- faulty hydraulic pump motor
- Load Divider Broken
- flaws in the frame position sensor
- Rear screen’s connection to cloth has broken
- leaks of water
- degraded fabric with mold stains
- Fluid leaks
For repairs to the Audi A4 cabriolet, we typically have the components in store, allowing for same-day service. The identification of the problem and the necessary repair, which normally takes an hour and can be done while you wait, is crucial.
This blog will go through common issues and how owners can respond to often asked inquiries about their Audi A4 Convertible.
The roof system on your cabriolet should be maintained and serviced annually to make sure it is free flowing and well greased and to prevent unnecessary stress on the mechanical parts.
Check the car for any signs of water entering the cabin or trunk because a cabriolet’s roof mechanism can become damaged by prolonged contact with wet, moist carpets or upholstery.
In This Article...
How to open the convertible top on an Audi A4/S4/RS4 Roof System
The fabric roof of the Audi A4 is stowed in the storage compartment behind the tonneau cover when the roof system is opened, and it opens and closes with the push of a button.
- Make sure the ignition is turned on; to prevent battery depletion, we advise using the convertible roof while the engine is running.
- To fully retract the roof, pull and hold the roof button switch on the center console.
- When the fabric folding roof is entirely and safely retracted, the warning bulb signal goes off.
- The process of opening the cabriolet roof will halt if you flip the switch open.
- Half of the electric windows will be lowered.
- Windscreen and convertible roof frame separation
- The folding roof can be tucked away into its compartment thanks to the tonneau cover’s ability to unlock and open.
- The retractable fabric roof opens.
- The tonneau cover lid lowers onto the space and snaps shut.
- then, electric windows rise
The roof button switch should be depressed and kept in place until the soft top locks firmly in place and the warning lamp indicator shuts off in order to close the roof system. We advise doing this with the engine running.
How to perform a reset on the Audi A4/S4/RS4 Cabriolet
The Audi A4 Cabriolet doesn’t have a reset method. In the event of malfunction, the fabric folding roof may be manually closed, which is a comforting feature should the convertible roof become trapped in the open position.
To get your hood working again, you must identify the problem that led to this roof failure and diagnose the proper fix.
A convertible roof system is made up of a number of interconnected parts, including sensors, wiring, motors, a pump, and locks that interact with one another to allow the driver to operate the roof system with the push of a button.
Mechanical parts may fail as a result of roof component failure brought on by wear and tear or, in rare cases, water damage. In order to prevent problems with the cabriolet’s electrical system and roof system, it is crucial to handle any unwelcome features of water or condensation.
Why does my movable roof sometimes get stuck?
If you get into your car one day and press the convertible switch in the console but the roof doesn’t go down, don’t be shocked. It has numerous causes and is a widespread issue. Of course, you could always try flicking the switch a couple of times to see if it helps. If you’re fortunate enough, it might just solve the issue, albeit frequently just momentarily. However, if the problem hasn’t gone away after a few tests of the swap, a bigger problem probably exists.
Remember that understanding how convertible tops function is the key to identifying the issue. The good news is that the logic underlying the functionality of all hydraulic convertible top systems is the same. The precise make and model of your car is much less important once you understand it.
Most convertible tops operate in a same manner. Let’s examine the convertible rooftop issues that come up the most often before going over the system in more depth.
- If a convertible top simply won’t go up or down when the switch is activated, a blown fuse, lift cylinder, or relay could be to blame.
- The most common reasons for a convertible top to become stuck during operation are a lift cylinder or a broken cable.
- Another frequent issue is an extremely slow-moving convertible top, which is often brought on by a faulty lift cylinder.
- Check the electric motor that controls the soft-top or hard-top roof if the previously identified problems don’t appear to be the cause.
- Ironically, there are situations when a faulty switch is the only problem.
Is the convertible Audi A4 a reliable vehicle?
The A4 is one of the quietest convertibles on the market, with little any engine, wind, or road noise (with the roof up). For passengers, the front has adequate room, while the back should be suitable for everyone but the very tall.
How much does a convertible top motor repair cost?
The majority of the time, you will need to replace your convertible top and convertible roof motor at the same time. You should expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the average convertible roof motor and between $100 and $200 for labor.
- BMW Z4 Convertible Top Motor by WayJun $160
- $200 for ACP 94-04 for Ford Mustang
- 145 dollars Cheriezeng Convertible Top Hydraulic Roof Pump
- $350.00 Audi S4 Convertible Top Motor
- Hydraulic Motor for Corvette Convertible Top: $800
The most expensive component of replacing a convertible top is typically the motor. Some convertible cars can retract the top without a motor.
What is the cost to repair a convertible top?
