Service Procedure
Check soft-top forward movement1. Apply masking tape to the soft-top Latch Sockets.
^ Apply tape to the left and right side sockets.
^ Tape is not needed on the center Latch Socket.
2. Use a colored "marker" to color ("paint") the left and right Latch Hooks.
3. Close the soft-top but do not latch it.
4. Open the soft-top and check the tape on the Latch Sockets, left and right side (see Figure 1).
^ The marker color on the Latch Hook should not transfer or rub off onto the tape on the Latch Socket.
^ If color transferred to the tape, the soft-top is moving too far forward and will need to be adjusted. See "Adjust soft-top forward movement".
NOTE:
Do Not adjust the Latch Sockets.
^ The soft-top Latch/Locating Sockets (see Figure 1) are very "precisely" (accurately) adjusted at the factory to ensure proper soft-top fit and function.
^ Any change to this adjustment may cause poor fit, resulting in possible water leaks and wind noise.
^ If loosened or removed, they will require the services of a body shop to accurately readjust them.
Adjust soft-top forward movement
1. Open the soft-top to about 1/2 open.
^ Top should be straight up as shown in Figure 3.
2. Locate the correct adjustment point as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
NOTE:
^ There is an adjustment point below this one that looks similar.
^ Make sure you only adjust the upper one as shown in Figure 4.
3. Loosen the adjustment lock nut.
^ Use a 12-mm open-end wrench.
^ Reach in from the soft top storage area (see Figure 5).
4. Use a 5-mm Allen wrench to adjust (see Figure 6).
^ Turning the adjustment screw left (counter clockwise) will move the soft-top (Latch Hook) backward, towards the rear of the vehicle.
^ Adjust 1 full turn and recheck as per Steps 1 - 4.
^ If more adjustment is needed, adjust 1/2 turn at a time and recheck between each adjustment.
^ Perform this adjustment for the left and right side as needed.
Latch socket cover inspection and replacement
1. Inspect all three (left, right, and center) Latch Socket Covers.
^ See Figure 7 for example of a damaged cover.
^ If the covers are damaged, proceed with Step 2 to replace them.
^ If the covers are not damaged, skip ahead to "Latch inspection and replacement".
2. Lift one end of the cover and pull it off. The covers are glued on.
3. Clean all glue residue off the top of the Latch Socket.
^ Use a scraper and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.
4. Apply 3M Plastic Emblem & Trim Adhesive(TM) to the bottom side of the new socket cover. (3M Catalog # 03601,1 fl oz tube).
NOTE:
3M PLASTIC EMBLEM & TRIM ADHESIVE(TM) MUST BE USED for this repair. This product is the ONLY approved adhesive for this repair.
^ Use "local source" for 3M product.
^ Apply adhesive to the areas shown in Figure 11.
^ Use a suitable thin tool to push adhesive down into the channel areas.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
^ Call 3M's 24-hour "3M Helps" Customer Service line at 1-800-364-3577 or 1-651-737-6501.
^ Go to http://search.3m.com and enter the product number into the search field.
5. Press the new cover into place
^ Make sure it is completely pressed into its fully seated position.
^ Clean off any excess adhesive with isopropyl alcohol.
Latch inspection and replacement
1. Fully close and latch the soft-top.
^ If the latch is broken or damaged, proceed with Step 2 to replace the latch.
^ If the latch is working correctly, procedure is finished, you're done.
2. Fully open the soft-top.
3. Remove Welt on the edge of the Latch Cover (see Figure 13).
4. Remove clips next to the left and right side Latch Hooks.
^ Use a suitable clip removal tool.
^ Driver's side is shown, remove clip on the passenger's side also.
5. Use a suitable tool to snap loose the Latch Cover Clips and remove the Latch Cover.
^ There are 5 clips on the left side of the latch and 5 clips on the right side of the latch. Be careful not to damage the Latch Cover edges with the tool.
6. Remove the 130 Torx bolts on the left and right side Latch Hooks.
^ Passenger's side is shown, remove driver's side also.
7. Remove four (4) T30 Torx bolts on the Center Latch Assembly (see Figure 16).
^ Do Not remove the two (2) T30 Torx bolts on the Center Latch Hook.
8. Install the new Latch Assembly. (Reverse of Steps 6 and 7, above).
9. Measure the Latch Rod adjustment of the old latch (the one that was removed).
^ Measure on both sides of the "Turn buckle".
^ Measure both the left and right side Turn buckles.
10. Adjust the new Latch Rods to match the adjustment of the old ones.
11. Close the soft-top and latch it completely closed.
12. Re-open the soft-top.
Make sure Latch Rods are adjusted correctly.
13. Apply "check" material to the left and right Latch Hooks (see Figure 19).
Use a suitable marking material that will rub off when the Latch Striker contacts the Latch Hook. A "heavy-duty" marking crayon will work.
14. Close the soft-top and latch it completely closed.
15. Open the soft-top and check for "witness-marks" on the left and right side Latch Hooks (see Figure 20).
^ There is a small ridge at about the center of the Latch Hook.
^ Make sure the Latch Striker left some "witness-marks" (material has been rubbed off). There should be contact just past the ridge in the center of the Latch Hook.
16. If needed, adjust the Latch Rods (using the turn buckles) until the Latch Hooks engage correctly (see Figure 20).
17. Reinstall the Latch Cover (see Figure 15).