Electric roof problem

[Robert Coggins]

Have a 2012 Cali, which we’ve owned for nearly 8 years. End of last year after retracting the roof after a trip, it registered that the roof
was still open on the overhead display, along with the intermittent warning beeps. The roof was shut, so I put on the security straps
(eventually). When we got home I opened the roof again which it did ok, apart from an initial hesitation. Again, when I retracted it ,
all looked good, but again it hesitated slightly initially and had to press the control button a couple of times. It retracted ok and looked
Shut completely. Roof open warning still telling me it was open. Put the security straps on again and drove it a few times. All good apart from warnings. Put it in the garage and treated it as a winter project to solve. Got the van out recently to evaluate if the roof was opening square and evenly both sides, but nothing at all, the roof wouldn’t move. All looked good on the panel, but when I tried to raise it nothing at all. I thought it might be a sensor problem last year, but not sure now. Is it a motor problem. Any ideas. Don’t want to go to a dealer as I
don’t trust them. All the other little problems, which were general wear things, I’ve sorted myself, along with club advice.
Rob C ( Blueboy )

 

[WelshGas]

Have a 2012 Cali, which we’ve owned for nearly 8 years. End of last year after retracting the roof after a trip, it registered that the roof
was still open on the overhead display, along with the intermittent warning beeps. The roof was shut, so I put on the security straps
(eventually). When we got home I opened the roof again which it did ok, apart from an initial hesitation. Again, when I retracted it ,
all looked good, but again it hesitated slightly initially and had to press the control button a couple of times. It retracted ok and looked
Shut completely. Roof open warning still telling me it was open. Put the security straps on again and drove it a few times. All good apart from warnings. Put it in the garage and treated it as a winter project to solve. Got the van out recently to evaluate if the roof was opening square and evenly both sides, but nothing at all, the roof wouldn’t move. All looked good on the panel, but when I tried to raise it nothing at all. I thought it might be a sensor problem last year, but not sure now. Is it a motor problem. Any ideas. Don’t want to go to a dealer as I
don’t trust them. All the other little problems, which were general wear things, I’ve sorted myself, along with club advice.
Rob C ( Blueboy )

Have you checked the Control Panel for any Diagnostic Codes?

Check Control Panel Diagnostics.

Control Panel Off and wait 30 secs

Control Panel On

Press and Hold R lower button and then press Control Knob for 5 secs.

New Hidden Menu . Scroll to VW Diagnostics.

If there are any codes shown, take note and then Reset/Clear.

Return to Main Menu.

Switch Off Control Panel using L lower button. Wait 30 secs and Switch On.

Try Roof/Heater or Fridge

 

[Robert Coggins]

Have you checked the Control Panel for any Diagnostic Codes?

Check Control Panel Diagnostics.

Control Panel Off and wait 30 secs

Control Panel On

Press and Hold R lower button and then press Control Knob for 5 secs.

New Hidden Menu . Scroll to VW Diagnostics.

If there are any codes shown, take note and then Reset/Clear.

Return to Main Menu.

Switch Off Control Panel using L lower button. Wait 30 secs and Switch On.

Try Roof/Heater or Fridge

Yes, just done that as you suggested. The fault code reads 1000, which as I understand it is the ram sensors. The first thing I need to do is to raise the roof to gain access which I’m just looking into. It’s a reasonable bet that it’s a sensor ( I think there are 4 ). They can be isolated to check each one, but it seems it’s quite time consuming. Am I right in thinking that the loom with the sensors is a couple of hundred pounds. If that’s the case, would it be reasonable to get them first, then tackle raising the roof and getting on with replacing them all in one go. Apparently, they are a bit fiddly but what isn’t on a Cali.will now look into getting the loom and work involved. Any advice welcome. Many thanks kind regards Blueboy

 

[Robert Coggins]

