I have a 91 convertible and the switch for the top is on the consol. When I push the switch to raise the top, sometimes the switch works immediately and sometimes takes a few minutes. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement switch or, do I need to replace a relay?

Any help would be appreciated

Rob
robfeltner@cfl.rr.com

 

This is probably not going to be very helpful but I just had to reply. I have a 88 Vert and am not that familiar with other years but something you said raised an eyebrow. You said when you push the button. On my car I have to twist the button: towards me to retract the top and away from me to raise it. How does a push button work? I would think the motors have no way of telling which direction to go.

Chuck

 

I also have an 89 vert and the button/dial is on the instrument cluster bezel, and you're right, I have to twist the button in order to raise and lower the top. but, on the 91s the switch is on the consol just under the surround sound stuff and the mirror switches, etc.

Rob
robfeltner@cfl.rr.com

 

I had exactly the same thing with my 91 vert. I ended up pulling the switch out and cleaning it.
The procedure is fairly simple, if you take care on removing that console switch plate:
1: take a flat putty knife or similar, and carefully pry the whole switch plate up from the console. 2: when that unit is out, you can then remove the plug to the top switch (press in on the tab, don't force it). 3: pop the switch out of the plate - it comes out from the top -you need to press in on the plastic tabs. 4: once the switch is out, you can the either replace the switch, or do what I did: take a very small screw drive and pry it open, and VERY CARefully, take the two copper switch plates apart and clean them. It will have a ton of junk on them - then just as carefully put them back. it should snap back in place. If you have a ohm meter, you can test the connection by rocking the switch back and forth.
OR - just replace the switch - and put it back as you took it out.
Good luck!

 

thanks a lot. That sounds like what I need to do. I'll give that a try.

Thanks again for the procedure.

Rob

 

make sure the parking brake is on as well, when activating the switch

 

Ice has a good point, It took me a couple of days to figure out why it would work fine sometimes and other times not at all. No owners manual so I couldn't look it up, didn't know about this site, so I discovered on my own that the brake lever had to be on. In the case of my car all the way up! (not just part way)

Chuck

 

I know about the parking brake. I've had verts for years. I just picked up this 91 and it is the first RX-7 I've had with the switch down on the consol. A good thing to look for when lowering or raising the top is the brake indicator on the dash. If it is lit, then the top should go up and down fine. If not then there may be a problem with the brake switch.

Rob