recently, I had to take off the tonneau cover, and then I pushed the top down button and it moved probably an inch or so, then I tried the trunk release and IT WORKED....no longer getting the chime and can open the trunk, except now even though the passenger window works as it should I am getting a message in the DIC window to lower and raise, etc....I have done it now about 5 times and the only way I can get this warning to drop off the screen is pushing the set/clear button on the left handle where you change the screens in the DIC, now when I get in and start the car this passenger warning window appears until I hit the set/clear button....anyone else shed any light on what is going on ??? Curious, my car being a convertible and a festival car, it had a race driver and his family riding up on the back on top of the boot cover at the IDY parade and festivities, could their weight did some affect on the relay that sensors that the top isn't all the way down ??? This is getting crazy now !!

As my Camaro 'vert is my 2nd ragtop within the last couple of years, I've developed a philosophy based on the volumes of information I've read, conversations I've had with other ragtop owners and my personal experience(s).

1st rule: NEVER - NEVER let anyone borrow / use your car for any type of parade, festival or other event where anyone will be sitting anywhere but the front or rear seats in the manner they were designed for or the affixing of banners or posters etc. on your vehicle. Doing otherwise will result in problems somewhere along the line! It's your car. Do with it what you will, but someone will ultimately pay the price (in $$$ and time in the shop) and guess who that will be?! On top of that, add a morsel of doubt whether your 'vert is ever as good repaired, as it was prior to the problems, and you've sown the seed of discontent. If you do damage to your own car, it's probably a little "easier" to live with, but damage by someone else? You'll be kicking yourself until the day the damage / problem fixed or get rid of your car.

In reference to lowering the top, I found that it is critical to wait for "beep" to sound indicating that the top is full retracted. Otherwise, it stands to reason that the top is not fully positioned where it should be. I often double-check to ensure the top is fully retracted by either checking hands on by pressing down on the top and / or verifying (visually) that the top is in its correct position and that I've heard the audible "beep".
I suppose the convenience of an auto top can always cause a problem due to the mechanics and electronics. 1st sign of any repeated DIC warning messages, she goes to the dealer and I don't take her back until she is fixed to my satisfaction. That's their job!

In addition, unless I'm only doing a short hop, I always put the tonneau cover on. I'm concerned that without it on, the top's canvas "flutter" will cause it to stretch unnecessarily. Call me paranoid but I've yet to have a convertible top problem or a drop of water leak in, in any car I've owned.

ALSO, make sure when you unlatch the top that you TURN THE LATCH back to its original position - don't leave it in the "unlatched" postion when retracting the top.

When closing the top, I always make sure to pull down hard on the latch and turn as I can see where on some 'verts, there isn't a solid seal when the top is latched. I realize from reading and previous experience, however, that some folks just have a car that's got a (hopefully small) top problem. I'm happy to be able to state that yesterday evening is the 1st time a took a hose to my 'vert and she is "sea worthy".

In reference to the passenger window. If you haven't done so already, try "indexing" your windows again. Make sure your rear windows (and top) are up and then lower the passenger (or all) window(s) HALF WAY ONLY and then use the "express up" button on the driver's side for the passenger window / affected windows. I also made sure I had the engine running - just to cover any and all bases. I've had to do this a couple of times the 1st week I owned my Camaro and my windows work fine now.

[OrangeVert]

Originally Posted by Baba

As my Camaro 'vert is my 2nd ragtop within the last couple of years, I've developed a philosophy based on the volumes of information I've read, conversations I've had with other ragtop owners and my personal experience(s).

1st rule: NEVER - NEVER let anyone borrow / use your car for any type of parade, festival or other event where anyone will be sitting anywhere but the front or rear seats in the manner they were designed for or the affixing of banners or posters etc. on your vehicle. Doing otherwise will result in problems somewhere along the line! It's your car. Do with it what you will, but someone will ultimately pay the price (in $$$ and time in the shop) and guess who that will be?! On top of that, add a morsel of doubt whether your 'vert is ever as good repaired, as it was prior to the problems, and you've sown the seed of discontent. If you do damage to your own car, it's probably a little "easier" to live with, but damage by someone else? You'll be kicking yourself until the day the damage / problem fixed or get rid of your car.

In reference to lowering the top, I found that it is critical to wait for "beep" to sound indicating that the top is full retracted. Otherwise, it stands to reason that the top is not fully positioned where it should be. I often double-check to ensure the top is fully retracted by either checking hands on by pressing down on the top and / or verifying (visually) that the top is in its correct position and that I've heard the audible "beep".
I suppose the convenience of an auto top can always cause a problem due to the mechanics and electronics. 1st sign of any repeated DIC warning messages, she goes to the dealer and I don't take her back until she is fixed to my satisfaction. That's their job!

In addition, unless I'm only doing a short hop, I always put the tonneau cover on. I'm concerned that without it on, the top's canvas "flutter" will cause it to stretch unnecessarily. Call me paranoid but I've yet to have a convertible top problem or a drop of water leak in, in any car I've owned.

ALSO, make sure when you unlatch the top that you TURN THE LATCH back to its original position - don't leave it in the "unlatched" postion when retracting the top.

When closing the top, I always make sure to pull down hard on the latch and turn as I can see where on some 'verts, there isn't a solid seal when the top is latched. I realize from reading and previous experience, however, that some folks just have a car that's got a (hopefully small) top problem. I'm happy to be able to state that yesterday evening is the 1st time a took a hose to my 'vert and she is "sea worthy".

In reference to the passenger window. If you haven't done so already, try "indexing" your windows again. Make sure your rear windows (and top) are up and then lower the passenger (or all) window(s) HALF WAY ONLY and then use the "express up" button on the driver's side for the passenger window / affected windows. I also made sure I had the engine running - just to cover any and all bases. I've had to do this a couple of times the 1st week I owned my Camaro and my windows work fine now.

+1 Baba, thanks for your informative advice all the way around. I have to remember to turn that latch back when lowering the top - keep forgetting!

[2011RedSS]

baba, great tips! I have been lazy with the tonneau cover, but I think you've convinced me otherwise. and I also never turn the handle back - need to start doing that!

[Steeler NY]

Buba,

thanks for the tips I follow all as you have stated. I thought I was the only one who put the latch back in its original positing wben opening the top (OCD I thought) I did that with my 2000 convertable Camaro too.