Dreaded Roof Alarm

[MartinJM1964]

Hi All
I'm hoping someone can help?
The light and alarm will not go off when the roof is closed, whilst I can live with the flashing light the beeping alarm is really annoying.
With help from previous posts I have discovered the off side micro switch is the fault. It seems it may have been a problem for some time as a piece of plastic has been added to the white spring loaded mechanism that should click the switch closed.
It seems the switch is not clicking very freely, unlike the one on the near side. If you push it very hard it does work.

I've read on the forum that changing this switch is a nightmare, is this true?
I've seen a YouTube video that suggests you can remove the switch and join the two wires that go to it, solder and shrink wrap them. Does anyone know if this would work?
I've removed the cover from the OS roof motor and it appears that the switch wires connect here, although I am not sure. There are two yellow wires that go forward from the motor which I imagine run to the switch. Could these be altered to disable the switch?

I live in the SE and Bongo specialists don't seem to exist so I'm hoping I can sort this proble out myself.

Can anyone give me any advice, it would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks
Martin

[g8dhe]

The switch is a safety feature, its not been unknown for the travelling arm to jam anywhere along its travel, but if its NOT under the plastic hood at the front then the AFT could lift when driving at speed, its only when the arm is at its forward most point under the hood that, that the switch operates. If you bypass the switch you may find that the computer that controls it might still object - but not tried it to find out!

[MartinJM1964]

Having made a few phone calls I decided to cut and join the two yellow wires that I mentioned. This has solved the problem for now. The near side switch still works so the alarm still sounds until at least the left side rail is closed completely. I was told that this will only work on the off side switch and cannot be done on the near side.
Once the summer is over I will investigate a replacement as the repair looks as if the roof needs to be removed and quite a big job, however, for safety reasons I would prefer them to both be working.

[g8dhe]

Don't think you have to remove the roof, but possibly unscrew the upper rail to get at the switch wiring!

[Ahead]

Had same problem. Found someone breaking a bongo and got a switch for a couple of quid. If you do same, ask them to leave a decent amount of wire (300mm+) replacing the switch is not difficult and no need to take anything structural apart. Do it all from inside.

[mikeonb4c]

Had same problem. Found someone breaking a bongo and got a switch for a couple of quid. If you do same, ask them to leave a decent amount of wire (300mm+) replacing the switch is not difficult and no need to take anything structural apart. Do it all from inside.

Wow, first person I've heard of replacing an AFT microswitch. Well done When you say you did it all from inside, are you able to give more detail. This could make a really useful fact sheet.

[MartinJM1964]

Before cutting the wires by the motor I was sure the wires ran alongside the inner surface of the rail so I think replacing it might not be as scary as I first thought. I will try to get another switch and replace it even if it means buying a new one.
The motors seem quite lethargic as well so I think the roof will be problematical going forward, but the she is 21 years old so I am expecting a few age related issues which is why I think it's important to have an online resource for these kind of problems, so thank you for your thoughts

[rita]

Had same problem. Found someone breaking a bongo and got a switch for a couple of quid. If you do same, ask them to leave a decent amount of wire (300mm+) replacing the switch is not difficult and no need to take anything structural apart. Do it all from inside.

Wow, first person I've heard of replacing an AFT microswitch. Well done When you say you did it all from inside, are you able to give more detail. This could make a really useful fact sheet.

I think you might need to be a member of the Magic Circle to get this one.