Hello
I have a problem with my 2010 Mk3.5 rectractable roof - i found a sudden failure to complete the closure cycle - it was looking ok, there was no problem latching the front roof lock but the bleep on completion nver happened and the relevant button remained lit. The final outcome car incapable of being driven without constant warning bleeps.
On closer inspection the tonneau cover was found not to be aligned with the driver side not lifting as high when engaging the open cycle. (only up to the point of the lift of the tonneau). It would appear there is excessive play in the driver side mech. Currently i cannot be sure what the root cause is but i suspect maybe the engagement between the drive motor and lift gear could be the problem. i serious am considering the complete replacement of the driver side motor assembly.
Could any of the wonderful club members advise on this in anyway or offer any guidance.
I am pretty concerned of how the sensors are also effected and my knees are knocking at what the end game will involve. I have an underlying deep fear that i could be pushed to the webuyanycar direction (last resort) I would be more that utterly devasted if i had to do this.
I have been a club member since 2019 - i wondered if any of the club mags would give any relevant information - i have so many and Im in a panic to at least get a bit of reassurance!
Thank you in advance for any info anyone can supply
Thanks Doyve
Are the Chrome-dome hex bolts done up tight? Lots of posts on this.
They can work loose if fitted without a touch of Medium Loctite, as was the case with my new to me 25AE after only 12,000 miles.
Sounds to me like something may have worked loose rather than a motor/gear failure. Assuming you haven’t left anything in the void where the roof retracts (as in my case literally). There are also a number of different shaped shims in the mechanism which are a bit of a black art to arrange. Main dealers are utterly hopeless in this area in my experience. There is a folding roof specialist in the south of England somewhere, I would need to look it up. Whereabout, roughly in the UK are you based?
My experience here: MK 3 hard folding roof - exploded diagram?
Workshop manual here in post 7
Also look at
I’ll PM you the article in post 1.
The roof specialist @mxomatosis mentions is
These roofs aren’t difficult to take apart and don’t need much by way of tools (socket set, spanners and hex keys). Obviously a garage or something to cover the car should it rain would be useful 
Thanks for the reply its greatly appreciated also to the others Ive received. It is reassuring to know this club is so supportive!
Ive just had an diagnosis done with one of those plug in things - the fault came up that the motor was shorting out. On inspection it appears likely due to worn gears on the drive spindle.
I’ve just ordered a replacement motor assembly which i hope shouldnt be too difficult install.
I cant see what may have caused this but I suspect that your comments about loose parts may have played a part. Therefore will check all components on both sides when we carry out the transplant operation. Would you know if any particular lubricant should be applied to the mechs when we carry this out?
I will feed back how I get on!
Thanks again!
This is what I use.