Convertible rectangular hatch opening

[ian.inglis919]

On my 2009 XK convertible, whilst the opening and closing of the hood are operating correctly, after my latest short trip the rectangular shaped hatch that is pulled open to take the parts of the hood as it folds backwards remains open, (as there is a cable which has come adrift/parted).

Hope the pics (including the OK hatch on the passenger side ) help on what I am trying to describe.

Is this a known occurrence and can I hope to have it easily rectified?

Thanks & Regards
Ian I.

[mike020150]

This isn't a common failure. In fact, it's the first time anyone has mentioned it here online. At a guess, most of the cost of repairing it is likely to be associated with the labour removing the interior trim for access to the failed component. Mike.

[ian.inglis919]

Thanks Mike.

As far as I can see there is not actually a broken or missing component. Rather the wire that is connected to the spring/pump that activates the rear trim moving plate has come adrift from the wheel on the part of the hinge that it is looped onto. I can see the crimp that allows the end to form a simple loop (some deft videoing of the operating passenger side allowing me to see what actually is going on!).
Ironically the best access is right there at the open rectangular hatch (rather than coming from underneath say).
Therefore I believe re-making a loop on the wire/cord I might manage. But I wonder if the trim plate itself has had its "lugs" dislodged out of its tracks? Anyone able to say if the trim plate should move easily when not held by the wire/cord?

Finally, to re-loop the wire/cord onto the moving hinge piece I think I would have to "freeze" the closing of the top at an optimum position to allow to do this. Grateful if anyone has general advice on stopping the opening/closing by releasing the button...., (something I have avoided in all my short time of ownership). I appreciate the battery must be fully charged for all this sort of operation.

Thanks & Regards
Ian I.

[JimMann]

Hi Ian,

Freezing the operation of the hood by releasing the button is not recommended, but can be done in emergency. However, a better way forward is possibly to lower the hood fully, as normal, and then manually lift the tonneau lid by hand. To do this, there are instructions in the handbook, but if I remember correctly, there is a missing piece of the manual operation, i.e. inside the boot, there is a plastic vent on the rear quarter, left and right. Behind the vent on the driver's side should be a pull wire, which manually releases the lock to allow you to lift the tonneau cover up and then support it with an appropriate chock (piece of wood). With that raised up you might just give yourself the additional access you need to confirm the issue / solution.

Never move the convertible top from open to close or close to open on battery power alone, ALWAYS have the engine running and hold the roof console button until it beeps, signifying that the operation is complete. If / when undertaking any manual maintenance on the convertible top, always do so with the ignition ON. If you have moved any aspect of the operation sequence manually, then the module memory may be lost and in this case it is necessary to place the convertible top into a safe start position and that is fully down, i.e. everything in the situation it would be at the point to hood lowering operation is deemed complete and then press the button to raise the convertible top from the fully stowed / open position.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[ian.inglis919]

Thanks very much Jim.

If I proceed I realise I need to go with caution. I was hoping to avoid ANY hood intervention, (although, rather counter intuitively, I notice that the sliding flap is regarded under Ch501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentaion in the 4,000page+ Workshop Manual rather than under the extensive (80pp+) Ch501-18: Convertible Top).

For opening and closing the top, my car handbook does say "ensure the ignition is on" rather than 'ensure the engine is running'. I'm sure however your insistence on the latter is the best advice.
The handbook does also give a three page instruction on manual closure. I'm a bit wary to try it (for the first time) and then have an unfortunate problem, so I'll leave it for a day or so I think!

Ian