Pop top issue ..

[Glenn Blundell]

Hi, this is my first post on the forum, and it's simpatico with you about the pop top. Our Pop Top started closing by itself, enough to stop the up top lights from working. Took it back to the dealer (Eurovans Crawley) who admitted it's a known problem, and would bleed hydraulics and check it over. They did, yet that didn't fix it so my van is booked in again later in August for another fix. While on holiday in France, in the middle of the night the roof hydraulics kicked in and raised the roof fully, and the roof has worked properly ever since!!
I will still take it into Eurovans to check over the pop top, as the wheel nuts have rusted and they almost admitted there should have been wheel nut covers on them, but there weren't any, so the next fight is to get new wheel nuts and cover under warranty.
What really annoys me is VW having the audacity to say Pop Tops dropping 18cm is OK? Who decided that, it certainly doesn't let you know in the marketing materials and sales talk!!
Good luck with you warranty claim.

Hi, we bought our van from Crawley too. They have basically done nothing to help me with my problems, saying the are unable to help.

 

[couplands]

Thank you.
I am not 100% sure what they swapped over and I don't think the dealership is either. The big problem I am having is not that the roof generally stays up okay and will slightly sag a touch after a few days of it being up, which is not a problem. I can live with that.
It's the other issue of when we close the roof. It's drops faster by 140mms on one side and if you look at this from the back of the van, the whole roof twists because it's much less than 140mms out at the back. I think because it's made of aluminium, it's flexible enough to do this but it looks terrible and I am worried that it will probably only get worse.
VW have just put their heads in the same over this and said it's less than 180mms, so basically get on with it.

I took mine to Liverpool Van Centre (I assume you did too based on your location) and Zoe on reception and the Cali technician seemed to know exactly what the issues were and swapped the pump with no complaints.

I previously tried the new Oldham Van Centre but they didn’t seem to do anything so gave up with them.

 

[couplands]

Hi, this is my first post on the forum, and it's simpatico with you about the pop top. Our Pop Top started closing by itself, enough to stop the up top lights from working. Took it back to the dealer (Eurovans Crawley) who admitted it's a known problem, and would bleed hydraulics and check it over. They did, yet that didn't fix it so my van is booked in again later in August for another fix. While on holiday in France, in the middle of the night the roof hydraulics kicked in and raised the roof fully, and the roof has worked properly ever since!!
I will still take it into Eurovans to check over the pop top, as the wheel nuts have rusted and they almost admitted there should have been wheel nut covers on them, but there weren't any, so the next fight is to get new wheel nuts and cover under warranty.
What really annoys me is VW having the audacity to say Pop Tops dropping 18cm is OK? Who decided that, it certainly doesn't let you know in the marketing materials and sales talk!!
Good luck with you warranty claim.

When I took mine in for repair earlier this year, there was no mention of the 180mm specification. That over 6” in old money and is a massive drop. The lights turn off in the roof way before that.

It feels like they have come up with a big number just so that all cases fail the test.

I’d be inclined to ask where in the original design spec it says that a droop of 180mm is acceptable. And not some retrospective spec that has been made up in the last year or two.

 

[ArunAlec]

Was it sagging before you lowered it?

We have had a slight sag after 3 days parked up but was the same both sides, only an inch or so. Only one other time previous to that, a little further but not much. Both times just put back up into full open position with panel before lowering. As we don’t usually stay static for more than two days it’s been only these times.

There is a lot of chatter on here about the hydraulics with differing vans with the challenge to various extents. To some VW said it was in tolerance and the software will automatically put the roof back up after a certain sag (no idea what that is), others have managed to prove it was faulty seals on the hydraulic rams. Some replaced the seals themslves.

I’d chalk it up as a one off and keep an eye on it.

Assuming the same as the T5…… The automatic software referred to checks the roof after 10 hours then every 5 hours (so long as the ignition hasn’t been switched on) and if it deems the roof has dropped sufficiently it will operate the pump (normally at 3 am!). Mine used to drop by about 3” before the viagra boost.
If the ignition is switched on the 10/5 hour checks reset to 10 hours.

 

[Glenn Blundell]

I took mine to Liverpool Van Centre (I assume you did too based on your location) and Zoe on reception and the Cali technician seemed to know exactly what the issues were and swapped the pump with no complaints.

I previously tried the new Oldham Van Centre but they didn’t seem to do anything so gave up with them.

