Conv Top not working after dead battery

tIndy · 04-25-2019, 05:39 AM

I don't understand these cars!!

My battery was 6 years old and died. I replaced it with a new battery detailed on this forum. Perfect fit!!!

Now, however, my top is stuck in the down position.

The buttons just flash red.

I have purchased a code reader/reset tool, Amazon Prime will deliver in 2 days.

Suggestions on why the top has stopped working??????

Huz-Z · 04-25-2019, 07:13 AM

My bet is a code issue associated with the new battery. It would be an incredible coincidence if the top motor failed at the same time that you replaced the battery. And it is unlikely to be the micro switches in the trunk - they prevent the top from lowering when the shelf between the roll hoops and the rear window is raised . In your case the top is already lowered. However, it couldn't hurt to take a look at them - open the trunk and see the black plastic knobs near the trunk hinges.

Out of curiosity, do you drive the car in the rain or leave it parked outside where the car could get rained on, potentially flooding the top motor? Or, do you wash the car with a power washer? The top motor doesn't like those things.

schobyb · 04-25-2019, 07:19 AM

Try resetting your windows. Hold the window-up control for 10 seconds past when the window reaches the top. Do this for both windows then try the top.

tIndy · 04-25-2019, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Out of curiosity, do you drive the car in the rain or leave it parked outside where the car could get rained on, potentially flooding the top motor? Or, do you wash the car with a power washer? The top motor doesn't like those things.

I live in the midwest in the car has never been in rain or snow. It is garaged 24/7 and only driven on nice days with the top down.

I am going to try resetting the windows as was detailed. That does make sense.

Huz-Z · 04-25-2019, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tIndy

I live in the midwest in the car has never been in rain or snow. It is garaged 24/7 and only driven on nice days with the top down.

I am going to try resetting the windows as was detailed. That does make sense.

That's good - I expect that the likelihood of this being a failed top motor is very low.

Re your comment that "It is garaged 24/7 and only driven on nice days with the top down", so is mine. Unfortunately in my case, that means I can drive it on 15 or 20 days a year.

Let us know if the window reset does the trick.

tIndy · 04-26-2019, 02:45 PM

Well, the window reset fixed the conv top issue. I was able to put the top up.

Now, my battery is dead again!!!!

Something is draining the brand new battery!

schobyb · 04-26-2019, 03:12 PM

Glad to hear resetting windows worked. I have some sort of undiagnosed drain on mine too; I've seen several reports of that issue here. I keep mine on a battery tender when it is parked at home. I use a CTEK with a cig lighter adapter so it is easy to connect.

tIndy · 04-26-2019, 03:25 PM

This car has been perfect since 2016, now a cascade of issues.

I read a suggestion about locking the car doors which should shut off the bluetooth which may be draining the battery.

3002 tii · 04-30-2019, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tIndy

This car has been perfect since 2016, now a cascade of issues.

I read a suggestion about locking the car doors which should shut off the bluetooth which may be draining the battery.

Bluetooth is not going to drain a new battery

Huz-Z · 04-30-2019, 10:18 AM

Is the light staying lit in the storage compartment between the seats when the door of the compartment is closed? Sometimes a tab breaks and that light stays on, that could be one thing to check. If so, maybe just pull out the bulb to prevent further battery drain and recharge the battery.

tIndy · 05-01-2019, 07:59 AM

I finally got frustrated and called the indie dealer. They have always been great.

The shop owner told me the new battery must be registered with the car?

I have been searching the forums and can't find info on battery registration.

Help?

Huz-Z · 05-01-2019, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tIndy

I finally got frustrated and called the indie dealer. They have always been great.

The shop owner told me the new battery must be registered with the car?

I have been searching the forums and can't find info on battery registration.

Help?

I had my dealer install the battery currently (bad pun) in my car and they told me the same thing. I can't say if this is causing your issue, but if they will code your battery and check for other issues at a fair charge (another bad pun), and it gets your top working for you, its money well spent.

Good luck!

StickMon · 05-01-2019, 07:31 PM

There's no coding for the battery needed on the Z4.
Other BMW models, yes, which is why they incorrectly assume it's needed.

tIndy · 05-02-2019, 04:22 AM

This is not the first issue of where I have been questioning the indie shop's knowledge.

