Convertible Retracting Panel Issue

[Rick Lavigne]

Hello All:

Have just joined and I hope you do not mind this question.  I am in Canada as well for context.  On my 2007,  I have a side plastic cover panel jumping out of the track when the top is being reclined and stowed.  I have read on various blogs I am not the only one with this issue.  Being technically and mechanically inclined, I see how the mechanism works and managed to repair the broken cord creating a loop to fit onto the armature wheel that it connects to.  I made sure that the length is the same as it was before and looked at the operating side to ensure I had that correct.  The panel retracted once fairly well, but not the second time where the top arms pushed the panel upward forcing it out of the tracks again.  Clearly there is a timing issue with the panel actuated to retract in time to avoid the top structure arms.

So, am now thinking that not only the length of the cord is critical, so is the level of load tension on the whole cord mechanism.  Can anyone confirm if their should be a preload on the cord once attached to the armature wheel so when the top is actuated for closure, the panel moves in concert with the top armature coming up?

Many thanks for any guidance.  Cheers.  Rick.

Edited June 16, 2022 by Rick Lavigne
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