Thanks for letting me know about this, it's very much appreciated. I also took mine to Liverpool first and couldn't get anywhere with them. I assume they have more knowledge about it now? Did your van roof close on an angle like ours, or was it an issue with the roof sagging after a day or two?
It was August last year when I took it to Liverpool about the issue when closing the roof. I wish I could have spoken to Zoe, because the person who I dealt with was not great ( being honest ). Did this and they told me at the time,that VW said it was within normal operating procedure,because the angle was under 180mms. If the policy has since changed, I will definitely go back to Liverpool.
If you're van had the same issue of not closing straight, could you please let me know and I will get in touch with Zoe.
Thank you.

 

[andyinluton]

Assuming the same as the T5…… The automatic software referred to checks the roof after 10 hours then every 5 hours (so long as the ignition hasn’t been switched on) and if it deems the roof has dropped sufficiently it will operate the pump (normally at 3 am!). Mine used to drop by about 3” before the viagra boost.
If the ignition is switched on the 10/5 hour checks reset to 10 hours.

The manual has been updated for the T6.1 - it now checks 10 hours after ignition off & if it didn't need to adjust it will not check again until the ignition has been turned on again.

I'm sure my early T6.1 was 10 hours then every 5.

 

[couplands]

Thanks for letting me know about this, it's very much appreciated. I also took mine to Liverpool first and couldn't get anywhere with them. I assume they have more knowledge about it now? Did your van roof close on an angle like ours, or was it an issue with the roof sagging after a day or two?
It was August last year when I took it to Liverpool about the issue when closing the roof. I wish I could have spoken to Zoe, because the person who I dealt with was not great ( being honest ). Did this and they told me at the time,that VW said it was within normal operating procedure,because the angle was under 180mms. If the policy has since changed, I will definitely go back to Liverpool.
If you're van had the same issue of not closing straight, could you please let me know and I will get in touch with Zoe.
Thank you.

Ours was a drooping roof, but it happened quickly, drooping more than 50mm in 15-30 mins.

If I tried to lower mine after the droop, then it would come down crooked, but if I raised it first them immediately lowered it it lowered level.

I suspect my issue is(was) different to yours if it’s consistently lowering more on one side than the other.

As part of the diagnosis, the technician swapped the two hydraulic rams over to confirm if it was the rams or the pump that was at fault. They could do the same in your case then they’d know if one of the rams is weak etc.

Good luck…

 

[calibusje]

Ignore the hype. No one posts about the 100’s of times their Ocean roof works perfectly, it’s awesome.

It's a long running hype then; here on this forum, on others and many Facebook pages. Maybe they’ll make it better on the new t7 multivan
Ignoring that the electro-hydraulic lifting roof can cause problems is like ignoring that there were problems with the old biturbos or more recently: the water seeping in at the last tent canvas.
This does not alter the fact that all Californias are a wonderful travel companion; witness to this are the dozens that I see during our tour through northern Spain with our coast

 

[Glenn Blundell]

Ours was a drooping roof, but it happened quickly, drooping more than 50mm in 15-30 mins.

If I tried to lower mine after the droop, then it would come down crooked, but if I raised it first them immediately lowered it it lowered level.

I suspect my issue is(was) different to yours if it’s consistently lowering more on one side than the other.

As part of the diagnosis, the technician swapped the two hydraulic rams over to confirm if it was the rams or the pump that was at fault. They could do the same in your case then they’d know if one of the rams is weak etc.

Good luck…

Thank you very much for taking the time to get back to me.
After I got nowhere with Liverpool, I took it to Manchester Inchape for a second opinion. They bled the hydraulics and told me that they swapped the pumps over, to see if the problem switched sides. They said it made no difference. I don't know if they were telling me rubbish because people keep asking me are you not sure the swapped the hydraulics? I really don't know for sure and when I asked them for confirmation, some months later, they couldn't find the records.
I am very suspicion they even did this?
I was looking online and read about someone who got their van sorted at the Leicester dealership. I contacted them and was told because I had already contacted 2 other dealerships previously, they can't help me. I even asked would they look at it if I paid? They ignored me.
Customer Care told me it's fine and if it does get any worse, I.E. 180mms, they would fix it. And if it gets worse after the warranty expires, they would probably do the work at a discounted rate. Can you believe that.
Thanks again

 

[flying banana]

There is only 1 pump. And 2 rams.they cannot swap the pumps over. Only the rams

 

[Corradobrit]

There is only 1 pump. And 2 rams.they cannot swap the pumps over. Only the rams

The hydraulics are attached to manifold so they could just swap over the connectors at the box. Come to think of it aren't the hydraulic hoses made of metal, in which case they would have to bypass the permanent pipes with flexible hoses. My guess is they did nada.

 

[flying banana]

The hydraulics are attached to manifold so they could just swap over the connectors at the box. Come to think of it aren't the hydraulic hoses made of metal, in which case they would have to bypass the permanent pipes with flexible hoses. My guess is they did nada.

