2006 A4 Cabrio - not consistently working

[vtraudt]

Sometimes the top opens, sometime closes.
Most often, it stops somewhere in the middle, hydraulic motor just making noise.

I don't know how the system looks like, but assume a hydraulic pump, reservoir, cylinders.

It sounds like the system is low on fluid. NOT sure if that can be.

a) how and where to start troubleshooting?
b) is 'leak' possible? How to check?
c) other suggestions?

[SprintBlueWorld]

The most common fix is to open up the top motor and clean the brushes. If the doesn't work it may require replacement. If the top isn't opening or closing at all the trouble is more likely the top position sensor, or the micro switch in the top storage compartment. Check out the cabriolet drawings on GenuineaudiParts.com

Here's another excellent link

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads....131801/page-6

[vtraudt]

VAGcom any help to 'see' status of micro switches?
Motor seems to be running fine, PUMP makes varying noises (and keeps running, even so top stopped moving). Hence also not believing it is electric (swtich).
Motor/pump keeps running, just top not moving; top can be 'helped' by hand.

[SprintBlueWorld]

Yeah, I got that problem myself. Been meaning to deal with it by lubing the hinges on the bows maybe mess with the tension, but it hasnt been a huge issue. From everything I have been able to gather this has to do with the top motor itself. However concise information regarding cabriolet function is hard to find. Try the cleaning technique on the link I provided as it solves the most common issues. As I understand it the brushesi used on the motors were of poor quality.

[vtraudt]

Likely unrelated, but driver side (left) 'damper' (seems to have a cord or string hooked up) is leaking a bit oil/grease. I assume this short cylinder contains a tension spring and an oil dampener?

[vtraudt]

How do i get to the motor and pump and hydraulic reservoir?
Where is it located (I think somewhere on the right (passenger) side of the trunk?)?

I once heard/read someone talking about a leaking cover, and finding hydraulic oil in that area.

[SprintBlueWorld]

Yeah again the link above on page one shows how to get to it. Its on a passenger side in the trunk. Getting to it is the tough part. Woring with the motor was relatively easy.

[IslandHydro]

If what's been suggested already doesn't help, you might want to post here: Convertibles-Only

[vtraudt]

Yeah again the link above on page one shows how to get to it. Its on a passenger side in the trunk. Getting to it is the tough part. Woring with the motor was relatively easy.

When i have the car here, I will dig down to the motor/reservoir. According to the instructions, there is a fill cap on the motor. I will check fluid level and top off fluid first.
What fluid to use? The Audi power steering fluid (I think synthetic mineral fluid or so)?