[tolmar1]

Hi everyone,

I am new to Alfa’s and having just purchased a 1999 registered Spider 2.0ltr Twin Spark, without an owner’s manual I am struggling to understand the correct method and switching sequence to open the roof and would appreciate any guidance anyone could offer?

The Spider has two switches located behind the driver’s seat and one in the centre console, all have a vague and worn image of the roof but most of the images have worn away, very difficult to make out what any of these mean?

Any help would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks

Mark
:read:

 

[Dralf1965]

Seems like you have the full electric operated roof. The two switches behind the seat are get you out of trouble switches for ewhen the automatic system inevetably fails. If you hood is working ok, have engine running and handbrake on, release the two levers above the sun visors,press the upper part of the centre console switch and keep pressed. The windows will go down slightly. The pins holding the rear part of the hood will be released accompanied by a electric motor whirring sound, the rear part of hood will fold upwards, next the motor in the rear cubby hole will release the plastic clamshell, opening it fully, then the hood will start to lower into the space under the plastic clamshell, the clamshell will then lower back, and the catches will clamp the clamshell back down. Putting hood up is done by pressing rocker switch the other way, when the rear part of hood has been pulled down onto the clamshell, the system will clunk as hydraulic pressure is released, take finger off button, clamp front of hood to top of widscreen frame using levers, press button again and windows will go back up. If this doesnt work like this, you have one of any one of a number of problems. This forum is your best bet. The buttons behind the seat, one of them unwins/winds the rear part of hood to clamshell, the other releases/fixes clamps for clamshell. You have to turn off ignition to release hydraulic pressure to be able to fold hood up or down, put ignition back on to use buttons. There you are, simple.

 

[CGTVs]

Don't forget to remove the boat first!:teacher:

Clive

 

[tolmar1]

Seems like you have the full electric operated roof. The two switches behind the seat are get you out of trouble switches for ewhen the automatic system inevetably fails. If you hood is working ok, have engine running and handbrake on, release the two levers above the sun visors,press the upper part of the centre console switch and keep pressed. The windows will go down slightly. The pins holding the rear part of the hood will be released accompanied by a electric motor whirring sound, the rear part of hood will fold upwards, next the motor in the rear cubby hole will release the plastic clamshell, opening it fully, then the hood will start to lower into the space under the plastic clamshell, the clamshell will then lower back, and the catches will clamp the clamshell back down. Putting hood up is done by pressing rocker switch the other way, when the rear part of hood has been pulled down onto the clamshell, the system will clunk as hydraulic pressure is released, take finger off button, clamp front of hood to top of widscreen frame using levers, press button again and windows will go back up. If this doesnt work like this, you have one of any one of a number of problems. This forum is your best bet. The buttons behind the seat, one of them unwins/winds the rear part of hood to clamshell, the other releases/fixes clamps for clamshell. You have to turn off ignition to release hydraulic pressure to be able to fold hood up or down, put ignition back on to use buttons. There you are, simple.

Hi Dralf1965,

Thank you for your help and guidance, very, very clear. Seems like you are correct in that the electric roof has inevitably failed! Have attempted to use the centre console switch and nothing happens. Interestingly did not know that the motor use hydraulic pressure to operate, this may explain the large amount of oil residue in the aperture behind the seat next to the battery, are these prone to leakage?

Thanks again

Mark

 

[tolmar1]

Don't forget to remove the boat first!:teacher:

Clive

Hi Clive,

It was like a boat when I brought it; full of water! Sounds like I need a new roof motor.

Cheers

Mark

 

[Dralf1965]

I believe the rams can develop leaks too.

 

[Rich_wookey]

I believe the rams can develop leaks too.

And the hydraulic pipes if badly fitted with kinks or rub on bodywork

 

[CGTVs]

Don't forget to remove the boat first!:teacher:

Clive

Hi Clive,

It was like a boat when I brought it; full of water! Sounds like I need a new roof motor.

Cheers

Mark

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-gtv-andamp-916-spider/984754-boat-on-spider-roof.html

Clive