The brand and type of your car determine a lot of the cost of replacing a convertible top. However, the costs often consist of the following:
- one substitute top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)
- a windshield sealant strip (for those who own a vehicle with glass windows with rubber trim)
- silicone aerosol
Many DIY kits frequently do not include a new curtain window and backlight, so if you intend to complete the project yourself, be sure to buy these separately.
How do I reset the convertible top on my E46?
Greetings on your brand-new BMW E46! You may reset your convertible top if you’re having problems by following these steps:
- Put a finger on the emergency lock button. This is typically located between your back seats.
- Grab your convertible top from the frame’s side and top. Fold the top down after raising it up and forward.
- The central cover panel of the frame should be removed.
- Turn the control panel clockwise with an Allen wrench inserted into the panel until the frame latches into the windshield.
- Snap the cover panel shut. You should have a sealed convertible top.
While this should reset your convertible top, you should still go to a BMW dealership or service facility if you’re still having problems. They can assist with fixing any broken parts or adjusting the convertible top.
You can drive in comfort and style once you’ve found a solution for your problematic convertible top. To learn how much you can save on your auto insurance before you get back on the road, download the Jerry app.
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When did they discontinue producing convertible Audi A4 models?
In 2008, Audi stopped making the A4 Cabriolet. A variation of the A5, which is currently in its second generation, without a top took the place of the previous model. According to a German media publication, the soft-top A4 could make an unexpected comeback.
As a last-ditch effort to revitalize the convertible market, the A4 Cabriolet will make a comeback. According to the German publication Auto Bild, the vehicle will all at once replace the TT Roadster, the A3 Cabriolet, and even the aforementioned A5 Cabriolet. Audi shouldn’t produce three convertible cars that all remain in the same price range due to declining sales across the board.
A4 Cabriolet is reportedly going to ride on the smaller MQB platform rather than the larger MLB architecture, which is interesting. Audi will be able to save costs on production and development, which will result in the A4 being roughly 10,000 euros less expensive than competitors like the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
What will power the model is unknown. The MQB platform is adaptable to many types of electrification, thus the reborn A4 Cabriolet might offer a 48-volt system or a plug-in hybrid engine at launch or later in its production cycle, according to Auto Bild.
The rumor has not been addressed by Audi. Given that the A5 Cabriolet is still a relatively new vehicle that won’t give way to a replacement for several more years, we’re treating the report with a Q7-sized grain of salt.
What should I look for in a used Audi A4 saloon?
The 2.0-liter diesel versions have a tendency to burn oil over time, and some owners depend solely on the oil warning light without checking the level. This is risky and can permanently harm the engine. Check the dipstick to see if the oil is low after consulting the service manual to see when it was last changed.
Can you fix a soft top?
Do you want to learn how to fix a convertible top without sewing? Look nowhere else. With just five simple steps, the Aquaseal FD Soft Top Repair Kit can fix any hole, tear, or rip in a soft top or convertible top and get you back on the road.
Step 1: Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the repair area of any dirt or body oils that could hinder the bonding of the convertible top.
Step 3: Cover the damaged area with a piece of Tenacious Tape (included in the Soft Top Repair Kit). At least one inch should be added to the repair tape beyond the rip, tear, or hole. Round the edges while cutting your Tenacious Tape patch. Make sure the edges of the patch lay flat and smooth out any bubbles before applying it to the convertible top.
Step 4: Adhere the other side of the repair with the Aquaseal FD adhesive that is included of the kit. Over the damage, apply a thin layer of paint that extends at least 1/2″ in all directions from the rip, tear, or hole.
Step 5: Cover the adhesive with a second piece of Tenacious Tape that extends at least one inch past the region that is damaged. Give the repair 24 hours to cure.
Can a convertible top be restitched?
Your convertible top can be fixed with a few hours of work, potentially saving you a lot of money and extending the life of your car.
How long is the lifespan of a convertible top?
4. Rinse everything off completely right once after cleaning because any cleansers left on top could damage the color.
5. Never use an automatic car wash with a convertible!
6. Never use paper towels or Windex when caring for plastic convertible windows. The ideal solution is chilly water and a nice microfiber cloth. Household glass cleaners will damage the window, making it splotchy and foggable.
7. Only use a very soft bristles brush on extremely filthy areas when caring for fabric convertible tops. After washing, softly rub and lightly brush.
8. Never use a brush or paper towels to clean a vinyl convertible top; instead, use a soft microfiber cloth.
9. Additional spray-on protectants are not required with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Usage in general and trouble spots:
1. The typical lifespan of a convertible top is 5-7 years when properly maintained.
2. In the event that it is below 60 degrees, a convertible top should never be lowered.
3. Never spend the night with a convertible top down.
4. Never leave the top down while storing a convertible for an extended period of time.
5. Clear the top deck area of all things before lowering your convertible top. Any materials left behind have the potential to break a glass window and scratch or puncture a plastic pane. These things can also harm the components of the frame if applied with significant force.
