INSTRUCTION MANUAL

986

Comfort roof control module for
Porsche Boxster (986)


Further information and manuals for all products can be found on our web site

w w w . m o d s 4 c a r s . c o m

 
We explicitly point out that all functions of this control unit should be used only while exercising caution and responsibility. We can NOT be held liable for any damage or injury caused by installing or using this product.
PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
Preface:

The smartTOP control unit allows opening or closing of the convertible top while driving at slow speeds. It works similar to a window lift and opens or closes the roof fully automatic at the touch of a button. It is not necessary to stop the vehicle and pull the handbrake to operate the roof.



Operating the roof control while driving at slow speeds (max. 40km/h / 25mph)

  • A short tap on the "open" button opens up the roof completely.
  • A short tap on the "close" button closes the roof completely.

    Pushing either button while the top is moving stops operation at once.

    Manual operation: Pushing one button for a longer time only moves the roof as long as this button is held. In case the roof is not in one of the mechanical end stop positions it can, for safety reasons, only be operated the aforementioned manual way. When it reaches an end stop position the comfort function is reactivated again. Attention: If you seem to have problems to activate the one-touch feature, make sure that (a) the top is in one of the end-positions and the dash light is off and (b) you just tap the button very briefly, like a mouse click.

    If the roof is either fully opened or fully closed, it will stay locked and the dash buttons disabled as long as the vehicle is moving faster than the allowed maximum speed. NEVER drive faster than absolutely necessary while the roof is in motion, wind resistance increases drastically with higher speeds! Particularly NEVER operate the roof while accelerating! Once triggered within the permitted speed range, the automatic operation will complete the cycle until it reaches the mechanical end-position.



    Traffic lights and parking:

    The comfort function stays active for about 10 seconds after the vehicle is stopped. This enables you to start the roof operation while waiting at a red light or for your garage door to open.

    • Safety Feature - Operating the roof control while stopped:

    For safety reasons the one-touch function is deactivated as long as the vehicle is not moving. Thus it can not be triggered accidentally while a person might be at risk. The roof can be operated the normal way in pushing and holding one button.

    If the driver is really sure that no one could jam the roof operation, the one-touch function can be activated on a per-use basis with a combination of key presses:

    If the roof is fully closed, press and hold the close button for about 3 sec, then briefly touch the open button for comfort opening of the roof.

    If the roof is fully opened, press and hold the open button for about 3 sec, then briefly touch the close button for comfort closing of the roof.

    To DEACTIVATE this safety-feature and always enable one-touch operation (speed limiter stays untouched) open the soft-top all the way first, release the button and wait for about 2 sec., then press and hold the "open" button for about 15 seconds. To reactivate the safety-feature do the opposite: Close the top, then press and hold the "close" button for about 15 seconds.



    Troubleshooting:

    Please note that the one-touch feature requires a very short tap on the appropriate button, comparable to a “mouse click”. Pressing the button longer than 0.5 sec will activate manual operation.

    If you have the impression that the system does not accept the one-touch feature while moving or the windows don’t roll down a bit when opening the top, the solution is to unplug the smartTOP module and plug it back in, pressing it into the socket with some force. The erratic behavior is a result of the smartTOP’s shorter contact blades (speed signal and window control) not getting electrical contact in the socket, so please make sure your smartTOP sits really tight.


    What if the smartTOP suddenly stops working

    Problem:
    The module first works flawlessly, then suddenly stops working for no apparent reason.

    Possible Cause:
    On the Boxster, Porsche changed the wiring and behavior of the top controller in 2000. The smartTOP works with both, pre-2000 and 2000+ models by using either autodetection or manual programming. Usually the module was accidentally put into manual programming mode.

    Solution:
    Here are the instructions and explanations for the mode setting:
    By factory all smartTOP modules come with auto detection enabled, so usually it should just work out of the box. However, for the few cases where auto detection might not work correctly, we implemented a “manual override” for the mode setting.

    To set the module for pre-2000 models:
    Pull handbrake, press and hold the top CLOSE button while you insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to full ignition (not starting the engine). About 1 sec later let go of the button and wait 5 sec, then release handbrake.

    To set the module for post-2000 models:
    Pull handbrake, press and hold the top OPEN button while you insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to full ignition (not starting the engine). About 1 sec later let go of the button and wait 5 sec, then release handbrake.

    To set the module for automatic detection:
    With handbrake released, press and hold the top OPEN button while you insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to full ignition (not starting the engine). About 1 sec later let go of the button and wait 5 sec.

    Installation
    1. IMPORTANT: Fully open the soft-top and turn ignition off before installing the smartTOP controller. Open driver’s door. Locate the relay holder above the fuse box in the upper left of the driver’s foot well.
    2. The module marked is the roof control unit. It has the size of two normal relays and is marked with either a black triangle or a quadrate on its front.
    3. Remove the module by working it up and down a little while pulling, until it comes out.
    4. Just plug in the smartTOP module instead and press firmly while moving it up and down. Make sure it sits tight. *DONE*