Unlock Hardtop w/tool

[ralphpolanco]

Hi, previously posted my 2014 E89 top is not working and stuck in the retracted position. I bought the tool to manually unlock it to troubleshoot A694 Microswitch Cowl Panel. Does anyone have the secret to how this works? I've tried to pry up down left right, in out nada. On my wits end. A video, etc..

[RobbiZ4]

Please have look at the following thread with lots of diagnostic basics:

https://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?p=28492172

[Carl Annessa]

Originally Posted by ralphpolanco

Hi, previously posted my 2014 E89 top is not working and stuck in the retracted position. I bought the tool to manually unlock it to troubleshoot A694 Microswitch Cowl Panel. Does anyone have the secret to how this works? I've tried to pry up down left right, in out nada. On my wits end. A video, etc..

Unlocking the cowl panel microswitch on your 2014 E89 manually can be tricky. Try applying gentle pressure while simultaneously wiggling or rocking the tool. It's essential to be patient and persistent. If there's a specific technique in the tool's instructions, follow that closely. You might also find helpful videos or step-by-step guides on YouTube where enthusiasts share their experiences with similar issues. If the problem persists, consulting a BMW specialist or reaching out to the car's dealership for guidance may be beneficial.

[javis20]

I could be wrong here, but don't you have to release the hydraulic pressure before unlatching with the tool.

[RobbiZ4]

To be honest, I don't understand the last three posts except mine.

MS cowl panel is the one on top of the wind screen, right? What "tools" and what "wiggling" are you talking about?

[ralphpolanco]

Thanks everyone for the help, Here is the tool I am referring to. Purchased a similar tool from ECS.

[RobbiZ4]

These are the couplings of the support frame in the trunk, shown on your pics. And this tool is well known.

But the MS cowl panel is on the front, not in the trunk. So, what kind of fault are you going to mitigate?

I assume, that your diagnose is not complete or incorrect!

Next problem for you would be, that the roof package is LOCKED with the front locking system in the trunk as well. I've tested the description from TIS to unscrew those 2 tiny 4mm Torx screws with a cutted and adapted long bit. Didn't work unfortunately.

Start with a correct diagnosys, as you will be going to destroy further roof components when going the mechanical way without any knowledge of the roof!

Originally Posted by javis20

I could be wrong here, but don't you have to release the hydraulic pressure before unlatching with the tool.

javis20 hint is correct. You have to release the rear brass screw on the hydraukic pump to be able to move the trunk mechanism. But only for a max of 2 turns!

[javis20]

If the top is retracted into the trunk and his fault A694 indicates the cowl, why is he giving the boot mechanism a colonoscopy with that rod?

[ralphpolanco]

Let's see if this helps in lieu of going down a rabbit hole. See pics, top position, code displayed, and tool. I need to get it open to replace microswitch but honestly cannot based on instructions. I slide tool in the hole per instructions and nothing happens. Thanks to you all for the feedback on this. If not resolve I will just do the walk of shame and take it to a repair shop. BTW and recommendations in the Texas or Florida areas?

[RobbiZ4]

Originally Posted by RobbiZ4

...
Next problem for you would be, that the roof package is LOCKED with the front locking system in the trunk as well. I've tested the description from TIS to unscrew those 2 tiny 4mm Torx screws with a cutted and adapted long bit. Didn't work unfortunately.

The tool is known, but won't help you as said before.

The MS cowl panel is on top of the windscren.