Porsche Boxster 986 Convertible Top Mechanical Components

An overview of the mechanical components involved in operating the convertible top on my 1999 Porsche Boxster 986.
Electrical motor spins two cables (housed inside of sheaths) that are connected to a transmission on either side (located behind plastic cover and upside down v bracket held on by 19mm bolt). The rotation of the cables drives a worm gear that rotates gears inside of the transmission, spinning the v bracket which in turn moves the arms attached to either side- the forward arm with a plastic cap connects to convertible top frame and the rear arm connects to the clamshell support arm.
Common Issues:
Cable:
1. Not enough cable protruding from the end that connects to motor- should be sticking out from sheath by .5-.75 inches.
2. Cable end rounded off- should be square for motor to have enough bite and spin it
3. Cable comes apart inside sheath
Convertible top arm: (red cap in video)
1. Plastic end snaps and arm disconnects from forward most ball socket to convertible top
(Inspect foam lining for any gouges or holes if this happens so that water doesn't leak into cabin and cause expensive electrical damage)
2. Metal arm bends
3. Rubber grommet is worn

[@keegan449]

You just saved me. Thank you.

[@IsraelSocial]

Thanks for the video, it help me a lot

[@Kjetilsandal]

Excelent video for a beginner. thx

[@thornclawofwarriors]

Hey there! Could you tell me what part is the ball socket connects to? Not the arm, but the thing that the arm connects to.

[@Stephenspounds]

So I am having sort of the same issue. What happened to me is that the passenger too ball cup broke. I decided to replace both and every since then, the drivers ball cup keeps popping off for the top. I took the Clamshell cover off and it looks like for mine the strut is causing too much pressure on the top arm and is popping it off. Not sure what else to do. I briefly worked the top and cover manually, bit didn't really like that...the saga continues.

[@Stanislav-zw8tn]

Did you ever end up fixing this? I have the same issue

[@Wowwow-wl3kx]

my boxter has hissing sound while driving. recently water pump replaced. it made air coolant leakage. is it related ? how do I fix the issue?

[@dziner92821]

Where is the micro plug for the driver side convertible transmission? I cant find it on my 99 986, i know its there i disconnected it a couple of months ago. But it has disappeared.

[@gearswitch5692]

I have been fortunate enough to avoid the microswitches on my Boxster so far. Try this video to see if it helps: ruclips.net/video/j3E_3eNf8ms/видео.html

[@fuvaMaRVBK5pL1uByVjFIfyhTnqay9]

Thank you very much!

[@pault8470]

Hi
Great video but if you stood back so we could get a better picture as everything seems on top
I’m a complete novice by the way