Help for 2000 Toyota Solara convertible: top goes down, won't go up
September 18, 2015 7:32 AM Subscribe
2000 Toyota Solara convertible, treated very well, the one previous owner was my mom. And of course the actual day I got this car the automatic top stopped working -- but only one way, putting it back up. (The top can still be pulled up manually but it is very heavy and I am but one small person.) Automatic top still works great putting the top down. I'm looking for resources and my Google-fu is weak.
I'm guessing it may be the switch, or a loose connection? I'm looking for any information, including forums, on what is broken and how to fix this problem if it's user-serviceable. Assume my beau knows a good deal about cars and wiring and is willing to give it a shot before we turn to the dealership. I'm also willing to throw money at it if that's the only fix: it's about to be convertible weather, and my health precludes me from pulling that top back up (it's fucking heavy and it always fucks me up). Thanks!
I'm guessing it may be the switch, or a loose connection? I'm looking for any information, including forums, on what is broken and how to fix this problem if it's user-serviceable. Assume my beau knows a good deal about cars and wiring and is willing to give it a shot before we turn to the dealership. I'm also willing to throw money at it if that's the only fix: it's about to be convertible weather, and my health precludes me from pulling that top back up (it's fucking heavy and it always fucks me up). Thanks!
Response by poster: I'll definitely check the switch when I get out of work! I haven't tried it in awhile, so I can't remember whether it makes a noise. Good question.
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:16 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:16 AM on September 18, 2015
I've had pretty good luck over the years solving problems with the help of people on message boards specific to my car's brand/model. I haven't used either of these, but they might be worth checking out: Solara Guy and Toyota Nation.
posted by primethyme at 8:59 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by primethyme at 8:59 AM on September 18, 2015
It might have to be in park to go up. This is a guess.
posted by Oyéah at 8:49 PM on September 18, 2015
posted by Oyéah at 8:49 PM on September 18, 2015
Response by poster: Trust me, it's been tried in park.
So we tried the switch and listened very closely all over the vehicle: no noise upon pressing the close button, anywhere.
Finally found the fuse diagram, so I need to check those, but it would be odd if there were more than one fuse for that, wouldn't it? It seems like it'd be the same fuse, and so if it were blown, the top wouldn't go down either.
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:22 AM on September 21, 2015
So we tried the switch and listened very closely all over the vehicle: no noise upon pressing the close button, anywhere.
Finally found the fuse diagram, so I need to check those, but it would be odd if there were more than one fuse for that, wouldn't it? It seems like it'd be the same fuse, and so if it were blown, the top wouldn't go down either.
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:22 AM on September 21, 2015
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Check the fuses. There is probably a list/diagram in the owner manual. Could also be a relay. These would correspond to "nothing happens". It's probably the same motors, just running in a different direction, so it is a little odd they would go one way but not the other.
If it makes noise but doesn't move, it could be one of the motors or something in the mechanism or latch.
There could also be a position switch/sensor somewhere in the mechanism that has gone bad.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 7:50 AM on September 18, 2015