Subject: | Rear Tonneau Contacts 5th Bow Or Drops Mid-Cycle |
Models: | 2005-2009 Chevrolet Corvette |
with Power Folding Top (RPO CM7) |
This PI was superceded to include 2009 model year vehicles. Please discard PIC3650D.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
When operating the power folding top, some customers may experience one of the following conditions.
1) The rear tonneau doesn't raise up far enough and causes the 5th bow of the convertible top to contact the rear tonneau during operation.
2) The rear tonneau goes up to the full position and then drops 3-6 inches causing the 5th bow to contact the rear tonneau or causes the top to become inoperative. This condition may also be accompanied by a DTC B3666.
For condition #1 listed above, remove the two hydraulic cylinders that attach to the rear tonneau bracket. Inspect the ball studs and make sure they are not loose. These ball studs hold the rear hydraulic cylinders to the rear tonneau bracket inside the trunk. Reinstall the two hydraulic cylinders that attach to the rear tonneau bracket and ensure they are properly secured to the ball studs. There is one hydraulic cylinder that attaches to each side of the rear tonneau and can be visually checked by pulling back the carpet on each side of the rear compartment (Trunk) quarter panel area (See Document ID # 1509765, Figure # 9)
For condition #2 listed above, check for a sticking rear tonneau ajar switch. This switch is located on the front of the folding top cover latch assembly (Please do not confuse this with the folding top pulldown actuator). Check the front side of the switch for a white "tee-shaped" piece of Mylar pad that may have shifted to one side of the switch and is preventing the switch from fully releasing. Trim the Mylar pad slightly until there is smooth operation of the switch. To verify the switch is operating properly, use the Tech 2 and monitor the "Tonneau Latch Switch" parameter that is located under the roof data screen. The parameter should read "Ajar" when the tonneau is raised and "closed" when the tonneau is closed.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.