Roof Operation Info

[SSR Tailhook]

I was an S-2E pilot in VS-35 at North Island CA and on the USS Hornet for the '68-'69 cruise. Were you in WESTPAC?

[jonjayne]

I'm having the TLAT roof fault problem right now (06 blur blue). On the first press of the switch, the windows lower down to about 3/4's of the way then everything stops and the TLAT Hall switch fault appears on the readout. I have to release the switch and the brake wait a few seconds then press them both down again, then the roof normally retracts to the stow position. I don't have a problem bringing the roof back up. I took the vehicle to the chevy dealer in Palm Coast and the technician said he found the R/S cylinder with HELL switch not responding internally and replaced it. Low and behold as soon as I tested the roof at the dealership I got the same problem. Now they want to change the LT and RT latches S/N 88980422 (RT) and 88980425 (LT). The service guys said they are talking to the factory and I guess are going thru some kind of troubleshooting chart and to replace certain parts until they get it fixed. Now the problem is there are no latches to be found in their inventory! Anybody out there have any input (or latches).

[xoxoxoBruce]

PM Niceville Bill.

[506fuzzy]

Hi Marc, excellent information on your post, just wondering if you would know how to correst a problem with the paint on the passeneger side roof getting chaffed during the opening and closing and how to correct this.

Thanks for any help you may be able to offer.

Rick (506fuzzy)

Originally Posted by Marc NY

Here are some Top descriptions and Operation info which I hope will be of assistance to our members.

__________________________________

Power Folding Top Description and Operation

Power Retractable/Moveable Top System Components
The power retractable/moveable top system consists of the following components:

• Roof door module (RDM)
• Hydraulic system including pump motor
• Hydraulic lines and valve manifold
• Electronic actuator for latching the top to the header
• Folding top mechanics for the top:

- Top
- Stowage compartment lid panel
- Stowage compartment lid extension panel
- Latching mechanism for the top

• Serial data communication
• Position sensing hardware:

- Limit switches
- Hall effects as position sensors of the cylinders

• Top open/close control switch
• Power supply:

- RDM/windows 30 circuit breaker
- PWR roof 30A circuit breaker
- RDM2 15A fuse
- IGN 0 10A fuse

• Grounds:

- G300
- G301

System Operation

Before any movement of the top is allowed, the following messages must be received by the RDM and may also be retransmitted periodically:

• Ignition in ACCY, RUN or RAP
• Brake is pedal pressed
• Vehicle speed less than 5 mph
• A/C is OFF
• Cargo cover is closed

The sequence for opening the top is as follows when holding the retractable roof switch to the OPEN request position:

1. Driver and passenger windows index down
2. Tonneau latch extending to unlatch
3. Tonneau latch extended, opened
4. Tonneau panel extending upward, opening
5. Tonneau panel extended upward
6. Front tonneau extending
7. Front tonneau extended
8. Header latch unlatching
9. Top panel dowel pins activate that top panel is not over center and unlatched
10. Top panel retracting, to open position
11. Top panel retracted to open position
12. Tonneau panel retracting downward, closing
13. Tonneau panel closed
14. Tonneau latch, retracted
15. Audible chime 2 times indicated cycle completed

The sequence for closing the top is as follows when holding the top retractable roof switch to the CLOSE request position:

1. Driver and passenger windows index down
2. Tonneau latch extending to unlatch
3. Tonneau latch extended, opened
4. Tonneau panel extending upward, opening
5. Tonneau panel extended upward
6. Top panel extending to close position
7. Top panel dowel pins enter receiver indicating top reached header
8. Header latch latching
9. Top panel dowel pins activate that top panel is over center, latched
10. Front tonneau retracting
11. Front tonneau retracted
12. Tonneau panel retracting downward, closing
13. Tonneau panel closed
14. Tonneau latch, retracted
15. Audible chime 2 times indicated cycle completed
16. Driver and passenger window close

Hydraulic Control

The roof door module (RDM) will control the hydraulic system to move the folding top by controlling the on/off state and direction of the hydraulic pump motor, and the open/close state of each valve.

The pump motor will be continuously monitoring the temperature sensor thermistor for a pump motor temperature being out of range. If the RDM detects a temperature between the pump motor pre-alarm and pump motor alarm, the current open/close operation shall complete, but no new top operation will be allowed until the pump motor cools below the pump motor pre-alarm. If the temperature reaches the pump motor alarm value, all top operation will cease. There is a low temperature value that will also cease all operation when the temperature is below this value.

Anytime the folding top control switch is released or the top becomes inoperative when it is not fully closed or open, pressure must be maintained in the system to avoid drifting and damage of components. After 4 minutes, hydraulic pressure should be released by cycling the valves on and off, allowing the top to gradually settle to a resting position.

Driver Notification

Listed below are under certain conditions the driver shall be alerted with a message sent via class 2 serial data to the driver information center (DIC).