6. Most manufacturers advise waiting 7 to 10 days after installing a new convertible top, or until the temperature reaches 60 degrees, before lowering the top.
7. If you’re thinking about replacing your convertible top, don’t try to “assist” your upholsterer by taking the top off yourself. Removal and installation have a process that should be handled by an expert.
8. Do not push the convertible top to close if you are experiencing issues with the engine; instead, seek professional assistance. Not all upholstery shops can fix frame and motor problems, but Dark Dog Customs can. Visit a trustworthy mechanic if your neighborhood convertible top expert does not handle frame or motor problems.
What is the turnaround time for convertible top repairs?
Although it is not very difficult, replacing a convertible top is not simple either. Without taking into account the potential necessity for the restoration or maintenance of the top frame, it takes a professional 7-8 hours to install and position a top properly.
With a few pointers, the appropriate equipment, and clear directions, we believe you can complete this task on your own. With a few friends, you should be able to build a top at home in a weekend. We went to Gary Lette of Redline Auto Sports in Wilson, Oklahoma with our project ’71 Buick GS convertible to get the insider tips, so he could help us and make sure it looked beautiful.
Any high-quality project should start with an evaluation of the components required. Rear windows on certain cars were originally vinyl (referred to as rear curtains in upholstery shops), while others with glass windows frequently had vinyl replacements installed after the glass cracked. Glass is superior yet more delicate. Over time, plastic has a propensity to turn yellow. Ask the employees at a restoration store like Year One, where you are purchasing your parts, to suggest the appropriate design and material. We ultimately used the glass replacement back window for ’68’72 GM A-bodies that was included with the top. The glass is zipped in if your A-body is a 19641967 model; it is sewed in if it is a 19681972 model. We purchased a top-pad kit to prevent the top from being snagged in the folding mechanism in addition to our replacement top.
Almost all convertible tops are placed in a similar way. Tack strips are used to affix the top to the frame. The tack strip will either be vinyl rubber (vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s) or pressed cardboard, depending on the age of the vehicle (modern convertibles). Vinyl rubber is a superior alternative since cardboard retains water and the top frame is made of metal. As a result, our 1971 Buick GS’s rear bow had multiple areas of severe corrosion. Our item was still salvageable, but it was very near to needing to be replaced. Be ready because it can take hours to remove the old cardboard and is quite difficult.
Over the years, the water trough and well liner take a lot of abuse, especially when the top is leaky. The little tabs on the water trough’s flimsy plastic construction are readily damaged. The troughs are completely absent from the majority of vintage convertibles. The majority of aftermarket models are composed of fiberglass and have sturdy metal mounting tabs. Your trunk’s well liner is its final line of defense against moisture. This plastic barrier, which divides the trunk from the interior of the car, frequently holds water for days following a storm. The substance gradually degrades when exposed to moisture and the sun’s damaging UV radiation. The aft glass in the lower bow must typically be removed in order to replace this liner.
If your top is powered, it’s probably time to service the cylinders and pump. There may be a leaky cylinder if there is a film of hydraulic fluid behind the back seat. As older cylinders were sealed with a straightforward felt disc, an O-ring will occasionally solve the issue. Our only alternative was to replace the cylinder because one of them had a bent rod. They are not cheap at $125 each, but the ability to flip a switch is convenient. Most of the time, the pumps are rebuildable. At your neighborhood hydraulic supply or electrical motor rebuild shop, kits need to be accessible for the majority of pumps.
You might as well replace the weatherstripping as it must be removed in order to complete the installation of the top. Using a high-quality kit, like the one we selected from SoffSeal, is crucial in this situation. The entire kit from SoffSeal fits as well as or better than the original and should last as long as the new top, in contrast to inexpensive kits that don’t have pre-drilled holes and OE-type materials.
An air compressor, a high-quality stapler, and we recommend professional-grade glue from any upholstery supply store, sprayed from a cheap priming gun with a big fluid tip, are the main instruments required to finish the installation.
These are the essential components as well as some of the tools you will require. When you are finished, the top should be snug enough that there is no sagging, but not too snug so that the staples will come out or tear. Working with the windshield latches unconnected and the frame lifted by about a foot from the windshield is one tip for getting the top snug. The vinyl will be drawn tightly once the work is completed and the frame is lowered to the windshield and latches. We’ve discovered that even experienced upholsterers must remove and restaple a top several times before they achieve the desired result. This is just a necessary step in the procedure, so don’t anticipate success the first time. Never give up.