Convertible Top issue

[jazzyjet]

Good looking car with Boop. thanks for the update T

[SKY 07]

Saturn called me again today. I am glad they have kept me inform about my SKY. Anyways No SNOW WHITE TODAY. They need more parts. They have to replace both plastic wheel well things. So maybe I'll have it on Saturday. Goodness i am getting depressed. Winter will be here before I know it. I need a road trip before I start getting nuttier that I am already. and that won't be good. I am starting to get crabby too. Oh dear...Why does a hunk of metal keep me happy? T.

[sbcomposer]

Known defect in the design of the sky. We have had our top replaced under warranty twice now for this exact issue, and are about to get our 3rd.

[SKY 07]

Originally Posted by sbcomposer

Known defect in the design of the sky. We have had our top replaced under warranty twice now for this exact issue, and are about to get our 3rd.

Oh dear... I hope I don't have to keep having the top replaced. What year is your SKY? Did you roof leak too? Thank goodness it's under warranty for the both of us. I heard it was very expensive to replace the convertible top. T.

[freebirdnow]

Bogie,

I never write to this thing but I now have a problem with my convertible top that I haven't seen on this forum yet. When I put my convertible top down, the passenger side sits on a block that has started to wear a hole in the top. I have problems getting my top to fold down compact enough to fit so I can close the lid. When I slam the lid, it evidentally pushes the top into this block and makes it start to tear. I showed it to the dealer and they said "nothing they could do, they won't replace the top" and wanted to send me to a convertible top store to see if they could do anything to prevent the tear from getting worse. Have you heard of this problem? Has anyone? If I complain long and loud enough, will the dealer replace my top? The hole isn't all the way through yet and with some kind of patch or glue it should stop but I don't like that idea since my car is only 1 year old and had 6700 miles on it. Please tell me what you can about this problem.

[dengel]

Originally Posted by freebirdnow

Bogie,

I never write to this thing but I now have a problem with my convertible top that I haven't seen on this forum yet. When I put my convertible top down, the passenger side sits on a block that has started to wear a hole in the top. I have problems getting my top to fold down compact enough to fit so I can close the lid. When I slam the lid, it evidentally pushes the top into this block and makes it start to tear. I showed it to the dealer and they said "nothing they could do, they won't replace the top" and wanted to send me to a convertible top store to see if they could do anything to prevent the tear from getting worse. Have you heard of this problem? Has anyone? If I complain long and loud enough, will the dealer replace my top? The hole isn't all the way through yet and with some kind of patch or glue it should stop but I don't like that idea since my car is only 1 year old and had 6700 miles on it. Please tell me what you can about this problem.

Are you talking about the "block" on the trunk lid that pushes the top down into the trunk when you close the lid? There are two of these, one on each side of the car. The plastic "block" should be covered with a foam pad, but the foam can often come off. I would be surprised that the plastic block is tearing the top though. The worst I have seen is a "worn" or glue stained spot left by glue residue on the block when the foam comes off.

If that is the problem, check both blocks for the foam. It is a quick 2 minute job for the dealer to replace that block for you (can't just replace the foam - the whole block comes off and gets replaced.)

[philbert]

I have had the same problem with my top the Pad on the hold down block fell off. I also had a problem with the guide rods that hold the top against the rear quarter panel. I have a type one top vin is 2308. they had a steel rod going into a plastic swivel point. They replace the rods and connectors on both sides and in the process broke the cable and spring that pulls the top into place along the frame (Rear near window).
It is still not working the top is still not locking in to place and so far its visit 6 and 5 repair attempts. going in 2mro once again.

Make sure that Saturn customer services is aware of the wear problems and that the dealer service department also makes a note in the system.
The rods breakig has caused wear on my top in two places and my car only has 8800 miles is garage keep and also stored in the winter.
Shouldn't have this many problems.

[philbert]

I'm still have issues with my top the dealer just can't seem to get it to lock down snug (Pass-side rear near door jam). The service manager told me that dealers were replacing so many tops that Saturn will not let them order replacements any more they have to replace dang near everything and then call in a so-called specialist to look at the car before final action or replacement is made. So now it's 6 trips 5 repair attemps and still NG.

As a side parting gift from my last visit they had some newbie work on my car and he did not follow the prorper lift proceedure, so now both fenders have been crushed by the lift. (Fiber glass breaks real messy)
They are going to fix it , but ya think they would have at least thrown in some free service for the mistake.



Any NJ members have issues with the service from the dealer they use?
I use Saturn of Union, my first visist with the new manager (3 now in a year) they rotated my tires incorrecly, I should have know better then to go back.

[SKY 07]

Originally Posted by philbert

I'm still have issues with my top the dealer just can't seem to get it to lock down snug (Pass-side rear near door jam). The service manager told me that dealers were replacing so many tops that Saturn will not let them order replacements any more they have to replace dang near everything and then call in a so-called specialist to look at the car before final action or replacement is made. So now it's 6 trips 5 repair attemps and still NG.

As a side parting gift from my last visit they had some newbie work on my car and he did not follow the prorper lift proceedure, so now both fenders have been crushed by the lift. (Fiber glass breaks real messy)
They are going to fix it , but ya think they would have at least thrown in some free service for the mistake.

Any NJ members have issues with the service from the dealer they use?
I use Saturn of Union, my first visist with the new manager (3 now in a year) they rotated my tires incorrecly, I should have know better then to go back.

