Convertible Problems

[JeanBZ]

So I have a 2004 New Beetle Convertible, I got it used and I've only had it for a few months.

It was all good, until I started having problems with the flaps, the one on the passenger side won't even close properly when the top is up (I will post a picture tomorrow) and when I put the top down it won't close, causing the one on the drivers side not to close either. I'm out of warranty, since its used and I know nothing about mechanics. I've been browsing the site and seen that a lot of people have had this problem and they have solved it by taking out the flaps. My question is where should I go to have them removed or does someone know the steps? Will it make the top indicator chime like it does when the flaps are up?

Would appreciate any type of advise!

[sb_beetle]

Originally Posted by JeanBZ

So I have a 2004 New Beetle Convertible, I got it used and I've only had it for a few months.

It was all good, until I started having problems with the flaps, the one on the passenger side won't even close properly when the top is up (I will post a picture tomorrow) and when I put the top down it won't close, causing the one on the drivers side not to close either. I'm out of warranty, since its used and I know nothing about mechanics. I've been browsing the site and seen that a lot of people have had this problem and they have solved it by taking out the flaps. My question is where should I go to have them removed or does someone know the steps? Will it make the top indicator chime like it does when the flaps are up?

Would appreciate any type of advice!

Before trying this make sure you check that there are no broken guides etc. in the flap (compare it to the one that appears to be working properly.

Then...

The relay switch that engages the flaps is located in the windshield frame on the passenger's side. If you reach your pinky finger in toward the driver's side you will feel a little metal flap. You can flip this little piece up and down. If your flaps don't want to function properly this is a good place to start as road grime tends to accumulate and foul the switch. Flip the switch a couple of times and spray it with electronics parts cleaner and cover it with dilectric grease using a cotton swab.

[Darkmann]

Originally Posted by sb_beetle

Before trying this make sure you check that there are no broken guides etc. in the flap (compare it to the one that appears to be working properly.

Then...

The relay switch that engages the flaps is located in the windshield frame on the passenger's side. If you reach your pinky finger in toward the driver's side you will feel a little metal flap. You can flip this little piece up and down. If your flaps don't want to function properly this is a good place to start as road grime tends to accumulate and foul the switch. Flip the switch a couple of times and spray it with electronics parts cleaner and cover it with dilectric grease using a cotton swab.

That's a great tip but can you explain a bit better? I have no idea what you just wrote. I'm trying to see how the relay and the metal flap relate. Is the metal flap on the driver's side windshield or driver's side flap? So, stick finger under the flap? What about the relay on the passenger side? How to get to it?

[sb_beetle]

Originally Posted by Darkmann

That's a great tip but can you explain a bit better? I have no idea what you just wrote. I'm trying to see how the relay and the metal flap relate. Is the metal flap on the driver's side windshield or driver's side flap? So, stick finger under the flap? What about the relay on the passenger side? How to get to it?

Sorry, the metal flap is the switch on the relay. Have to reach your pinky in toward the driver's side to feel it. It is located in the hole on the passenger's side windshield frame where the top latches to the windshield.

[JeanBZ]

Quick follow up, I had my flaps removed and so far so good but now I have a horrible squeaking when going through bumps and stuff and its driving me insane. Well it's not one thing its the other.