Convertible Top - Inoperative DTCs 1 and 2 Set

GROUP 54
Special Roofs

Bulletin Number
54 01 99

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
January 1999
Product Engineering

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 61 06 98 dated April 1998 which should be removed and discarded from your S.I. binder. Note that except for a new part number, the content of the bulletin has not changed.

SUBJECT:
Convertible Top Inoperative

MODEL:
3 Series Convertible (E36)

Situation:
The convertible top is inoperative, and code 1 (Motor output shorted to negative) and code 2 (Motor output shorted to positive) are set in the convertible top module (CVM).

Cause:
A faulty output stage in the CVM can cause fault codes 1 and 2 to be stored. This fault symptom can occur on vehicles produced up to September 1996. An improved CVM module was introduced October 1996.

Correction:
Check continuity of in-line fuse # 49, located near the battery.

If the fuse is good, follow repair procedure 61 35 150 to remove and replace the CVM module.

Following installation, the new module must be coded using the DIS tester and initialized to repair procedure 54 34 002.





Parts Information:





Warranty Information:
Covered under the terms of the BMW new car limited warranty.

Note:
The following explanations will spell out the correct use of the work times.

Main Work:
Use this labor operation number when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.

OR

+Associated Work:
Use this labor operation number when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair. Under no circumstances should both labor operation numbers be claimed. Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim processing and payment.





Stand behind the car and pull on the front bow with a light, even pressure. This will bend the tension rods slightly.

Note:
Do not use excessive force, as this will bend the rods too far, which will ruin the top frame.

Manually close the top and see if the front bow stops above the windshield header. Repeat the adjustment procedure until the top has just enough tension to keep the front bow from over-travelling and hitting the windshield header.





Warranty Status:
Covered under the terms of the BMW new car limited warranty.