Oh dear... I feel your pain. The dealership tried to fix my Convertible top twice before the finally replaced the whole thing. Trust me..... I know all about dealerships damaging cars. I could write a short novel about all the damages that have happen while under the care of the dealership. Last time the gave me full take of gas and my oil was changed for free. Good luck and keep us posted.
BTW The new convertible top doesn't repel the water. It just soaks up all the wetness. I am not happy with that. T.

[see ya]

Mine was like that when I picked it up, 2mo later it had not changed, I took it back to the dealer and told them I wanted a new top put on since the rubber can't be replaced, not one question asked, I had a new top on in 2 weeks.much better now

[philbert]

Originally Posted by see ya

Mine was like that when I picked it up, 2mo later it had not changed, I took it back to the dealer and told them I wanted a new top put on since the rubber can't be replaced, not one question asked, I had a new top on in 2 weeks.much better now

I would think that was before the restriction, now they dealers can't even order them. The service manager showed me how the system blocks any attemps to place the order they need a code supplied by Saturn to do so.

I'll keep you all posted, I should hear back by Monday when I can expect the Specialist to come and view my car, the tech at the dealer with 11 + yrs behind him must not know what he is doing.

[stuart]

I'm on my 3rd top (well, technically the 4th top). Had the top replaced the first time earlier this year in February 2008 - one year old at that time. Several weeks ago I took it in again because the canvas was catching/pinching in the joint above the passenger window and the latch that hooks the top to the top of the windshield had become bent. The service guys also noted the frame supports behind each window were also not aligning and were sticking out. So, no problem, they just ordered up another one - no issue for them. It came in within a few days, took the car back, they put the new top on. Went to pick it up, and noticed two tears in the canvas above the window. Oops. So they again ordered another top, overnighted it, and put it on the next work day. So, this 'fourth' top seems OK for now. The Saturn dealer here has always been good and never challenging anything re warranty. They fix the issues quickly. I also had the trunk lid springs replaced as the lid was not staying up, making it hard to put the top up and down. And had those little rubber pads replaced that hold the top in place in the trunk.
Main concern I have is what I will do once the warranty expires next year - replacing the top every year is not what I want to do. Maybe get a new RL in 2010! Or the new Soltice hard top.....hmmmm.

[snaponbob]

Originally Posted by stuart

I'm on my 3rd top (well, technically the 4th top). Had the top replaced the first time earlier this year in February 2008 - one year old at that time. Several weeks ago I took it in again because the canvas was catching/pinching in the joint above the passenger window and the latch that hooks the top to the top of the windshield had become bent. The service guys also noted the frame supports behind each window were also not aligning and were sticking out. So, no problem, they just ordered up another one - no issue for them. It came in within a few days, took the car back, they put the new top on. Went to pick it up, and noticed two tears in the canvas above the window. Oops. So they again ordered another top, overnighted it, and put it on the next work day. So, this 'fourth' top seems OK for now. The Saturn dealer here has always been good and never challenging anything re warranty. They fix the issues quickly. I also had the trunk lid springs replaced as the lid was not staying up, making it hard to put the top up and down. And had those little rubber pads replaced that hold the top in place in the trunk.
Main concern I have is what I will do once the warranty expires next year - replacing the top every year is not what I want to do. Maybe get a new RL in 2010! Or the new Soltice hard top.....hmmmm.

Keep your service receipts. Discuss with the service manager about the on going problem and whether GM will consider this a pre-existing condition for continued coverage. If there is no satisfaction at the delaer level, call Saturns Customer (non)Service department and request the same assurance. Then GET IT IN WRITING.

[Slowbro]

You're lucky, I have to put mine up like I'm constructing a tent.

[SkyBaby]

They didnt want to mess with mine with the weather getting colder.. they said to wait til spring.... When I first got this Sky it was very hard to put the top up.. I had to be in the passenger seat and brace my right foot kinda by the door frame.... I am weak.. but I asked someone to help me once and it was hard for him to do it too..... as time went on it has gotten a little easier but I still have to be in the passenger seat to put it up.. and it still pinches ALOT...SkyBaby

[philbert]

Originally Posted by snaponbob

Keep your service receipts. Discuss with the service manager about the on going problem and whether GM will consider this a pre-existing condition for continued coverage. If there is no satisfaction at the delaer level, call Saturns Customer (non)Service department and request the same assurance. Then GET IT IN WRITING.

I almost forgot to do this, I will request a written confirmation letter or better yet ask for extended warranty as a sing of good faith,. Never hurts to ask.

[jwolfpack02]

I just picked my Sky up from the dealer after getting the top replaced. From what I could tell in the dark last night, it looks to be OK. Even in the cold, the top folded into the trunk with a little more effort, but not too bad. The driver's side door doesn't look to be sealed when the window's up, but I won't know until it rains or I wash it...which, it was disappointing to pick it up dirty, after they've cleaned it every other time I've had it there.

[bitshftr]

jwolfpack02,

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I noticed from your signature that you got your Sky from Jill at Saturn of Cary. I got mine from her in September (excellent buying experience), but haven't needed any service on it yet. How do you feel about the service department over there? I need to get the front wheel wells replaced under warranty and with 3 Saturn dealers in this area, I want to pick a good one that's easy to work with and that has a lot of experience working on Skys.

[jwolfpack02]

both Saturn of Raleigh & Saturn of Cary have been good to me...give Joe in Cary a call & he'll help you out, or if you're closer to Capital Blvd, Patrick's good to work with as well.

[bitshftr]

Originally Posted by jwolfpack02

both Saturn of Raleigh & Saturn of Cary have been good to me.

Thanks for the reference!