Yes, just done that as you suggested. The fault code reads 1000, which as I understand it is the ram sensors. The first thing I need to do is to raise the roof to gain access which I’m just looking into. It’s a reasonable bet that it’s a sensor ( I think there are 4 ). They can be isolated to check each one, but it seems it’s quite time consuming. Am I right in thinking that the loom with the sensors is a couple of hundred pounds. If that’s the case, would it be reasonable to get them first, then tackle raising the roof and getting on with replacing them all in one go. Apparently, they are a bit fiddly but what isn’t on a Cali.will now look into getting the loom and work involved. Any advice welcome. Many thanks kind regards Blueboy

Oops, forgot to ask. Plan to be away in the van for a couple of nights this week. The roof of course is out of action ( have to sleep downstairs).
The roof is locked down solid with the restraining straps fitted as a precaution. Should be ok? I’ve used the van a bit this winter since I had this roof problem.

 

[Azteccamper]

If you search ‘roof sensors’ you’ll get all the help you need - including a step by step guide. You will need to prepare for the fix with parts and appropriate tools and give yourself plenty of time.

 

[WelshGas]

Yes, just done that as you suggested. The fault code reads 1000, which as I understand it is the ram sensors. The first thing I need to do is to raise the roof to gain access which I’m just looking into. It’s a reasonable bet that it’s a sensor ( I think there are 4 ). They can be isolated to check each one, but it seems it’s quite time consuming. Am I right in thinking that the loom with the sensors is a couple of hundred pounds. If that’s the case, would it be reasonable to get them first, then tackle raising the roof and getting on with replacing them all in one go. Apparently, they are a bit fiddly but what isn’t on a Cali.will now look into getting the loom and work involved. Any advice welcome. Many thanks kind regards Blueboy

As you are a VIP member you will have access to this How To article by @Lambeth Cali

How to Replace Roof Sensors by Lambeth Cali

Replacement of Roof Sensors using generic Halle sensors purchased from BMW or 3rd party.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[vwbob]

Welsh Gas is spot on just follow the instructions in the download and your issue will be solved not to difficult and much cheaper than buying a full loom just to squire four sensors. Hope this helps Bob

 

[Robert Coggins]

Thanks bob. Read the detailed description on how to change each sensor and what to expect, by Lambeth Cali over the weekend. I’ve ordered 4 sensors and should get these soon. The article was really detailed, so well done to Lambeth Cali. Work involved is quite scary but will give it a go , just get well prepared. Will do this in a few weeks time, and will keep in touch with progress. Cheers Rob ( Blueboy).

 

[nick castree]

Don’t know if this helps anyone but I’m in the process of ordering four of these from Bavaria €14.91 plus about €6.00 postage .
Part no.54347190735. Genuine BMW sensors. Thanks for previous post’s for pointing me in the right direction. Hopefully saving £1500.

 

[Ben Nevis]

Now back in stock in UK from Sytner BMW £15.09 each

 

[Robert Coggins]

That’s really spooky. That’s where I ordered them from. Ordered over the weekend and delivered this morning . Will fit them next week.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

@nick castree & @Robert Coggins at this point I usually remind people to make sure it wont start raining half way through. I also watched a couple of Youtube videos about how best to join wires together - I didn't bother to solder or use heat shrink connectors. Having bought a soldering iron to fix a cooker hood I might now solder but the original VW work is pretty basic, just lots of electrical tape wrapped around and then use mini cable ties to keep the wires in place. Its all very doable. Good luck.

 

[GrahamD]

I had a similar problem on our 2008 California. I identified which sensor by comparing the voltage levels from all four sensors at the control panel in the roof and looking at the sensor with slightly different values first. When I looked at the sensor which is in a plastic case the water had got in and started rusting the laminated metal in it. This caused the case to bulge slightly as shown in the picture. The rusty laminations haven't got the same magnetic properties and so it didn't work properly.
Stupidly I paid something like £600 for a new harness from VW as I couldn't find where to get a single sensor. I cut out one sensor and connected it to the existing harness (soldered & heat shrunk). This was five years ago. It has been OK since.
Sorry about the crappy photo quality.

 

[nick castree]

Now back in stock in UK from Sytner BMW £15.09 each

You caught me before I ordered them
Now being delivered next week from Sytner BMW Shrewsbury. Very helpful and thank you for the heads up. .

