Roof not opening - repair location

[richlizard]

hi all.

It's been some time since I posted as I have only recently got back into the bongo scene.

I have what seems to be a pretty common occurrence in that my roof won't open. I have checked the fuses and the microswitch behind the handbrake and it all seems to be working correctly.

I would guess then that the replies would be I need to get it to a garage. I remember a few years ago, someone here pointed me in the direction of a Bongo specialist local to me. He wasn't a dealer as such, but had lots of bongos that he was pulling apart and doing up etc.,

Can anyone throw some light on it. I am in Andover, Hampshire.

Thanks
Rich

[dobby]

Can't help with location etc but had same problem on mine, it needed two motors and wiring replaced. Had it done by Ian Taylor Stoke, it's a fiddly job which involves undoing the two rear hinge bolts and manually lifting the roof with the risk that the roof nose could crack.

Well worth a local recommendation as per your request

[richlizard]

Thanks Dobby.

I did read your post and hoped my issue might be the microswitch but no joy.

Could do without it, but don't think I have a choice but to put it in and obviously local is better.

[Bob]

Likely Discount Trucks.



http://www.disctrucks.f9.co.uk

[g8dhe]

Before you go to far, does the bleeping start once the raise button is pressed ?
Is the handbrake light actually ON? without that you won't be raising any roofs!

[richlizard]

Before you go to far, does the bleeping start once the raise button is pressed ?
Is the handbrake light actually ON? without that you won't be raising any roofs!

Thanks G8. Yes, the bleeping starts and the handbrake light is on. I have checked the microswitch manually and it seems in order.

[g8dhe]

Right in that case check the the rubber AFT seal hasn't stuck to the metal roof, a credit card slipped round helps if that is the cause then some rubber treatment might be called for on the rubber once raised!
The other possibilities are you have damaged mechanism or corroded motors, without knowing the history and usage difficult to say what might be happening inside under the AFT, its a bit of a job to lift the AFT off or at the rear to gain access however so hope you don't have to go down that route.
Check the fuses and connectors to the control module which is located in the rear offside pillar beside the tailgate as well.
Fuse details here http://www.g8dhe.net/bwm

[richlizard]

Right in that case check the the rubber AFT seal hasn't stuck to the metal roof, a credit card slipped round helps if that is the cause then some rubber treatment might be called for on the rubber once raised!
The other possibilities are you have damaged mechanism or corroded motors, without knowing the history and usage difficult to say what might be happening inside under the AFT, its a bit of a job to lift the AFT off or at the rear to gain access however so hope you don't have to go down that route.
Check the fuses and connectors to the control module which is located in the rear offside pillar beside the tailgate as well.
Fuse details here http://www.g8dhe.net/bwm

Thanks again.

Just trying to be logical, if it was the rubber seals, would I not hear the motors straining? I hear nothing but the beep beep.

The history is pretty much that I have had it 3 years ish and it has always worked flawlessly. Albeit the wrong tent was fitted before I got it so it never goes fully up. Oh and once when leaving a festival, it would not go down. But I put that down to battery and after a couple of trips round the field, it was all fine.

The reason I initially asked about this local repair man is I wouldn't dream of doing it myself. I actually took it back to a local garage who just fixed some rubbing noise as I thought they may have done something. They checked all the electrics and found no problem. I am a total novice when it comes to vehicles so not actually sure where the control module you refer to is located!

[g8dhe]

The motors are very quiet, and fixed to the AFT via rubber mounts so its rare to hear the motors unless your right by them and listening for them.

Most garages won't have a clue how to tackle the AFT, you need to take it to one of the specialists like 321Away or others, I'm sure others will pop in with suggestions as to who are best.

[richlizard]

I tried the credit card trick, no luck.

Took it down to a local mechanic (old friend) who did all he could to tell me it is not a simple job and rubbing his chin etc., almost saying please take it somewhere else.

I will try the one in the link above - thanks Bob!

[peanutcrusher]

The fuse at the rear of the van how do i get to it?
I looked at the manual you linked and could not find a diagram showing the location do you have any picture you could upload?

[g8dhe]

There is the control module at the offside rear of the van, the fuses are down in the normal position by the drivers knee;
position shown here as M2-01;

Motor fuse;


Control module fuse;

[peanutcrusher]

i have checked the fuses on mine i need to check the control module is it easy to find?
do you have any picture of where it is?

[dobby]

You can access it via the rearmost offside passenger storage gubbins above the wheel arch. It's just accessible once the plastic tray is removed. Hope it is the module but it may well be seized motors

[richlizard]

Just a quick update on my roof problem.

I took it to the lovely blokes at Ashmansworth, near Newbury.

The motor had gone. Motor got replaced and worked perfectly.

Highly recommended.