My car has been on a trickle charger over winter and used just a few times. It turns over fine and is running as it should but the roof won’t retract.
I start the car, (in neutral with handbrake up) press the release button in the roof and flip the hook and the red light flashes on the dash but nothing else happens, the windows usually drop a couple of mm & the opening procedure starts but this hasn’t happened.
I thought it could be the battery as it has been on a trickle charger for too long?? I don’t know as I don’t have a battery meter. Maybe there’s enough power just to start the car but not take care of the roof. Has anyone experienced this issue?
Any help would be appreciated to try and sort it before a garage trip next week.
I would try a couple of things before a trip to a garage (depending on your skill level with cars. No offence meant).
I would disconnect and reconnect the battery to see if the roof resets. This will mean that you may have to reset steering parameters and maybe idle speed etc.
Follow these fitting instructions for a Smarttop (link below) but just disconnect the original PRHT module, spray the connections with electrical contact or switch cleaner, let them dry and refit the plugs.
Another thought, is your passenger carpet wet? You may be aware that many MK3’s have had water leaks and the water can affect the fuse box and wires located at the base of the door pillar on the passenger side.
When you press the button to lower the roof, does it beep? If it doesn’t, it sounds electrical.
I had the roof down in mine for the first time in about 3 months, and it was a bit stiff. First attempt just raised the deck and the roof stayed put, but pressed the button again and it all worked fine.
Maybe yours is a bit stiff after winter hibernation too, you could give it a little nudge while holding down the button to encourage it in the right direction. Don’t apply much force, just a little nudge to see if it’s seized up.