AFT roof raise problem - need pictures of mechanism

[shanzaboy]

I have roof problem and have isolated it to the motors or runners in the AFT- I have managed to organise an auto electrician to have a go at fixing it (no mean feet when they have never heard of the lesser known mazda species of "Bongo") but I want to arm him with as much info as possible.

One thing I am missing is some picture of the mechanism once raised to show the position of the motors, runners, microswitches etc. SO I am wondering if some kind and deserving individual could take some photos for me and post them up to help me out. I would be eternally greatful....

Also in order to get the roof off Mrsams viewtopic.php?f=3&t=32088 advice states

6 If the motors will not lift the roof you can disconect the carrier by removeing the 5(each side) hex bolts on the carrier.This will alow you access to the motors.

where are these hex screws???? Are they at the back of the van, the left side, right side I dont know..I am assuming they are under the lining ....any pictures will be most welcome.

Many thanks

Shane

[roofraisers]

No expert on this subject, but I'd try this approach.
If you remove the rear headlining you should see the rear AFT hinge fastenings.
If you take the nuts off, you should be able to lift the rear of the AFT assembly & then possibly slide it backwards along the roof therefore un-latching the mechanism.You should now be able to get access to the roof motors to remove them or do tests.
BEWARE, from what I understand, the AFT roof assembly is very heavy!!
Just to reitorate, I've never done this personally, but it seems the logical way to gain access to the roof motors.

I am presuming that you do have at least 13.5 volts trying to drive the motors. If not, the voltage is too low & the motors won't lift the AFT roof.
Also someone lately had a similar problem & fixed it by PULLING the AFT roof closed manually whilst pressing the roof up/open button.

Nigel

[g4gxl]

If you have narrowed it down to the motors or mechanism then you have presumably done the usual checks - engine on, handbrake engaged, handbrake light showing on dash, beeping noise heard when pressing button . . .

I had a problem a couple of weeks ago and found two problems.

The rear controller output to the motors was only around 10 volts - this was fixed by repairing a dodgy wire on the negative battery terminal. With engine running I got 13.8 volts when the 'raise roof' button was pressed.

The roof still didn't go up though - eventually, just before giving up having spent a whole day on it, I had one last try.

I reached my hand into the gap towards the front of the roof as far as I could. I found a piece of plastic that I could get my fingers around and pulled the roof backwards (no upward pressure, just back). Still applying pressure I pressed the button and the roof went up. It's been fine ever since.

Good luck !

Steve

[g4gxl]

Not sure if this will help -

Side view -


I'm pretty sure this is where my roof was sticking -


The rear mechanism -


Looking at the underside of the roof (at the front) -


And a close up (the micro switch is the little black thing just above the white nylon block)
This is the near-side, the off-side is just the same -


This view shows the electrical connectors (they are under the roof at the rear on the off-side) -

[robdrinky]

Shane,the roof rails are held by 6 bolts each side.to access them the cabin ceiling trim needs to come out,2 bolts are covered by the roof trim above the drivers area but can be reached without taking the trim down.
I would not recommend undoing the hinge bolts and lifting the roof it will most likely break the roof.
i have some pics and will post later.

[shanzaboy]

Thanks Very much for the replies so far and the photos will help a lot.

I will be having a look tonight when I get back!

Cheers

Shane

[beasd mr Friendee]

Hope you are able to solve your problem- while you are sorting this are you planning to lubricate the joints etc? Our atf is barking like a seal as it goes up and I wondered if anyone has ever had similar and whether lubricating it helps, and if so what do you use?

Our ATF also gets a little stuck sometimes just as it goes up to max height and we push it up manually.

emma

[roofraisers]

Most people tend to use a white lithium grease spray (some have PTFE additive) on the runners, rollers,pivot points etc.
The rams may want a clean & a wipe with a oily rag. Some folks use Crisp n' Dry spray.
Top Tip. Place a piece of cardboard between the AFT tent material & the part you are spraying to stop over spray going on the tent. It's easier to put the cardboard in the bin than it is to clean the tent.
If you type "roof lubrication" into the search area you will get a lot of info up for you to read through.

Nigel

[321Away]

to access the roof motors you only need to pull off the black plastic trim bits located on either side under and at back of the roof, they come out by squeezing them and pulling them downwards and you'll see the motors there

julian