 

[Robert Coggins]

Thought I’d update you all regarding roof sensors replacement. Planned to tackle it about 6 weeks ago but got sidetracked with work. Got the new sensors and the tool’s recommended by Lambeth Cali, so decided to get on and do it. Problem is, the roof won’t open via the control panel, nothing happens, not even a sound when you try to open it. Nothing in the manual about opening it manually ( why would there be). Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[WelshGas]

Thought I’d update you all regarding roof sensors replacement. Planned to tackle it about 6 weeks ago but got sidetracked with work. Got the new sensors and the tool’s recommended by Lambeth Cali, so decided to get on and do it. Problem is, the roof won’t open via the control panel, nothing happens, not even a sound when you try to open it. Nothing in the manual about opening it manually ( why would there be). Any ideas or suggestions?

You need to bypass the Control Panel to power the pump directly.
Remove and unplug Control Panel.
There is a 2 pin plug that connects Panel to pump.
Using a single wire, fused to 30 amps connected to engine battery + tve, connect to one of the pins in the plug. One pin will power the pump ot Open, the other to Lower. Can't tell you which is which, try one and then the other if it doesn't Open.

You can try this , it might clear the fault to allow the roof to open.

Check Control Panel Diagnostics.

Control Panel Off and wait 30 secs

Control Panel On

Press and Hold R lower button and then press Control Knob for 5 secs.

New Hidden Menu . Scroll to VW Diagnostics.

If there are any codes shown, take note and then Reset/Clear.

Return to Main Menu.

Switch Off Control Panel using L lower button. Wait 30 secs and Switch On.

Try Roof/Heater or Fridge

 

[Robert Coggins]

Thanks for the advice. Tried to clear the fault via the control panel but that doesn’t do the trick. Popped out the control panel as you suggested, but there are 2 main connections from the control panel into the loom. The main one with about 8 cables came apart easily enough but I don’t believe that’s the one you are referring to. The other one has about 4 cables. I don’t know if this is the one as not sure how it comes apart. Am I looking in the right place. Electronics are a mystery to me, but willing to give it a go.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks for the advice. Tried to clear the fault via the control panel but that doesn’t do the trick. Popped out the control panel as you suggested, but there are 2 main connections from the control panel into the loom. The main one with about 8 cables came apart easily enough but I don’t believe that’s the one you are referring to. The other one has about 4 cables. I don’t know if this is the one as not sure how it comes apart. Am I looking in the right place. Electronics are a mystery to me, but willing to give it a go.

Post 3

Access to Hydraulic Motor Power Plug - need to remove head liner?

I need to access the roof pump connector oops... I need to access the roof hydraulic motor power plug to raise the roof in order to replace the faulty hall sensors as described here: https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/cali-roof-problems-latest.26901/post-307899 Can anyone tell me if I need...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[tangentman]

Hi everyone……I’m a new member here and have a 2015 California Ocean 5.1
I also have the error code 1000 roof issue. I have opened the roof by powering the motor directly as per instructions (excellent detail….thank you!) …..and changed each of the four hall sensors with the BMW ones as suggested. However, I am still getting the error code 1000 After changing the sensors, I reconnected the control unit which allowed me to lower the roof but when it had almost completed closing, it just stopped and got the flashing roof open indicator. Any suggestions greatly appreciated…..thank you

 

[vbk1975]

Hi everyone……I’m a new member here and have a 2015 California Ocean 5.1
I also have the error code 1000 roof issue. I have opened the roof by powering the motor directly as per instructions (excellent detail….thank you!) …..and changed each of the four hall sensors with the BMW ones as suggested. However, I am still getting the error code 1000 After changing the sensors, I reconnected the control unit which allowed me to lower the roof but when it had almost completed closing, it just stopped and got the flashing roof open indicator. Any suggestions greatly appreciated…..thank you

Reset the control unit, then raise the roof fully and check that the roof symbol on the control panel changes from partially opened to fully opened as it gets to the end. If it doesn't change it might be that you have mixed up one side of the sensors the wire colours are all the same regardless of front or back and ended up with the open and closed sensors the wrong way around on one side. Try that as a first step, there are other things to check, but one step at a time.

