The two smaller, lighter, less torquey motors for the rear deck panel are in the boot at either side and whilst not quite an easy job to replace I presume, they are accessible from within the boot once the four plastic trim panels and the fuel filler protection panel are removed. The main roof motors are behind the seats, behind the trim panels and it’s roof off to actually replace them from what I understand. That’s where some of the cost is, here. Good call regarding a faulty switch not stopping a motor and cooking it that sounds feasible and would explain the failure of one component damaging another one.
What the heck is a hall sensor
I’ve also read that the two motors work in unison so no twisting of the roof when raising or lowering, hence one side goes bad, no roof action at all which us what I experienced. Although that could just have been the faulty micro switch not sending a signal to the motors maybe? Sniff test on motor should be easy enough, my olfactory senses should detect that
Keep it coming guys, although I’m the test bed here, Guinea pig, whatever, I’m actually enjoying reading other folks’ contributions too it may just help someone’s else with these problems. If I get a copy of the report, I will post it up so we all know at least what it looks like. Mellens.net has a list of the various fault codes once read, along with the Mazda technical training thing linked to earlier in this thread. I’ll also be able to give an up to date price on a motor and how the labour breaks down.
“ What the heck is a hall sensor “
A hall sensor generates pulses to tell the control unit the motor is turning, how fast, and how far.
They are often used to replace the contact breakers in old style distributors.
UPDATE! Just had a call from Mazda, car’s all back together and working as intended. They’ve got my parts for me and the diagnostics report too! They’re just busy giving it a quick valet ( worst weather so far this year ) so I can pick up anytime after 14.30 pm, today. Don’t want to get too excited, TBH, I’ll just be glad to get it back, fixed. Will try and have a word with the service manager when I get there.
I agree with the earlier suggestion by Bally that once you have the parts and diagnostic report mention that you will be getting it tested as it’s possible that the fault was only the micro switch. I would go one step further and follow this up with a letter (hand delivered or recorded delivery) confirming your view and test intentions. This way they have a record of your planned actions which may help if you have to go back to them. I’m sure you will be glad to get it back although not a roof down afternoon!
I agree with the earlier suggestion by Bally that once you have the parts and diagnostic report mention that you will be getting it tested as it’s possible that the fault was only the micro switch. I would go one step further and follow this up with a letter (hand delivered or recorded delivery) confirming your view and test intentions. This way they have a record of your planned actions which may help if you have to go back to them. I’m sure you will be glad to get it back although not a roof down afternoon!
thanks andrew , thats why i suggested this …
What does it mean to pay under protest?
Under protest is a term commonly used to refer to a payment made subject to a dispute. The payor typically makes the payment with notice to the payee that the payment is being made under protest, thereby reserving the right to object to the obligation later.
I work doing warranties etc in the motor industry and the amount of times people have said they will pursue things like this and to find someone to test and do reports that will scare factore/dealers etc into giving refunds is very rare, it will just be handed to solicitors and the end user just bows out.
Sorry bite the bullet but see if when you pick it up they will offer some more discount for messing you around but other than that forget it and enjoy the approaching good weather and stay clear of that dealer in the future
Back from dealership OK, went in to reception, car was waiting for me and invoice prepared with attached diagnostic report, my complimentary vehicle health check report too! I asked to see service manager, no problem, we went to the car and chatted, the old parts were in the delivery box that the new stuff came in. He didn’t know why the diagnostics hadn’t picked up on the microswitch, only the motor? Anyway, all good now and working nicely I guess that’s the main thing. He admitted that they’ve had a few switches go but never a motor ( at his dealership) not to say it hasn’t happened somewhere else. Bill paid, I was on my way home. Report says roof position error, Also, motor open circuit or short to ground. Sniff test tells me nothing no burnt smell or whatever. My very, very limited knowledge got a reading out of one of the switches on my multimeter but nothing from the other one. Leading me to believe that one of them was indeed faulty. I also, didn’t realise that both limit switches are on one harness and plug? Still not £170 worth though
Thats the paperwor, here’s the parts,
Very little wear on the pinion in that last pic, which is good as I’d read of wear issues but probably more one the gear sector itself due to the silver hex nuts being loose. I advise all PRHT owners to check their nuts as it were . Easy access by raising rear deck panel, switch off ignition after pausing the roof cycle, then you can get straiget at the silver bolt. I got the service manager to take a picture of the motor before I left the dealership too, for his own reference. I suppose that just leaves the checking of the motor, there are two thick wires, a red and a green one, also three thinner wires a white/grey, black/grey and blue grey. I presume the two thick wires are for power? They all go into the motor at some point.
In the end, they gave me 3 months interest free credit with a 25% deposit paid today, as I was beefing about the cost, all coming out from my VISA debit account. I’m like an open book me, anyone want to know anything else while I’m on here?
Glad it’s sorted Barrie.
That motor looks like the one associated with the chrome dome Allen screw accessed from under the rear deck panel, but maybe we should put this one to bed and put it all down to experience.
Happy motoring.
D
Yes, I agree, been quite a hectic few days, some great support on this forum, thanks to everyone who has contributed! Time to settle down and enjoy the upcoming nice weather now ( Daren’t put the roof down now in case it doesn’t go back up! )
I have been following this debate with great interest, having had a minor problem with my PRHT, when the clearance between the deck and roof panel- when retracted- was insufficient on one side. This showed as witness scuff marks on the roof panel when raised (different colours of paint)- confirmed by testing with finger in gap. I was lucky to get Roadster Robbie(no less!) on the job at Cambridge Mazda. Robbie , after a few attempts managed to re rig the roof mechanism to solve the problem. Cambridge Mazda were very good on discounting charges for Robbies time - no components were replaced as far as I know- thanks to all concerned.
During the course of investigation Robbie and I exchanged thoughts on possible causes - without reaching a definite conclusion (!) but I gained some insight into the works, as follows :-
There are four motors
The roof lowering motors have (Hall effect) sensors which count the turns to check they are in sync.
I have been following this debate with great interest, having had a minor problem with my PRHT, when the clearance between the deck and roof panel- when retracted- was insufficient on one side. This showed as witness scuff marks on the roof panel when raised (different colours of paint)- confirmed by testing with finger in gap. I was lucky to get Roadster Robbie(no less!) on the job at Cambridge Mazda. Robbie , after a few attempts managed to re rig the roof mechanism to solve the problem. Cambridge Mazda were very good on discounting charges for Robbies time - no components were replaced as far as I know- thanks to all concerned. During the course of investigation Robbie and I exchanged thoughts on possible causes - without reaching a definite conclusion (!) but I gained some insight into the works, as follows :-
There are four motors - 2 x deck and 2 x roof The roof lowering motors have (Hall effect) sensors which count the turns to check they are in sync.
There is only one micro switch on the roof mechanism to check its travel (drivers side I think)
Hope this may be of interest - surprised RR has not intervened in this debate
Mr Blue, thanks for that not certain about the micro switches, the replaced one i have is a two switch mini harness? Does the plot thicken or are there more switches lurking? You were indeed very fortunate in having the services of such a tech guru as Roadster Robbie, excellent that yours was fixed easily enough too!