• ROOF CYCLE TIMEOUT -- Displays when the folding top switch is active and the RDM has detected a fault that could potentially bind the system possibly causing mechanical damage. Roof operation ceases when this message appears.
• PUT VEHICLE IN PARK -- Displays when cargo cover is released as vehicle is out of park.
• STOP VEHICLE -- Displays when cargo cover is released as vehicle is moving.
• ROOF AJAR -- Displayed when cargo cover is released and roof system is not fully opened or closed.
• CARGO COVER AJAR -- Displays when folding top switch is active and the cargo cover is open or ajar.
• PRESS BRAKE -- Displays when folding top switch is active while vehicle is stopped and the brake is not pressed.
• REDUCE SPEED -- Displays when folding top switch is active while vehicle is above a maximum speed.
• UNKNOWN ROOF POSITION -- Displays when folding top control switch is active as either the folding top panel, stowage compartment lid panel or stowage compartment lid extension panel exceed the parameters of there set positions.
• HDR LATCH SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top control switch is active and a fault is present with either the latched or unlatched limit switch.
• ROOF HALL SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top control switch is active and a fault is present with either the top panel extended or retracted hall effect switch.
• TONN HALL SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top control switch is active and a fault is present with the stowage compartment lid panel extended hall effect switch.
• TLAT HALL SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top switch is active and a fault is present with the stowage compartment lid panel latched, left or right, hall effect switch.
• TONN LATD SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top switch is active and a fault is present with either the left or right, stowage compartment lid panel latched switch.
• FLIP HALL SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top switch is active and a fault is present with either the stowage compartment lid extension panel retracted or extended hall effect switch.

Switches

The folding top system monitors inputs from hall effect switches to determine the position of various components and to control the folding top system sequence. A hall effect switch that is attached to a hydraulic cylinder will become active, 1.5-3.5 volts output to RDM, as a cylinder reaches it's fully extended or retracted position based on the location of the hall effect switch.

The stowage compartment lid extension panel hall effect switches become active as the stowage compartment lid extension panel cycle approaches the extended or retracted positions. The hall effect switches are active as they sense the magnetic field as the cylinder approaches each end of it's travel, causing the switch to become active, 1.5-3.5 volts.

The header has a folding top outer latch actuator with two limit switches that monitor the header latch position, and a dowel pin limit switch to monitor the roof panel at the header. As the folding top panel is closing up to the header, the dowel pin, as it first enters the pin guide receiver, signals the RDM that the top is at the header and aligned. The RDM will control the folding top outer latch actuator to latch, pulling the top panel closer into the header. The dowel pin will enter further into the pin guide receiver, again signaling that the top is now over center and latched. The folding top outer latch striker position switch will also signal an input to the RDM confirming that the top is latched and to stop the control outputs to the folding top outer latch actuator.

Class 2 Communications

The RDM communicates via class 2 to determine the status of the vehicle out of park, and vehicle speed. These parameters are monitored and can inhibit top operation.
________________________________________
Document ID# 1343936
Chevrolet SSR

[yellow bear]

there is progagly a clip missing that holds the hyd line to the "dogleg" on the hinge. that allows the hyd line to swing into the roof panel. took me a long time to figure that out and tell the service mgr (sic) to check it out. I used a ny-wrap and secured the line to the hinge arm and all is well. (ny-wrap, zip-tie, twisty turny-thingy....all the same).
Secure the line and the rubbing on the "sail panel" roof segment will go away, especially on the passenger side. For some reason, it was forgotten.
Black was my choice.

[bluesfan]

Greetings,

I've been enjoying my SSR for the past 5 summers, but have been having roof operation frustrations. I just discovered that the roof works fine if the engine is not running, but get get either the "roof cycle timeout" or "manually open tonneau" message when attempting to raise or lower the roof with the engine running. Any suggestions?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Welcome to the Fanatics bluesfan... unless that's the SL hockey blues then

The top operation draws a lot of juice, and maybe doing it with the engine off, drawing from the battery, the operation slows down a little, giving at the switches and sensors that might not be aligned just right, a chance to register.
Is it an '05? The rollers on the tonneau hinges should be checked too. Hopefully someone will check in with more information. Good luck.

[OlatheSSR]

Can these tops be opened or closed manually? During a trip this summer, I kept getting "roof cycle timeout" when trying to raise the roof. Lucky the weather cooperated until I got back to KC.

Thanks

OlatheSSR

[MyTinMan]

I too just turned the A/C OFF and miraculously the top works!!!!

Love those quick fixes

[autodan]

Originally Posted by Aced17

Roof will not go down. Windows go down, then motor starts to start operation and after a bump the operation stops and computer says operation timed out. I checked the cargo lid carefully and disconnected the batery for thirty minutes and tried again... same thing. A/C off, brake on, lid down, tried all fixes I could find or think of. Is it time to take a trip to my dealer. First problem with my '04 roof operation!
Thanks,
Joe

Mine started to do the same thing 3 years ago. I took it to the dealer many times while it was till under warrenty. The fix that works for me is as soon as I start to lower it, watch the rear panel start to move up, as soon as you see it move a 1/4 of an inch release the lower button. The panel will pop up about 2 inches than repress the lower button and the top will lower the rest of the way. It works for me and I tried the trick on another truck up a Laughlin and worked for him too. Let me know if this works no your truck.

