Convertible Top: Description and Operation
Convertible TopThe 911 Carrera/S Cabriolet will be equipped with the updated and optimized, fully-automatic convertible top of the previous 911 Carrera (996) model with a lightweight design structure. The efficient zigzag folding of the convertible top is characterized not only by a space saving installation space height, but also by a material protecting convertible top storage when opened. A special highlight is the attractive look of the convertible top when stowed and blends perfectly with the body lines.
The centrally located electric central locking element with a new mechanism as well as additional alignment pins on either side ensure an optimum form fit between the windshield frame and the convertible top at three points. The opening and closing motion is extremely fluid since the convertible top is stowed using a steady backward motion and does not extend too far beyond the vehicle contours when viewed from the side.
The convertible top compartment cover contributes to the overall impression of fluidity of motion. It opens and closes at the same time as the convertible top and also protects the opened convertible top. The timing of both movements is controlled electrically. This is made possible by a special control unit as well as by the arrangement and guidance of the convertible top compartment cover, which, instead of folding upwards, moves backwards parallel to the direction of movement and so exposes the convertible top storage compartment.
Through both overlapping movements, there is a beneficial side effect: the convertible top can be opened and closed in only 20 seconds, including window actuation. Like the previous model, the electric operating system for the convertible top can be used at vehicle speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). If this is done, the closing duration can increase up to approx. 26 seconds because of the increased drag and therefore kinetic resistance. The simple and easy operation of the convertible top while driving allows for many opportunities to drive with the convertible top down.
NOTE: It is possible to open and close the convertible top while driving up to approx. 30 mph (50 km/h) by activating and holding down the rocker switch. If the driving speed exceeds 30 mph (50 km/h) while this is done, the opening and closing process will stop until the driving speed drops below this cut-off value. Exceeding this speed is signalled by a warning message ("Convertible top not in final position") in the instrument cluster.
What's new compared with the previous version is the opening and closing button for the convertible top, which is now located in the center console next to the parking brake lever.
Convertible Top Operation
The fully automatic design of the convertible top makes its use very convenient for the user. To open it, only the rocker switch (now next to the parking-brake lever) must be actuated and held down. The locking mechanism is also fully automatic. With the vehicle stationary, the ignition must be switched on to be able to activate the convertible top electronics; ideally, the engine should be running.
Convertible Top Control
The convertible top is controlled by the convertible top control unit located similar to before on the subframe of the roll-over protection.
The following components are involved:
Control Units
- PAS (Porsche Access System)
- Rear end
- Gateway
- Convertible top
- Driver's door
- Passenger's door
Sensors
- Rocker switch for opening and closing the convertible top
- Antenna from PAS control unit
- Microswitch on rear lid (for query of convertible top compartment lid locked)
- Latching lever microswitch for convertible top
- Microswitch for convertible-top lock locked
- Microswitch for convertible-top lock unlocked
- Microswitch for convertible-top lock raised
- Microswitch rear side flap "upper right"
- Microswitch rear side flap "lower right"
- Microswitch rear side flap "upper left"
- Microswitch rear side flap "lower left"
- Microswitch for convertible-top compartment cover locked
- Potentiometer of convertible top compartment cover (for query of convertible top compartment cover position)
- Potentiometer of convertible top (for query of convertible top position)
Actuators
- Driving mechanism catch
- Driving mechanism for convertible top
- Convertible-top compartment cover drive
- Left rear side flap driving mechanism
- Right rear side flap driving mechanism
- Left rear window
- Right rear window
The convertible top control unit includes the following functions:
Convertible Top Control
- Activation of driving mechanism catch, driving mechanism for convertible top, convertible-top compartment lid drive, rear side flap driving mechanism
- Reading in the microswitch for driving mechanism catch, driving mechanism for convertible top, convertible-top compartment cover drive, rear side flap driving mechanism
- Reading in the position of the convertible top and the convertible top compartment cover via potentiometer
Activation of the front power windows via CAN
- Lowering or lifting the front power windows before or after convertible top activation
Activating the rear power windows
- Lowering or lifting the rear power windows before or after convertible top activation or via control switch
Activating the warning and display texts in the instrument cluster via CAN
- System fault, convertible top
- Closing rear cover
- Convertible top is being opened
- Convertible top is being closed
- Convertible top not in its end position
The convertible top controller can be diagnosed.