HELP: My AFT roof is stuck solid and won’t raise

[mikeonb4c]

Went to operate the AFT yesterday and the bleeper bleeped and I heard the latches unlatch, but the roof would not raise (or even show any sign of budging, though with engine off I can hear a slight buzzing as though motors could be trying – engine revs also drop a bit when switch held in, suggesting something is drawing a current).

I’ve eliminated the hand lever switch as if I let the handbrake off then the beeper doesn’t sounds and latches don’t move, but if I put the handbrake on then they do. So the switch is doing its job. Not checked fuses yet but will do shortly.

The question is, if its not the fuse, what do I do next. I’ve tried pushing the AFT up through the hatch opening while operating the switch, but no joy. It’s stuck solid. I can't do anything too strenuous as I'm still in post hernia op. recovery. I wonder if something has jammed it (though I can’t think what). It’s a Catch 22 as I can’t inside to see whilst it is jammed shut.

My roof has always worked perfectly before without any trouble. The last time I raised it I had the caravanstore mounted on the AFT (I don’t usually raise it with that on due to extra asymmetric load although it has not complained before when I have done so).

Anyone had anything like this happen and/or able to offer advice? I feel like I’m driving a top heavy tintop at present. Got until Hill of Oaks meet on 7-9 May to get it working again

PS - I'll have a search regarding other people's AFT problems but can't think of any exact matches at present.

[thedogsbollox]

LATCHES? is mine supposed to go clunk when down?
Maybe one of the latches is not releasing.
Might I suggest you employ the help of a small child to distribute their wheight on the roof where these latches are in the hope that this releases the pressure on them.
Now tell me more about these latches

[You've Been Bongod]

is your rubber around the roof free ?

have you treid to open the roof manually incase one of the motors have siezed?
thats what happened to my old bongo and it cracked the roof so i had to have a new roof not cheap either

[francophile1947]

I didn't realise there were any latches either
Is either side trying to lift Mike?(unlikely both motors have failed/seized) - don't try it too much though. I tend to agree with Carl that it sounds like the rubber seal may have stuck for some reason. I can't see why it should be beeping and drawing current if the fuse has gone
Good luck

[mikeonb4c]

is your rubber around the roof free ?

have you treid to open the roof manually incase one of the motors have siezed?
thats what happened to my old bongo and it cracked the roof so i had to have a new roof not cheap either

Hi Carl. I'm pretty sure the rubber is free, but its a good point and I'll check. I've got no idea of how to raise the roof manually though once it has stuck down - are you able to advise?

Thanks for coming back.

thedogsbollox - yes you should hear the latches go home after the roof has settling in its down position, and you should hear them unlatch before it starts to raise. They sound a little bit like quiet central locking solenoids driving home. You've got me thinking now - what happens if a solenoid fails or is overpowered I've a lsight feeling I've had one or two slight delays before the roof would agree to raise in the past. Could it be something is upsetting my solenoids (latch resistance for example). I don't even know where the latch solenoids are mind you, and I'm not likely to learn unless I can persuade them to unlatch just one more time

[You've Been Bongod]

mike there should be a fact sheet about manual raising and lowering of roof

[thedogsbollox]

Oh dear. Mine don't do that. Hope that is not why I get a draught when going fast. Wouldn't like to think what would happen if the aft lifted up a bit.

[francophile1947]

Oh dear. Mine don't do that. Hope that is not why I get a draught when going fast. Wouldn't like to think what would happen if the aft lifted up a bit.

I didn't think mine did either, so I've just been out and tried it without the engine running. I did hear a slight muffled clunk at the back when the roof came down, but nothing when it opened

[g8dhe]

There not exactly latches, but the front rollers go under the guide rail and hence can't lift up when the vehicle is travelling, they travel for about 3-5 inches at the very front section.
Someone did have this problem in the last few months and they did come back and do a quick update as to how they solved the problem. Not in a position to do a search at the moment as the 3G connection is that good ;-(

[thedogsbollox]

I see, so the mechanism that raises the roof flows under the hoops to lock it down then.

[mikeonb4c]

There not exactly latches, but the front rollers go under the guide rail and hence can't lift up when the vehicle is travelling, they travel for about 3-5 inches at the very front section.
Someone did have this problem in the last few months and they did come back and do a quick update as to how they solved the problem. Not in a position to do a search at the moment as the 3G connection is that good ;-(

Thanks Geoff + for the explanation as I've always wondered what exactly was going on. I've not had time to investigate or to do a search as I've been too busy tonight. Wil try and investigate further as soon as I get some time (ha!)

Mike

[dunslair]

Best of luck in getting it up in the morning Mike, but remember your under doctors orders!! Try a little gentle bang first, nothing too energetic. It may be al you need to do the trick.

[mikeonb4c]

Best of luck in getting it up in the morning Mike, but remember your under doctors orders!! Try a little gentle bang first, nothing too energetic. It may be al you need to do the trick.

I'm thinking it is just possible that the contents in the roof might have cuased the mechanism to strain when locking. If I can manage to pull them out through the open hatch, it might releive pressure on the locks

[dunslair]

Best of luck in getting it up in the morning Mike, but remember your under doctors orders!! Try a little gentle bang first, nothing too energetic. It may be al you need to do the trick.

I'm thinking it is just possible that the contents in the roof might have cuased the mechanism to strain when locking. If I can manage to pull them out through the open hatch, it might releive pressure on the locks

Sounds like a plan.... maybe your cat litter has expanded

[Alison01326]

Oh dear. Mine don't do that. Hope that is not why I get a draught when going fast. Wouldn't like to think what would happen if the aft lifted up a bit.

Interesting that you should say that, thought it was just my imagination