[rlsmith337]

I was going down the hiway and it started to sound like the hyd system started operating, what is going on?

[SSR03]

Damn gremlins!

[SSRFRANK]

The tonneau cover on my 2003 SSRwill not go up without physical help on the passenger side. Instead of going up and then back, it goes back catching the cargo cover. Can anyone recommend someone for repairs who knows what they are doing? I live on Long Island in New York.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Check out Blackie's thread.

[guyloore]

I HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM, but we can't find a solution either?

[yellow bear]

when you raise the tonneau, does it lift evenly on both sides? If it seems Lazy on one side, check the ball joint at the bottom of the hinge assembly on that side. You can do ths by raising the cover till just when the roof un-latches from the windshield. Stop there and go to the lazy side and rock the cover up and down. Watch the very bottom of the silver hydraulic ram for movement of the ball joint where it connects to the black hinge frame. There should be NO movement there. The other option is that the hinge assy on that side is bent and does not allow the cover to raise straight up before tilting rearward. (the whole cover should lift straight up 1/2 inch and then flip open).

[J.BALL]

What does this mean - "TLAT Hall Switch Fault" - this is a message I keep getting when trying to lower the roof. Windows go half way down and this message appears on dash.

Where is this switch(s) located? Would this be fuse problem? Or another issue where a mechanic will have to check. I have a 2004 SSR.

Thanks,

Joe

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by J.BALL

What does this mean - "TLAT Hall Switch Fault" - this is a message I keep getting when trying to lower the roof. Windows go half way down and this message appears on dash.

Where is this switch(s) located? Would this be fuse problem? Or another issue where a mechanic will have to check. I have a 2004 SSR.

Thanks,

Joe

There are several threads on this subject. You can use the search button on the orange bar above but here is one to start with.

Tlat hall switch fault resolved

[J.BALL]

Thanks for the help, it worked. Appreciate it.

Joe

[w. Spencer]

Is there a procedure that GM published that tells how to properly align the moving elements of the roof mechanism. Something that states ;if this happens do this ..etc, etc.
Maybe even a timing diagram of how all this plays together.
I've had my 03 since late 03 & must have had it in for top issues at least a dozen times in the past 7+ years. Until last year they cover it under warranty. Cost me $250 about 6 months ago & it's acting up again. Not sure there are qualified people who know what the heck they are doing ....... other than causing paint chips. Need to learn how to do it MYSELF .any help appreciated. Summer here & need to have top down ........... thanks w. Spencer

[Rodjli]

Hello fanatics,

New to the SSR world and loving it. Today I got an HDR Latch fault. Top is closed (thank god) windows will go up and down when pressing the window buttons. But when trying the roof up down button...nothing happens. Tried the ac off trick but not a fix...any ideas what could be wrong?

[rjcarbo46]

On my 04 when I try to open the top the rear cover hits the tonou cover it just started to do this. Is there an adjusatment on the tonou cover to bring it forward about a hair?

Ray

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by rjcarbo46

On my 04 when I try to open the top the rear cover hits the tonou cover it just started to do this. Is there an adjusatment on the tonou cover to bring it forward about a hair?

Ray

It is very likely the cables and tubes on one side or the other that have shifted position and are now too tight. This is covered in several threads on this site. The warning is that when this happens and you continue to try to open the compartment with the hydraulics you risk bending the hinges and then it get really expensive.

[MnMsToy]

Originally Posted by rjcarbo46

On my 04 when I try to open the top the rear cover hits the tonou cover it just started to do this. Is there an adjusatment on the tonou cover to bring it forward about a hair?

Ray

Read this thread: Roof Operations and Procedures Training Manual

[leduchowski ca]

I'm looking for advice from "Wingrider". My SSR has the TLAT HALL SWITCH FAULT and I'm unable to open the roof. What do I need to do?

I will check the forum later on to see what is said to do or I can be contacted directly at 204 996 8069 or email cleduchowski@hotmail.com

Thank you

[tucsonjimssr]

what kind of fluid is used in little tank

[Kruser]

I am getting this message
• TLAT HALL SWITCH FAULT -- Displays when folding top switch is active and a fault is present with the stowage compartment lid panel latched, left or right, hall effect switch.

Dealer is telling me that the SWITCH is part of the cylinder and that they could only fiind ONE of them .... Is there possibly an adjustment to this switch or correction that doesn't require replacemment of the cylinders?

Kruser

[xoxoxoBruce]

I see you found the answer, Kruser.

[knight33]

new to posting board have issue with the hydraulic line for the roof. have new line cannot find any tech info on replacing the line and where the hydraulic reservoir is located does any one have any exp with this job

[xoxoxoBruce]

Everything is in the compartment where the top is stored. Where did you find the hose?