They are telling me the passenger seat occupancy mat needs to be replaced, as my seat belt light (not airbag) light is on. INPA shows the driver's seat belt sensor isn't registering closed when the driver's belt is buckled. INPA shows the mats and airbag sensors are perfectly fine.

I am looking for another shop.

schobyb · 05-02-2019, 07:22 AM

I've seen other posts here that mention registering the battery on Z4Ms. I believe it is claimed to let the computer know a new battery is in so it can adjust the amount of charge the alternator sends to the battery. I have had my current battery in the car for nearly 4 years and have not registered it. Registering a battery may extend the life, but would not drain a new battery in a short amount of time. I've heard the bluetooth claim too. I believe locking the car shuts down most systems sooner than if you don't lock the car, but those systems eventually shut down when unlocked.

What I know from my own experience is without a trickle charger my previous battery died in less than one year and with my CTEK I'm coming up to four on this one.

3002 tii · 05-02-2019, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schobyb

I've seen other posts here that mention registering the battery on Z4Ms. I believe it is claimed to let the computer know a new battery is in so it can adjust the amount of charge the alternator sends to the battery. I have had my current battery in the car for nearly 4 years and have not registered it. Registering a battery may extend the life, but would not drain a new battery in a short amount of time. I've heard the bluetooth claim too. I believe locking the car shuts down most systems sooner than if you don't lock the car, but those systems eventually shut down when unlocked.

What I know from my own experience is without a trickle charger my previous battery died in less than one year and with my CTEK I'm coming up to four on this one.

Battery registration isn’t required for this generation, only started with e9x.

Stupid question OP, you sure the knobs aren’t turned by the shelf?

Huz-Z · 05-02-2019, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Battery registration isn’t required for this generation, only started with e9x.

Stupid question OP, you sure the knobs aren’t turned by the shelf?

Yes - the two black knobs in the trunk near each hinge should be positioned so that the shelf between the roll hoops and the back window is in the lowered position. If the shelf is raised (to make more cargo space in the trunk) it would occupy the area that the roof does when its lowered. So the knobs have lock outs to prevent the roof from lowering into the raised shelf and causing damage.

StickMon · 05-02-2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tIndy

... I replaced it with a new battery ...
... top is stuck in the down position. ...

I was having a hard time putting these together.
You replaced the battery with the top down?

I can't see replacing the battery without raising the "tea tray".

Huz-Z · 05-03-2019, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

I was having a hard time putting these together.
You replaced the battery with the top down?

I can't see replacing the battery without raising the "tea tray".

In a non-M, you have full access to the battery whether the tray / shelf is raised or lowered.

DVCNick · 05-03-2019, 09:10 AM

I have the battery out of mine now. It was five years old according to the sticker so I guess that wasn't abnormal.

Autozone gave me the wrong battery at first... long story.

One thing I noticed that might be related: Before pulling the old battery I read 1.7V across the charge ports under the hood.

Once I got the battery out, it was reading 4V right on the terminals.

That seems like a lot of voltage drop to me just for a few feet of cabling... has anyone else measured this? Does this seem normal?

StickMon · 05-03-2019, 10:50 AM

All the major chains will give you an H5 when you're supposed to have an H6.
They apparently all work from the same flawed database.

DVCNick · 05-03-2019, 11:52 AM

Yep, that is exactly what happened to me.

Update on mine: Installed new battery, and I'm reading over 12V on the charge ports under the hood. So not seeing a >2V drop anymore with the new battery.

I have it on the tender now just to make sure it is fully topped off, and I'll take it for a spin later this afternoon...

Sorry not meaning to hijack the thread here... But is there a complete list of things you have to do after completely cutting and restoring power?

I saw a window index operation mentioned above, hold the window switch up for 10 seconds after the window is closed. Is there anything else? Thanks for the input.

