73446

Folks: The longer I read posts on this site, the more I think it should be required to have an "S.C.D.(Doctor of Sport Coupes) to own or operate a SC 430!!

73446

I've just assumed that its a bad idea to raise and lower the top with the engine off because of battery wear and tear. What do you folks think?

Mike

ps--I'm really impressed with this forum...others I've tried on other topics were disappointing because many seemed to assume that this was their primary venue for making others feel like asses. Thanks to everyone!

tfischer

Operating the top with the engine off is discouraged not because of the load placed on the battery but because of the problems that would arise should the battery run out of juice during the process. Should that happen the car would not re-start, which would be bad enough. After a jump or a re-charge, of course, the battery would be just fine again, but the computers that control the top and that keep track of where all the moving parts are and which coordinate their movements could very well lose track of things. In such a case, the top would not open or close, as the case may be, and could even be frozen in between, in which case driving the car might be a problem. There is a process to manually close the top, but it is a pretty big undertaking, recommended for two or more.
The risk of any of these unpleasant things might be small, but you really never know the state of charge of the battery, and the solution - always have the engine running when operating the top - involves no risk, virtually no expense and hardly any inconvenience. In almost 12 years I have never operated the top with the engine running and have never had an inclination to do so. Even when I park the top half way to clean the inside of the rear window I leave the engine running the whole time.
Generally I think it's a bad idea because you might get into a giant problem which would be expensive and inconvenient to get out of.
Life is too short for that kind of stuff.

JPBJR

Thanks for that information about keeping the engine running. I did not know that and will follow your excellent advice.

tfischer

I did not know it either when I bought the car, but it's pretty easy to figure out.
No epiphanal moment required.

kennylexsc

thanks Habious, I saved it , maybe i don't have to use it, but very helpful

Solman

Funny, I haven't held down that button since I installed luxlink five years ago. Also, the comment about not using remote start I disagree with. I always use it when I'm going to drive off with top down-saves the battery, not to mention the looks and comments you get from bystanders who watch as your top does its thing before you even get to your SC. Probably not your thing if you don't like attention. Lol

mrblister

I read in the manual that they suggest the motor be running when operating the top.

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

pick up the luxlink alarm all your problems will be solved

jszachar

Hiya there, tfischer. Would you please tell what WLG stands for. Thanks

oneround

White Lithium Grease

jszachar

Many thanks, guys.

jimisbell

I always have to back the car out before lowering top or I pull into a parking place before operating it so the engine is always running. Cant think of a time that I would want to operate the top when the engine was not running?
But more importantly, I would NEVER want a device that let me put up the top or put it down without holding the button for 27 seconds.
That is a safety feature that was intended to be that way!!!!!! What happens when your child puts their hand where it doesnt belong and you have turned around to another task! With your hand on the button, stooping the action is instantaneous! If you value your and your guests safety, DO NOT USE A DEVICE that bypasses a safety feature!!!! To me, that would be a nuckle head action.

NZBruce

Thanks for the pdf , great to have it in the car