convertible question

[Lt. Dan]

Hey guys, have a friend with an '09 convertible. When it rains, the there is a switch or sensor getting wet, and it won't let him put the top down. Suggestions?

[TGGRRR (Ali)]

Hey guys, have a friend with an '09 convertible. When it rains, the there is a switch or sensor getting wet, and it won't let him put the top down. Suggestions?

 

That's some sort of magical second gen thing, Tigger doesn't care when I take the top down.

 

Maybe Sherri knows

[isherri]

I haven't ever tried to put the top down when it was raining. I've been caught in the rain and had to put it up but I didn't have any problems then. The only time it didn't work I ended up having the entire thing replaced and they said they thought it was too cold. I'm not sure they were correct since it was a balmy 45 degrees that day and I've had it down when it was as cold as 36!

[mikev]

If auto wipers are present, it's possible that the rain sensor might be preventing putting the top down since it senses rain.

[TGGRRR (Ali)]

Kind of curious, WHY does he want the top down in the rain?

 

I've done it briefly to load something in that won't fit through the doors but that's it

[GreenCactus]

I'm procrastinating at work, so I looked up the '09 Owners Manual. (http://www.motoringfile.com/files/2009_MINI_Convertible.pdf)

 

There is no mention of any kind of rain sensor for the top, even if they have the rain sensor on the windshield.

 

Maybe the car just didn't want to get wet?

[Lt. Dan]

I probably didn't word that properly. AFTER the car has gotten wet (let's say, a car wash). The top will not operate. Possibly a microswitch somewhere shorting out?

[TGGRRR (Ali)]

I probably didn't word that properly. AFTER the car has gotten wet (let's say, a car wash). The top will not operate. Possibly a microswitch somewhere shorting out?

 

ohhh, that does sound like a short.

 

There are controls for the top up near the rear view mirror, I wonder if water is getting in and shorting out the switch.