Convertible indicator light

[Wlsngrl]

First time having a 2004 automatic convertible. When I have the top fully and completely closed and latched, the indicator light continues to stay lit even though I waited to have the top fully closed. Anyone else have this problem? The dealer could not fix it but they weren't a VW dealer, either.
Also, never had a convertible before and just wondered if it should be so loud by the driver window. Kind of sounds like there's a window cracked open. For now, I just turn the radio up louder so I don't hear it when I'm driving fast on the interstate.

[Mellow Vert]

Being a new VW owner all I can suggest is to look at where the top hooks in to the windshield area. Theirs a sensor that can get dirty and so the computer doesn’t know that its hook all the way in. Wipe down in side the hole area as far in you can reach with a damp rag. The noise maybe because its not hook in all the way?? Good luck

[Photobug]

The issue might be with the catch. (2) Easly replace.

[bigcoyote]

We just got our 04 from a non-vw dealer also -- had the same issue. I have owned alot of convertibles so I made sure the top was down and latched - but the warning light - buzzer still said it was not latched. The non-vw dealer took it to the local vw dealer to get it checked - it was a bad sensor in the top of the windshield frame where the top latches grab on to. Not a hard fix, but I think the vw dealer charged about $240.00 to replace one sensor ( there are two, so I'm told ).

Untill you get it fixed - just make sure the top is down and properly latched. If you are getting alot of wind noise you might want to check that the windows are going all the way up when the doors are closed.

Good luck - hope you enjoy yours as much as we are enjoying ours!!

[Wlsngrl]

I tried cleaning out the spot where the top latches, but it just looks like I'm cleaning metal, not a sensor. Is that where the sensor is? The two holes where the top latches down on both sides.

[CGK]

First of all, there is only one microswitch in the windshield header and it is the one that signals the top is closed and locked. It is located on the passenger side through the latch opening. If you stick your finger in the opening and move toward the center of the windshield you should be able to feel it. There isn't much you can do to clean it other than use an electrical contact cleaning spray and that might do the trick.
When the top is down, can you hear the rear latches lock and the flaps close completely? If not, then hold the top switch until you hear the chime ring once to indicate the top is completely down. The top light should then go out. If it doesn't then the microswitch is bad and will need to be replaced.

[pencilneck]

The two hooks that latch the top closed. Try to twist on them some and I bet you find the right side has a bit of free play on it and the left side is solid feeling.

The micro switch is a sealed unit, nothing to clean. The right side latch when it swings into the windshield frame presses against a lever that triggers the micro switch sending the top latched signal. But when that hook gets free play in it, it doesn't latch in deep enough to push on that lever.

[Jarret12]

i have same problem, a 2004 n i changed micro switch n nothing, when i open it it opens fine n flaps close n top locks n it chimes n light goes out. but when i close it n i lock it the flaps on the inside won't go down, please help it's driving me crazy !!!!

[bigcoyote]

Have you tried holding the top button for an extra minute - ours doesn't close the flaps untill a few seconds after the top has stopped moving.

If thats not it then you might have a seperate issue with the flaps and I have no idea about those..

[pencilneck]

Originally Posted by Jarret12

i have same problem, a 2004 n i changed micro switch n nothing, when i open it it opens fine n flaps close n top locks n it chimes n light goes out. but when i close it n i lock it the flaps on the inside won't go down, please help it's driving me crazy !!!!

Do you have VCDS (VAG COM)? While my gut feeling is the right side hook (the one that goes into the windshield frame) is loose, if you have VCDS, you can view the switch continuations and see what is really going on.

[Wlsngrl]

Well I took it to VW and they found the ground wire? wasn't attached or something like that, basically an electrical problem. It's now fixed and I found out from VW that somehow the owner before me completely took the flaps off of my car. I dont' have them, not sure if that's good or bad.