I'm needing to find out if my switch is bad or if it's a wiring issue. What wires on the plug do i need to jump/crossover to operate the motors? It starts to go back, but cuts out and need to keep jiggling the switch back and forth to get it to keep operating... Quite an ordeal to get it up or down .

1988 Convertible, NA 5SP.

 

try playing with the e-brake when it does this see if it changes anything

 

Ok, I'll try that tonight, too. Anyone able to help on the wiring though?

 

just my opinion but try the ebrake first, I dont recall too many switches going bad
sometimes mine cuts out when it gets about half way and beeps- think its some kind of safety thing. I just flip the switch again though dont have to jiggle it

 

The convertible mechanism is designed to stop about half way up to allow the driver to drop the hooks. This doesn't sound like what the OP is talking about though.

 

Switch contacts get dirty, common to all cars.

There is a link to a web site where you can download a factory wiring diagram. If I can find it again I'll post a link.

 

I've searched for this to no avail... This is what I'm hoping to find.

 

Correct, commonly doesn't even start to move without engaging and disengaging the switch several times.

 

As this sounds the easiest, I will be trying this first. But I'd like to know the wiring if it's not the e brake.

 

Found it.

Mazda RX-7 Reference Materials

 

Omg that's a lot of reading... Lol

 

I'm learning as fast as I can.

 

take switch out, clean contacts with pencil eraser.

 

You can use the check terminal on the passenger fender wall to troubleshoot. Troubleshooting table and detailed wiring diagram are well-described starting on page 15-201 of the Factory Service Manual. For your specific question, Terminal F of the check terminal should go to +12v when the ignition is on and the switch is rotated to Open.

If you have a steady +12v, the next likely culprit is the limit switch in the circuit that stops the motors when top is down. It is a normally closed switch. When the contacts are dirty or corroded the voltage passing through the Open / Close switch cannot get to the relays that operate the motors.

Good luck.

 

Here is another popular source for the factory manuals.

RotaryHeads.com - 2nd Gen RX-7 PDF Technical Manuals FC3S

The specific file mentioned in my previous post is 15 Body electrical system part 2.

 

Realized the terminal letters won't help too much without wire colors

Term Wire Color Voltage Test Condition
C B/Y +12 Ignition switch ON
F R/W +12 Ignition switch ON and top switch OPEN
E G/W +12 Ignition switch ON and top switch CLOSE
B R 0 Ignition switch ON and parking brake ON
A B 0 Always (frame ground)

 

Thank you very much!

 

Let us know what you find. I guess convertible top electrical problems are pretty common. I've had to troubleshoot, repair and adjust both of mine. Will help your resolve yours if I can. Cheers!

 

Ive had 4 and never had an issue with the tops, one sat for 3 years too