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Recently the top to my convertible will not go down using the button, I have to do it manually. I have brough it to get fixed and it works about twice before telling me to contact saab dealer. Also random electrical things are going wrong. my drivers side mirror will not move when I push the button, different things will pop-up on my dash board such as "remove items in trunk before putting top down" (nothing is in the trunk). "be sure to open/close top before driving" (it is closed) And just other random things,"Onstar malfunction", "tire pressure low" ect.  usually saying contact saab dealer.

I was told it needs to be reprogrammed, but before I put it in the shop and pay a bundle Id like to know if this has happened to anyone else before and if thats really the solution?

Please let me know
Thanks, Samantha  

these cars like so many others have many computer operated circuits..   so your switch asks the computer to signal the device to move..  you probably have a bad switch somewhere in the car.. or a broken or cracked wire...

i don't know how much it would cost to reflash a saab computer.

but i bet that you have other problems..

with an OBD 2 scan tool... see if you can pull any trouble codes...

you might have to find a more advanced scan tool to get some of the saab specific codes...  i have not worked on one yet..  they were owner at that time by gm as i recall..

if you have payed to get it the top fixed.. and it fails again right away.. you should not have to pay again for the same problem...

the laws in most states also require shops to write any codes found down on the repair order..  many don't do it.. most owners don't know about it...    there might be 2,000 possible codes... each code pointing to a specific item or circuit..


there also might be a sensor in the trunk  that tells the computer that the trunk is empty.. so the top will work...

you might want to invest in a factory service manual for your car... all of the circuits are detailed there.. it is written for mechanics.. but it is not that hard to understand..  

you might also check the

alldatadiy.com      web site..

or the

eautorepair.net     web site..

both of them have professional repair data on most cars.. i don't know how much on saab.. and if the convertible top is covered well...


autozone.com does have some info... here is the clipping on power tops... kinda limited...  but free...   you do have to join and log in .. then select your car... look for the repair info link...

Power Convertible Top

Convertible Hydraulic Unit
Removal & Installation
Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.

Raise (close) the soft top to a position with the soft top cover raised and the fifth bow lowered (horizontal).

Fold forward the rear backrest.

Disconnect or remove the following:

Cover over the hydraulic unit

Hydraulic unit retaining bolts



Lift up the hydraulic unit. Check the oil level in the oil reservoir.

Lay out paper under the hydraulic unit to catch any oil spills.

Unplug the connectors.

Mark the hoses and remove the retaining bolts by the hose connections.

Remove the cable tie securing the hoses.

Remove hydraulic unit.

To install, reverse removal procedure.

Fill oil in the reservoir. Use specified oil.

Run the soft top up and down 5 times and check the function. Check to make sure that there are no oil leaks.

Check the oil level and top up if needed.

Run the soft top to closed position and lock it to the windscreen frame.

Connect the diagnostics tool, erase any diagnostic trouble codes.


Diagnosis & Testing
Measure voltage to check for open circuits by performing the following:

Engage the load

Set the multi-meter to voltage measurement and connect its minus cable to a good grounding point

Connect the voltmeter positive cable to the point where the voltage is to be tested

On the output side of a switch/control module, it is best to start there and then gradually move out towards the load

The break point in the circuit has been passed when the voltage disappears

On the input side of a switch/control module/consumer, it is best to start at the closest point to the power source (often the fuse) and then gradually move towards the switch/control module/consumer

The break point in the circuit has been passed when the voltage disappears



Measure resistance to check for open circuits by performing the following:

Make sure the component or lead being tested is not carrying a current (e.g. by removing the associated fuse)

Set the multi-meter to resistance measurement and connect it across the component/lead being tested

Move the wiring harness in question while observing the ohmmeter

The resistance of the wiring harness should normally be less than 1 ohm. A specified value applies to components



Check for short circuits to ground by performing the following:

Make sure the lead being tested is not carrying a current (e.g. by removing the associated fuse) and that any load has been disengaged

Set the multi-meter to resistance measurement

Connect one test cable to a good ground and the other to the point to be tested

Carefully move the wiring harness and make sure the multi-meter shows infinite resistance (OL) the whole time



Check components connectivity and functionality. Replace components as necessary.


i would imagine the a Factory saab manual... in print or on CD would have about 10 to 30 pages on the convertible top...