XJS Lynx Spyder Roof Operation

[michael669]

Hello folks,

For my sins I have a Lynx Engineering Spyder. I am rather hoping somebody else has one too!
In the time I've had it I have not had the roof down as there is some sort of wiring fault. So today, all day, I've been tracing wires and trying to understand why it doesn't want to move.

So, can I ask - does anybody have a Spyder and if so am I missing a safety interlock arrangement? I've a rocker switch which is fed via a relay in the boot. I've checked them both internally, traced wires here and there and can't figure it all out with dismantling the rear interior etc and physically following the wires. Since most cars with hoods have some sort of safety routine (like foot on the brake, doors closed, autobox in 'Park' etc) I'm wondering if another owner knows the solution?

I live in hope.

All the best.

[davidr]

On the factory convertibles the handbrake has to be applied before it will work. Have you tried that?

[michael669]

Ah - good idea. I haven’t tried that, but I will do so first thing tomorrow morning.
Thank you. You might have made an old man happy.

[michael669]

Well, I have tried pulling the handbrake on. The dash warning light (P in a circle, red light square) comes on but still not a peep out of the hood motors. Ignition on or engine running makes no difference either.
I've found a relay in the boot which brings power straight off the battery to a rocker switch fitted to the ski slope. The two wires operating the relay must be getting power to close the relay from some safety switch somewhere, but I just can't find it.
I think it is only half the story though: if I bypass the relay and put power straight to the ski slope rocker switch then I still can't get a peep from the motors!
If anybody has a Spyder, please tell me what you do to lower the hood?

[Zennan101]

I am guessing but have you tried pressing the Brake pedal while operating the hood?

[ptjs1]

Michael,

This might be a red herring but I thought I remember reading when Lynx first converted these cars, that the operating switch was in the glovebox?

As the factory convertibles run a hood ecu which checks for Ignition, Handbrake and Park / Neutral settings before firing the rear windows and hood, then I wonder if you can trace the wires from the relay to either a control unit or similar?

Good luck

Paul

[michael669]

You are quite right - the switch was in the glovebox: in my case it was relocated to the ski slope because a mobile phone was fitted to the glovebox lid.
Tracing the wires is tricky of course without pulling the interior to pieces, hence trying various combinations of safety cutouts is preferable of course. I still think it must be something ‘simple’ if only I knew what!

[jonrome]

Hi Michael, I've just spotted your post about 5 years late.
Do you still have the Lynx?
Mine also had an interlock switch in the ski slope. There is evidence that it once had a phone. I moved the switch to replace one of the unused interior light switches on the dash.
There was no relay on mine, just cabling that was underrated causing a slow lift. I put my own (4) relay pack underneath the rear offside window to reduce the losses.
The poor thing has languished in the garage for years & I'm just getting it back on the road.
Jon