Convertible Vehicles - Convertible top switch issues

Well the top switch has mostly worn out on my Camaro vert. It would stop working in one direction or work intermittently.

I found that you can completely disassemble the switch and access the metal contacts and actually clean the carbon off the contacts which I did. The carbon buildup on the contacts leads to a high resistance condition so the circuit becomes an open circuit and Voilà, the switch is dead.

I cleaned the switch a couple of times and the problem returned quickly. Simply put the switch cant handle the electrical demand going through when you factor in the age of the switch and that the top does not go up and down as easily as it did in its younger years.

Newsflash, F-body windows motors suck due to similar issues with the switches and the double relay mod does wonders. I relay modded both of my windows years ago and the windows work great. So I got to thinking, why not relay mod the convertible top switch?

Mod is now complete and the top works much better due to the fraction of electrical current going through the vert top switch compared to before. This should help ensure that switch stays clean and last much longer and also allow the relays to handle the greater electrical current.

Wanted to pass this along.

Great idea, could you please post wiring diagram. It's a bit of a funny circuit because the position of the switch determines the polarity of the current running through the motor. Did you use two 5 pin relays?

Great idea, could you please post wiring diagram. It's a bit of a funny circuit because the position of the switch determines the polarity of the current running through the motor. Did you use two 5 pin relays?

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/penesaar/html%20pics/PWindow_wiring800.jpg

I have a ground wire problem. Radio has a mind of its own- lol and it is when the lights from radio aren't on I dont have power to anything electric. My top is down and partial window. I have to fix this. Can anyone help?

Go manual top route. I will never go back to pushing buttons. Its a whole lot faster and saves weight. lol

Go manual top route. I will never go back to pushing buttons. Its a whole lot faster and saves weight. lol

True, it's a realistic option. I removed the hydraulics a couple of years ago, and the top raises and lowers manually very easily.

I recently put it all back in, however. Simply because you can decide to put the top down at a red light.

True, it's a realistic option. I removed the hydraulics a couple of years ago, and the top raises and lowers manually very easily.

I recently put it all back in, however. Simply because you can decide to put the top down at a red light.

You can put the top down from a seated position in the car. Just push it back. I do it all the time. No issues. Up however is a whole other story. Gotta get out for that one. :cheers:

Go manual top route. I will never go back to pushing buttons. Its a whole lot faster and saves weight. lol

Mmmmm.....no.
I can allocate the 10 seconds of my time to having it working as intended and I am not concerned with wait savings. Mod is still working flawless and I expect it to going forward.