One of the really annoying things about the S2 Cab is that you can not put the top up or down with the engine running. OK I understand why this may be desireable, you'd not want to move the top when going down the M4 albeit by accident !
However both the 968 and the Boxster does allow you to do
this.In fact the Boxster manual states that
"you must not activate the power hood without running the engine,
as this will cause an unnecessary drain on the battery"
On putting this issue forward to my OPC I was curtly told "it's not very safe !"
Hmmm, but it's safe in a 968 ??? So the search went on to find out with the aid of a 968 electrics diagram on how to make a modification, one which was both safe and easily converted back. Well needless to say I found the answer and below is the situation resolved
Disclaimer and warning
READ ALL POINTS BEFORE COMMENCING
1) If your not electrically minded find someone who is !
2) Some features may not work (ammended see below)
3) This document is independent of PORSCHE
Parts Required
1) Wire, 8A or better
2) Fuse & fuse holder 5A
3) Chocolate strip or crimp connector's 8A
4) Key Switch
Procedure
* My stereo is switched from a panel I made up, which goes in place of the cubby holder under the stereo. I decided to wire a key switch in parallel with this power feed, so to open or close the hood, I need to a) turn the stereo power feed on and b) turn the key switch on
* I used a key switch so when giving the car to a valet they can't accidentally destroy the motor. Also in case a "blonde" decides to open the roof when I'm driving down the motorway
* If your working on the car yourself or sending it away, pulling the fuse which controls the hood and/or the G21 relay will stop any accidents
* The pin switches do still prevent the roof from opening, so when parked and engine running you still need to lift up the hood an inch or 2. I decided against defeating this bit as it would be stupid to do so
* You can hardwire, but I did it this way so within an hour I could return the car to original, though why anyone buying your car would want it with this defeat switch not fitted is beyond me.
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3) Undo the 4 screw's holding the console/gear stick panel and lift up as far as you can.
4) Remove the gear stick and the 4 or 5 plugs connecting the switch gear to the console and pull it away. 5) Identify the connector which connects to the hood switch.
6) Identify pin 2 on the connector (this is marked) and leaving as much length from the pin back as you can (about 2"-3") cut this cable (Blue/Black). 7) Tape up the rest of the wire loom so that other part of the blue/black cable can't ground against anything. 8) Take your live feed and using either a crimp or chocolate strip, wire in the fuse holder and take the output of the fuse holder and make another connection to the blue/black cable going to the switch. 9) You can as I have run the fuse via a "key switch" just for safety. 10) In true Haynes style "re-fitting is reverse of removal !" i.e. reassemble all the bits back.
11) Now you can lower and raise the roof with the engine running. _____________________________________________________ Additional 1) You MUST make sure that you don't attempt to lower the roof inadvertently with it locked, (as this has now been bypassed as well) you will "Shag" the motor. **ADDENDUM 24/3/02 ** The pins should still work as normal but check this CAREFULLY first** 2) IF you have taken the power from a permanent feed, when you close the roof (with the windows fully up and ignition switch off) you should lower the windows manually a bit otherwise it may not sit right. HOWEVER if you are doing this with the key in pos.1 or engine running the windows will go down automatically as before. 3) If you can wire a switch in between the fuse and mount it near to you. This will stop your passenger accidentally pressing the button 4) Don't forget to let the next owner about the mod ! If you do it my way you can put the car back to normal in about 30 minutes.