04-25-2019, 05:39 AM	#1
tIndy Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	Conv Top not working after dead battery I don't understand these cars!! My battery was 6 years old and died. I replaced it with a new battery detailed on this forum. Perfect fit!!! Now, however, my top is stuck in the down position. The buttons just flash red. I have purchased a code reader/reset tool, Amazon Prime will deliver in 2 days. Suggestions on why the top has stopped working??????
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-25-2019, 07:13 AM	#2
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	My bet is a code issue associated with the new battery. It would be an incredible coincidence if the top motor failed at the same time that you replaced the battery. And it is unlikely to be the micro switches in the trunk - they prevent the top from lowering when the shelf between the roll hoops and the rear window is raised . In your case the top is already lowered. However, it couldn't hurt to take a look at them - open the trunk and see the black plastic knobs near the trunk hinges. Out of curiosity, do you drive the car in the rain or leave it parked outside where the car could get rained on, potentially flooding the top motor? Or, do you wash the car with a power washer? The top motor doesn't like those things. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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04-25-2019, 07:19 AM	#3
schobyb Private 15 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Roadster; 2012 Cayenne Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Central Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4MR [0.00]	Try resetting your windows. Hold the window-up control for 10 seconds past when the window reaches the top. Do this for both windows then try the top.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-26-2019, 02:45 PM	#6
tIndy Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	Well, the window reset fixed the conv top issue. I was able to put the top up. Now, my battery is dead again!!!! Something is draining the brand new battery!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-26-2019, 03:12 PM	#7
schobyb Private 15 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Roadster; 2012 Cayenne Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Central Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4MR [0.00]	Glad to hear resetting windows worked. I have some sort of undiagnosed drain on mine too; I've seen several reports of that issue here. I keep mine on a battery tender when it is parked at home. I use a CTEK with a cig lighter adapter so it is easy to connect.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-26-2019, 03:25 PM	#8
tIndy Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	This car has been perfect since 2016, now a cascade of issues. I read a suggestion about locking the car doors which should shut off the bluetooth which may be draining the battery.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2019, 10:18 AM	#10
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Is the light staying lit in the storage compartment between the seats when the door of the compartment is closed? Sometimes a tab breaks and that light stays on, that could be one thing to check. If so, maybe just pull out the bulb to prevent further battery drain and recharge the battery.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-01-2019, 07:59 AM	#11
tIndy Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	I finally got frustrated and called the indie dealer. They have always been great. The shop owner told me the new battery must be registered with the car? I have been searching the forums and can't find info on battery registration. Help?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-01-2019, 07:31 PM	#13
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	There's no coding for the battery needed on the Z4. Other BMW models, yes, which is why they incorrectly assume it's needed. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-02-2019, 04:22 AM	#14
tIndy Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	This is not the first issue of where I have been questioning the indie shop's knowledge. They are telling me the passenger seat occupancy mat needs to be replaced, as my seat belt light (not airbag) light is on. INPA shows the driver's seat belt sensor isn't registering closed when the driver's belt is buckled. INPA shows the mats and airbag sensors are perfectly fine. I am looking for another shop.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-02-2019, 07:22 AM	#15
schobyb Private 15 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Roadster; 2012 Cayenne Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Central Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4MR [0.00]	I've seen other posts here that mention registering the battery on Z4Ms. I believe it is claimed to let the computer know a new battery is in so it can adjust the amount of charge the alternator sends to the battery. I have had my current battery in the car for nearly 4 years and have not registered it. Registering a battery may extend the life, but would not drain a new battery in a short amount of time. I've heard the bluetooth claim too. I believe locking the car shuts down most systems sooner than if you don't lock the car, but those systems eventually shut down when unlocked. What I know from my own experience is without a trickle charger my previous battery died in less than one year and with my CTEK I'm coming up to four on this one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-03-2019, 09:10 AM	#20
DVCNick New Member 8 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (0)	I have the battery out of mine now. It was five years old according to the sticker so I guess that wasn't abnormal. Autozone gave me the wrong battery at first... long story. One thing I noticed that might be related: Before pulling the old battery I read 1.7V across the charge ports under the hood. Once I got the battery out, it was reading 4V right on the terminals. That seems like a lot of voltage drop to me just for a few feet of cabling... has anyone else measured this? Does this seem normal?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-03-2019, 10:50 AM	#21
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	All the major chains will give you an H5 when you're supposed to have an H6. They apparently all work from the same flawed database. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-03-2019, 11:52 AM	#22
DVCNick New Member 8 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (0)	Yep, that is exactly what happened to me. Update on mine: Installed new battery, and I'm reading over 12V on the charge ports under the hood. So not seeing a >2V drop anymore with the new battery. I have it on the tender now just to make sure it is fully topped off, and I'll take it for a spin later this afternoon... Sorry not meaning to hijack the thread here... But is there a complete list of things you have to do after completely cutting and restoring power? I saw a window index operation mentioned above, hold the window switch up for 10 seconds after the window is closed. Is there anything else? Thanks for the input.
	Appreciate 0 Quote