Pop up roof issues

Taff2023 · Sep 14, 2020

Went camping at the weekend and the when I raised the roof on my 2013 T5 California it went up a lot slower on the offside.Causing a tilt, I then lowered it and re raised the roof which eventually went up and locked fine. Roof was raised for two days and no sagging or creaks. When lowering again the offside was reluctant and slow causing a tilt. It eventually closed and locked into place with no errors displayed.
I have read the numerous threads on this issue and the potential high costs of getting the issues fixed by VW van dealership. Are there any independent Cali experts (garages) out there who may help?
There is no obvious fluid leak that I can see.... so looking at the hydraulic ram, or a pump fault. Would having low hydraulic fluid be the cause?
Due to the age of the van I very much doubt that there would be any good will from VW if I do have to take it to a dealership.

Lyn · Jan 23, 2025

Taff2023 said:
Went camping at the weekend and the when I raised the roof on my 2013 T5 California it went up a lot slower on the offside.Causing a tilt, I then lowered it and re raised the roof which eventually went up and locked fine. Roof was raised for two days and no sagging or creaks. When lowering again the offside was reluctant and slow causing a tilt. It eventually closed and locked into place with no errors displayed.
I have read the numerous threads on this issue and the potential high costs of getting the issues fixed by VW van dealership. Are there any independent Cali experts (garages) out there who may help?
There is no obvious fluid leak that I can see.... so looking at the hydraulic ram, or a pump fault. Would having low hydraulic fluid be the cause?
Due to the age of the van I very much doubt that there would be any good will from VW if I do have to take it to a dealership.

Lyn · Jan 23, 2025

Hi there,
Your post was 5 years ago and I wondered if you ever found an expert to help. i have the same problem and had to get new hydraulic struts , so expensive, and still did not fix the tilting when closing.
Did you have to get a new pump or was it the hydraulic fluid? mine is aT5 2005 and the dealerships are crazy prices. I need to sell now but cannot without a functioning elevating roof!
Any ideas appreciated

Viktorgeorge · Jan 23, 2025

Lyn said:
Hi there,
Your post was 5 years ago and I wondered if you ever found an expert to help. i have the same problem and had to get new hydraulic struts , so expensive, and still did not fix the tilting when closing.
Did you have to get a new pump or was it the hydraulic fluid? mine is aT5 2005 and the dealerships are crazy prices. I need to sell now but cannot without a functioning elevating roof!
Any ideas appreciated

Good things are posted about: https://www.kernowtransporters.co.uk/ no phone number (others may have that?) but email is sales@kernowtransporters.co.uk. They are in Penzance.