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Convertible top malfunction

160K views 272 replies 87 participants last post by  200_S_AWD  
#1 ·
On a 2012 Limited convertible, top stuck between up and down. Error message says "convertible top not secured". Switch is dead any suggestions. Cargo shield is up and locked.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
You might want to try the Sebring/200 convertible forum.

* Chrysler Sebring / 200 Convertible Club *

I have a 2012 200 convertible but I don't have an answer for your question. There are ways for service techs to manually lower a stuck top. I found the following in the owner's manual regarding emergency operation of the top....

Emergency Bypass Mode (To Raise The Top Only)
• This procedure is only to be used to raise the top when the top cannot be returned to the
UP (raised) position by pressing the POWER TOP switch or is in a position in which the
vehicle cannot be driven. Please follow these emergency bypass instructions to return the
top to the UP (raised) position.
• Press the POWER TOP switch in the Top Up direction five times within two seconds and
hold the switch in the Top Up position for a minimum of two minutes.
• If damage starts to occur while in the Emergency Bypass Mode, immediately release the
POWER TOP switch and see your authorized dealer.
NOTE: This procedure may take more time to fully raise and close the power top. It is not
uncommon to see delays of up to 30 seconds before operation begins.
 
#4 ·
I am having an issue with my 2011 convertible. My top will go up/down but it wont finish its cycle. The windows wont close all the way, trunk wont open, rear defrost doesn't work, and so on. Top is fully secured in the up and down position and I have no error on the dash. However I do get a "ding" from the dash but again no error to be found. Been very frustrated by this can anyone help??? Not finding too much on the net and I really don't want to take it to a dealer.
 
#6 ·
I have a 2012 Chrysler 200 Touring model...a beautiful machine, until the limit switch went on convertible top. Within inch of closing and message "top not secured" displayed on dash....trunk hatch button inoperable and windows won't totally close. A Chrysler dealership is now working on it but I need a new limit switch and Chrysler doesn't manufacture the switches any longer...and none to be found in Canada or USA. I am very disappointed that Chrysler cannot support their product. And our only solution is to try to get a used one. Unbelievable there is no contingent plan for the raising & lowering of a convertible top and they stop making switch that obviously may be in greater need later than sooner in this vehicle's lifetime. Idea: if parts are on the "endangered" list, please let people know...Had I known, I would've purchased one on spec, just in case. There would always be a market for it.
Does anyone have any info or ideas?
 
#8 ·
Hi,
I just recently bought a 2011 Chrysler 200 convertible and my top is doing the exact same thing yours was and having all the same other issues with the rear defrost not working and the trunk not opening without a key, except I got an error message saying "convertible top not secured." Did you ever find out anything else on why this was happening or how to fix it?
 
#9 ·
Hello mrohlfing,
We regret to hear you are experiencing these concerns. We understand that you are just reaching out to other forum members for advice at this time. However, if you do choose to visit your dealer regarding this, we would be more than happy to offer our support. Please feel free to send us a private message.
Julie
Chrysler Social Care Specialist
 
#10 ·
Hello mrohlfing, did you get this solved. I also have a similar problem. The top won't work, I get the error message"...not secured". The trunk won't open without a key...unless the windows get stuck halfway up. Then the trunk works with a key, but then the windows don't.

I had a wire harness fixed under warranty in the trunk the last time this happened, but this time the harness looks OK.

If you managed to get this fixed I would be love to know how?
 
#11 ·
Hello everyone -
I have a 2012 200 convertible soft top. When I try to lower the roof, I press the down button - the trunk lifts up, the tonnow moves forward, and then nothing. No sound - no movement, and then a few seconds later the display reads "convertible top malfunction."
NORMALLY the next thing would be that the latches by the windshield release, the roof would rise & retract, and the trunk would drop down.

I can't find a Chrysler dealer around me that knows how to fix their own brand of vehicle. There must be a sensor that isn't working, but I don't know where to look for it. Any ideas? Please help!
 
#180 ·
Hello everyone -
I have a 2012 200 convertible soft top. When I try to lower the roof, I press the down button - the trunk lifts up, the tonnow moves forward, and then nothing. No sound - no movement, and then a few seconds later the display reads "convertible top malfunction."
NORMALLY the next thing would be that the latches by the windshield release, the roof would rise & retract, and the trunk would drop down.

I can't find a Chrysler dealer around me that knows how to fix their own brand of vehicle. There must be a sensor that isn't working, but I don't know where to look for it. Any ideas? Please help!
I literally had the same problem I got a really good scan tool hooked up to it. Went to the reset functions went to the power top control module reset and reset it and now everything works great
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
If you send me a PM with your email address I can send you a technical document that describes how the system operates and the location of the various switches, etc.

There is another forum sebringclub.net which for some reason I can't reach at the moment, and they are specifically about Chrysler convertibles. You might get more help there.

