Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

[:'(]I have a 1991 rag top to replace. I can here the solenoid click but the deck won't release.What would most likelybe the problem? Also isit possible to release the deck manually? Thanks

RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

I have a 1987 Vette conv't which had the top replaced last year. Under my deck lid is a mechanicallever that releases the deck lid, and, in addition, I have a yellow button in my glove box which electrically releases the deck lid. Also, in addition to these, I have, in each of the two doors, a button which releases this deck lid. It appears to me that you should have at least one of these buttons, maybe two. Open one of your doors and look down the edge by the door latch and you may see a black(?) button; try it if you have one. I've often wondered why so many deck lid releases? Too many problems, maybe. I know the cable attached to the mechanical lever under the deck lid comes away a lot and has to be re-attached. Good luck; (hope I helped you.) ;)

mypetu39

RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

:DThanks "mypetu39", I have all of the bells and whistles you mentioned also. I am confused about the mechanical lever. The lever in my vette releases the rag top from the deck. All of the other releases are electric and "I wish" should release the deck for top stowage. I hear the solenoid trying to work but it will not release. Am I missing a mechanical lever or does yours work the same way?

RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

I neaver had your problem, but try this. Push down on the deck lid and at the same time have another person push one of the release buttons. One of your latches may have too much of a load on it to release.
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RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

Thanks Harry, I have tried that and with no success. I'm begining to think it may be a faulty ground.
Possiblythe connections got wet because the rear glass leaks. That's the reason for trying to open it in the begining, to replace the convertible top. Not much room toaccessthe solenoids:(. You gotta love em when they are right, and hate em[:@]when they frustrate the @%)! out_ a_ you!! Thanks everyone, if you come up with anythingplease reach out. Happy vetteing!

RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

Our 1987 is a mechanical rod, as mentioned. I don't know, but perhaps they moved to an electronic solenoid for the newer models. On our car, the load on the roof when it's fully secured is too much, and the mechanical lever doesn't really work... I have a pair of gloves in my car, and I reach into the car and manually twist the bit that is connected to this lever/cables... it's a tight fit, and tough to turn, but it always works for us.

RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

TOPSPEED, this is exactly what I used to do before I replaced the cables attached to the mechanical lever in my '87 Vette; I had to turn the little knobby things under the hood, and it was hard on the fingers. Frustrated, I had the cables replaced and had the cable retainers actually welded to the lid; the lever works great now.

mypetu39

RE: Rag top/ deck lid problem
 

Same here!! That's why I have gloves in the car... it makes for a much less painful experience trying to turn those little knobs, when they have that pressure on them. Good to know that new cables fix this! I am going to get that done next year; got a few more pressing issues to tackle before that....

*scratches goatee* Welding the retainers to the lid... what a great idea! I'll use that, too, bro!

solenoid button
 

I have the same problem in my 1994 Corvette. There is evidence of significant water intrusion and I believe that the electrical connections are corroded.
I tried to open the rear stowing hatch manually but the handle broke off on the drivers side. Can you get to the solenoids to release the latch if you can't get the lid open?

I have the same problem in my 1994 Corvette. There is evidence of significant water intrusion and I believe that the electrical connections are corroded.
I tried to open the rear stowing hatch manually but the handle broke off on the drivers side. Can you get to the solenoids to release the latch if you can't get the lid open?

My 94 has the mechanical handle latch to release the top and the buttons to engage the solenoids to release the deck lid. I'm not certain I would suspect a ground if you can hear the solenoid when you press the button. That seems to tell me electrically it's working. I haven't had any problem with mine (yet?) so I need to check out the mechanism a bit closer to see what is going on when the solenoid fires. Does it pull a cable ? would need to release both sides so maybe the cable is faulty. Solenoid for each side? Seems unlikely both would be bad so one side should release if that were the case. You mention a leaking rear glass. How hard did you try to lift the deck? Maybe water has the hinges rusted and stuck?How long ago was it opened? I'm getting mine out tomorrow and now I'm curious as to how it actually works.

EDALLEN: Welcome to the forum.

I have had this problem with my '96. There are mechanical levers on each side which you can mechanically release the deck lid. The top needs to be released first of course with the handle that is located on the underside of the decklid near the yellow button electrical release. It is on the drivers' side behind the seat. Once you have the back of the top/window out of the way, you have to go in under the deck lid and find the lever that is located behind where the seat belt comes up and sits. Get a good flashlight and look back under the decklid and out toward the outside of the car. The picture below is the passenger side. The lever on the drivers' side is in the back and harder to see. I think GM used the same part so it is the opposite.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...afb7c21d26.jpg
The lever is the horizontal black piece at the bottom of the picture.

This is a picture of the drivers' side.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...7f54abdf89.jpg