Manually opening or closing your convertible roof: the emergency release explained
There are few moments when a convertible owner feels as helpless as when the roof gets stuck halfway and it starts to rain. The good news: almost every convertible has an emergency provision to close the roof manually. The bad news: it's often well hidden, and the procedures vary greatly by model.
This article explains how the principle works, where you usually find the emergency release, and, more importantly, what you absolutely should not do.
What you absolutely should not do
- Do not force the roof closed. As long as the hydraulic system is under pressure, you will be working against that pressure. This will damage cylinders, guides, and hinges. This damage is many times more expensive than the original malfunction.
- Do not keep pressing the button. If the roof is not moving, continuing to try is futile and damaging. A pump that runs against resistance or circulates air will be damaged.
- Do not work under a partially open roof. A roof held up only by hydraulic pressure can drop as soon as that pressure is released. This poses a real risk of injury.
How an emergency release works
The principle is almost the same for all brands: you release the pressure from the hydraulic system, after which the roof becomes freely movable and you can move and lock it by hand. This happens in one of these ways:
- Via a relief valve near the pump: a screw or lever that you turn open a few turns. The pressure drops, and the roof becomes loose.
- Via mechanical unlocking of the locking hooks: at the windshield and at the trunk lid, there are hooks that secure the roof. These can often be manually unscrewed with an Allen key or a special wrench.
- Via an emergency key or tool: some manufacturers supply a specific tool. For example, the Audi A4 Cabrio should have an emergency release key that is often missing from used cars. You can purchase this separately from us via our parts.
- Via a manual drive: for some models, you can turn the mechanism with a ratchet or crank.
Where is the emergency release usually located?
There is no universal location, but these are the most common:
- In the trunk, behind the side trim on the side where the pump is located.
- Under a cover plate in the luggage compartment, sometimes with a roof icon on it.
- Above the rear seat or under the parcel shelf, accessible from the interior.
- At the roof latch itself, above the windshield, behind a flap or cap.
For most models, the necessary tools are located with the tool kit under the luggage compartment floor.
The general procedure
This is the pattern that applies to most models. Always consult your car's owner's manual first: details differ, and an incorrect sequence can cause damage.
- Park the car safely. Level ground, parking brake engaged, ignition off.
- Ensure enough space. The roof swings out. Do not park close to a wall or under a low overhang.
- Locate the emergency release according to the owner's manual.
- Release the pressure from the system by opening the relief valve, usually a few turns counter-clockwise. Do not force it, and do not fully unscrew it from its housing.
- Unlock the locking hooks at the windshield and, if present, at the trunk lid.
- Move the roof slowly by hand. Preferably work with two people, one on each side, to keep the roof moving straight. A roof that is pulled askew will jam.
- Manually lock the roof in the closed position.
- Close the relief valve again before reusing the system. If you forget this, the system will no longer build up pressure.
Why two people are truly better
A convertible roof is heavy, and its mechanism is linked on both sides. If you push on only one side, the roof will become crooked and jam in the guides. This is the most common way people cause damage during an emergency closing.
If it doesn't move smoothly, stop. If the roof resists, something else is going on besides just a loss of pressure, such as a latch that is still stuck.
After the emergency closing
Your roof is closed, but the problem is not solved. Some points to consider:
- Drive carefully. A manually locked roof usually seals less tightly. Avoid high speeds and car washes.
- Check for leaks. If pressure was lost due to oil escaping, there is a leak somewhere. Check the trunk and along the lines.
- Close the relief valve. This is often forgotten and subsequently results in a roof that still doesn't seem to work, even though nothing is broken.
- Find the cause. Our article on what to do if your convertible roof no longer opens or closes will help you further.
If the roof needs to open instead
Less urgent, but it happens, for example, if you need to access a component located under the roof. The principle is the same: release pressure, unlock latches, move by hand.
Be extra careful here. A roof that you open manually must also be able to be closed manually. Do not leave it in a position from which you cannot get it back.
When you should call instead
- The roof resists when moving it manually.
- You cannot find the emergency release and do not have an owner's manual.
- There is oil in the trunk.
- The roof is half open and it starts to rain. In this case, it's better to call too early than too late.
Can't figure it out? Contact us. We often resolve issues over the phone, and we know most models well enough to talk you through the procedure.