There is also some diagnostic software available that has similar functional capabilities to the dealer diagnostic program. It is very inexpensive and runs on a Windows laptop. Only $50 but you need a special cable (about $40) to plug into the diagnostic port. I bought this software and it will allow you to read every electronic module in the car, including the power top control module. Most likely you will have a Chrysler trouble code stored that will point you toward the problem. You should get the software and hardware. Here is a link.

Appcar DiagFCA – diagnostic tool – Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram
 
#13 ·
Hi, I'm a dealer in Orlando Florida and just had 2 of those cars come in with top problems.

I sent the hard top to Chrysler dealer and after paying $135 to be told they ran tests and it all failed.

They wanted another $270 then if no luck another $400 also diagnose the problem.

I got fed up and took it back.

I unbolted the headed plate and did several tests myself, which took less than 1 hour ($135) they charged me at the dealer.

Bottom line, the problem is the motor that powers the latch that clamps down the top to the windshield frame.

Motor gets week and can power it all the way so that the switch sees it latched.

I checked the second soft top 200 and the problem was the same.

I found out by removing the motor and operating the latches manually and everything worked perfectly.

Top opens and closes flawlessly.

Chrysler dealerships don't know anything and charge a lot for no work performed.

Any one needing help with this, let me know. I can help.
 
#24 ·
So let me say this is guy is NOT fake and I met him and his very nice wife at their auto dealer in Orlando. He not only was correct (see his posts on this board) but he (with little to zero assistance from me) disassembled the parts to get access to the convertible motor and helped me secure to the top so I could drive it home safely. The new part is ordered and I will be coming back next week so he can install it. Also he charged me NOTHING just as he said he would and refused to take payment. the guy is an A+ and legit.
 
#15 ·
I'm not sure why someone would say my IP address is invalid. I am posting thru my smart phone. Would that be why?

Anyways, I'm not trying to charge anybody. I am just trying to pay it forward.

I spent $135 for nothing, so I would like to help other people with the same problem.

As a car dealer, I'm presented with all kinds of issues and the internet always help with other people sharing the same problem and also offering the solution.

That is the reason why I posted.

Was to do my part. I have been helped many times and now is my turn to do the same.
 
#257 ·
Hi Savio, I was wondering if I could bring my convertible to Orlando and have you fix it? I realize you are a dealer and not a mechanic but…. when I have taken it in (3 times so far ) nobody can seem to figure it out. I am a female who doesn’t understand anything about my convertible top but love my car. I live in Ft. Myers and can’t tell you how many times I have tried to get this fixed. I understand if this is not something you can do but would appreciate any ideas on whom to take it to. Thank you!!!Cindy
 
#17 ·
Convertable Top Stuck

I just had the same thing happen to my 2011 200S Convertable. Top is almost fully closed within a qtr inch. Only way to tell it is not fully closed is the note on the dashboard and when driving faster than 20mph you can hear the wind coming in through the small barely noticeable gap. Also trunk will not open.
 
#19 ·
Convertable Top Stuck

I just had the same thing happen to my 2011 200S Convertable. Top is almost fully closed within a qtr inch. Only way to tell it is not fully closed is the note on the dashboard and when driving faster than 20mph you can hear the wind coming in through the small barely noticeable gap. Also trunk will not open.
Did you get this issue resolved?
 
#23 ·
thank you so much this worked perfect star in middle theres a socket for it so you don't strip it turn to the right all the way it released it. I tried everything my fluid was low so had to refill that didn't work out I was about to start changing switches before I read this I recommend this all the way
 
#57 ·
This mechanism gets stuck because the motor that powers it started to get weak. If you replace the latch motor all problems will go away.. A lot of the top problems on these cars are related to this motor

It would be a good idea to test the system first before replacing it just to make sure.
Cab you please tell me what the size of the socket is? I have tried every single SAE and metric sized socket I can find. You can also push the star in, which makes it look like it takes a big Torqs fitting, but I bought a whole set of them and none of them fit.

Can you please just say what size you need so I can work on this?
 
#29 ·
Ok, it's easier that way. There are a few things that I need you to do in order to make sure of the problem.

From your description, it should be the top latch motor.

But we can test it before you spend any money.

The motor activates the switches, that's why some people think it's the switches, but to this day I have never seem a bad one.
 
#33 ·
SAVIO.......I just bought a 2011 Chrysler 200 with soft top convertible. I am also a used car dealer but mostly classics. Bought this one to drive for a while. My top has all the issues mentioned here.....keyfob won’t work with top or trunk, top won’t retract or secure, have to use key for trunk and it’s very heavy, etc. But when you do try to retract top the trunk portion does not open. Nobody else mentioned that as issue. So we got top secured last night and realize we probably need to buy new header motor. I have seen the whole assembly for sale and just the motor. Seem to be similar pricing for both. Where have you purchased? Do I have other issue in trunk with it not opening? Thanks!