 

[tangentman]

Reset the control unit, then raise the roof fully and check that the roof symbol on the control panel changes from partially opened to fully opened as it gets to the end. If it doesn't change it might be that you have mixed up one side of the sensors the wire colours are all the same regardless of front or back and ended up with the open and closed sensors the wrong way around on one side. Try that as a first step, there are other things to check, but one step at a time.

Hi vbk1975……thanks so much for your swift reply!
I am not able to reset the control box by holding the bottom right button for 5 seconds……even if I pull the fuse and put back after a few mins, I still get the flashing roof icon. If I open the roof powering the motor directly, then reconnect the control unit, it initially gives a roof closed indicator. I’m pretty sure I wired the hall sensors correctly, I.e. matching wire colours but is there a chance I need to reverse them? Thank you again!

 

[vbk1975]

Hi vbk1975……thanks so much for your swift reply!
I am not able to reset the control box by holding the bottom right button for 5 seconds……even if I pull the fuse and put back after a few mins, I still get the flashing roof icon. If I open the roof powering the motor directly, then reconnect the control unit, it initially gives a roof closed indicator. I’m pretty sure I wired the hall sensors correctly, I.e. matching wire colours but is there a chance I need to reverse them? Thank you again!

If the fault doesn’t happen mid way then but happens at closed or open position. Then I think you have mixed up the wires or sensors between the open and closed on one side. The fault happens as the controller reads and open and closed sensors active at the same time. In the mid position none of the sensors are sensing so it doesn’t see a conflict. The sensors all have a brown and red wire and are identical regardless of location. So it might be the open and closed wires are swapped or if you did both sensors at once, they might be physically swapped.

I might be completely wrong, so take everything I say with caution!

A

 

[vbk1975]

If the fault doesn’t happen mid way then but happens at closed or open position. Then I think you have mixed up the wires or sensors between the open and closed on one side. The fault happens as the controller reads and open and closed sensors active at the same time. In the mid position none of the sensors are sensing so it doesn’t see a conflict. The sensors all have a brown and red wire and are identical regardless of location. So it might be the open and closed wires are swapped or if you did both sensors at once, they might be physically swapped.

I might be completely wrong, so take everything I say with caution!

A

Next step would be to look at the Hardware Menu - details in this post

Does £800 sound about right including new loom to fix roof sensor issue?

Hi all. Been qu’outra the above for a new loom inc three hours labour to fix issue where I keep getting warnings the roof is open. 2012 SE. I have no mechanical knowledge so couldn’t do it myself. Does this sound about right? Thanks in advance

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[tangentman]

If the fault doesn’t happen mid way then but happens at closed or open position. Then I think you have mixed up the wires or sensors between the open and closed on one side. The fault happens as the controller reads and open and closed sensors active at the same time. In the mid position none of the sensors are sensing so it doesn’t see a conflict. The sensors all have a brown and red wire and are identical regardless of location. So it might be the open and closed wires are swapped or if you did both sensors at once, they might be physically swapped.

I might be completely wrong, so take everything I say with caution!

A

Thanks, vbk1975! I will manually open the roof and inspect the sensor wiring later today. I replaced all four sensors…..initially front two, one of which was very corroded but got same error so replaced the back ones and still same error. If all the wires are correct, I.e. brown to brown, red to red, should I try swapping the wiring round on one side, front and back?

 

[tangentman]

Next step would be to look at the Hardware Menu - details in this post

Does £800 sound about right including new loom to fix roof sensor issue?

Hi all. Been qu’outra the above for a new loom inc three hours labour to fix issue where I keep getting warnings the roof is open. 2012 SE. I have no mechanical knowledge so couldn’t do it myself. Does this sound about right? Thanks in advance

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Sorry……just seen your reply above also…..thank you…..I’ll take a look at the hardware menu when I’m back later