The sun is out but the roof wont go down

[s6kev]

Looking for some advise with my e30 electric roof, the last few times I have tried to put the roof down it has not done so the first time of trying.
After a few attempts and a bit of encouragement it has gone down. I have never had any problems putting the roof back up.
Today the sun is shinning but the roof does not want to know.
Has anyone experienced this problem, the car is a 1992 318i cab, with 55,000 on the clock. I'm hoping it is not a new motor.

[orangecurry]

be very very careful - if something is out of line and the mechanism is jammed, the metal motor-housing on the hood-motor can get ripped-out and it's bye-bye time.

Is the motor whirring / clicking at all?

[s6kev]

There is no noise at all, I thought it could be a lose conection or a fuse but not sure.
I have had a look at the owners manual but cant find any thing regarding the fuse.
Also thought about changing the switch, like I say when the roof is down it goes up with no problem,

[orangecurry]

stupid question - have you disengaged the motors from the mechanisms and dropped the hood manually? Never done it myself but I'm pretty sure you can.

Then re-engage and you can see if the hood goes up ok still! At least you'll know the motors are both ok

[E30cabalan]

If you open the boot and take out the upper boot lining you can get at the motors. Each has a release handle to drop the motor out of the gearbox.
You can then either check for signs of life using the hood up down switch and check the hood moves without horrible grinding and bending noises.
Be careful and do not do this outside, if it rains and the hood is half up ......
You get the picture
Good luck

[s6kev]

Thanks for the tips, if it is nice at the weekend I will take a look at it.