You could swap the pipes at the pump end correct. But I suspect you would see signs of this. For example has the foam been pulled out behind the panel. Is there any smell or signs of oil there

 

[Glenn Blundell]

You could swap the pipes at the pump end correct. But I suspect you would see signs of this. For example has the foam been pulled out behind the panel. Is there any smell or signs of oil there

Not that I know of. I think they just told me this to fob me off. I am really disappointed with my total experience and as much as I love the van, I probably wouldn't buy another one.

 

[flying banana]

The problem will be with the pump. It usually is. They are expensive that's why they dont like changing them. If your handy witha spanner you could try removing it and taking it to a hydro specialist for a refurb. More likely than not you have a weeping check valve in there. These things are machined to within really fine tolerances and the slightest spec of grit can jam one of these open

 

[Californication69]

Not that I know of. I think they just told me this to fob me off. I am really disappointed with my total experience and as much as I love the van, I probably wouldn't buy another one.

Contact VW Customer care.
0800 783 4909
0800 279 7508
0113 733 4000

I can’t remember which number.
Explain you want a case opening and this issue resolved. Don’t take no for an answer.
Get a name that will deal with the case.
Explain you’re not happy in the strongest terms.
And you don’t expect to pay thousands for a vehicle with warranty.
And to be told a pack of lies by a dealer who is fobbing you off.
Write it all down in a word doc.
Dates.
Which garage said they did what.
What they did. (And why you think they haven’t done what they said they have. )
It needs documenting.
It took me 5 months to get a brand new ocean re- lacquered with £6k worth of lacquer and labor.
Don’t stop hassling them.
You have to explain the facts and back up with a word document with all your findings.
If you ring and say stuff they don’t really care.
Document it.
In word and with your case number, email to customercare@vwcv.co.uk
Get a case number and don’t let them get away with p1 ss poor service.

Believe me, once it’s sorted, you’ll be happy.
Good luck

 

[Glenn Blundell]

Contact VW Customer care.
0800 783 4909
0800 279 7508
0113 733 4000

I can’t remember which number.
Explain you want a case opening and this issue resolved. Don’t take no for an answer.
Get a name that will deal with the case.
Explain you’re not happy in the strongest terms.
And you don’t expect to pay thousands for a vehicle with warranty.
And to be told a pack of lies by a dealer who is fobbing you off.
Write it all down in a word doc.
Dates.
Which garage said they did what.
What they did. (And why you think they haven’t done what they said they have. )
It needs documenting.
It took me 5 months to get a brand new ocean re- lacquered with £6k worth of lacquer and labor.
Don’t stop hassling them.
You have to explain the facts and back up with a word document with all your findings.
If you ring and say stuff they don’t really care.
Document it.
In word and with your case number, email to customercare@vwcv.co.uk
Get a case number and don’t let them get away with p1 ss poor service.

Believe me, once it’s sorted, you’ll be happy.
Good luck

Thank you very much, I am very grateful for your help and taking the time to reply to me. I will give it another try. I have had Customer Care open a case twice ( two different representatives and neither of them could resolve it in a satisfactory manner ). The second one finished by saying, I understand why you're not happy and if it gets any worse, we would fix it, but until it reaches 180mms, it's not an issue.
I fully agree with you and I have questioned, is it me, am I bring too fussy?
I got to the point that I either sell the van or keep it and just accept the fault.
I definitely think the after sales service is dreadful. I remember going to pick the van up from the Liverpool centre, after the told me they couldn't fix the roof, because it was perfectly normal? The man on the service desk, said I'll show you where the van is parked. When we opened the door, it was filthy. Bits of food on the seat, silver foil and chewing gum wrapper in the door pocket and the carpets dirty. I lost it with him and said, surely you're not happy with this?
He said, I should have checked it before you came but it was raining, so I didn't bother, then forgot. He then offered to get it washed and cleaned inside because he was so embarrassed.
I am at the point, that I don't trust any of them at VW but I will have another attempt to get it sorted.
Thanks again.

 

[Rololux]

I went to the Spa F1 over the weekend - we stayed for 3 nights - first time we’ve ever stayed in one place more than 2 nights without moving. On the third night, it got a bit windy and I noticed that the sides were flapping around quite a bit. The roof had clearly sagged a bit, but nothing serious. When I went to lower the roof, I noticed that the green tick on the main screen was flashing. Does anyone know what this means specifically? If the system knows that the roof is not fully up, why would the software not activate the pump to correct the problem, as others have said should happen after 10 hours?