SmartTOP module for 03 and earlier 996 Cabs
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 500
From: Cape Cod & Naples
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SmartTOP module for 03 and earlier 996 Cabs
Several months ago, I purchased what is known as the SMARTtop, a simple plug-and-play device that allows Boxsters and 996 Cabriolets, up to and including model year 2004, to operate the soft tops just like the newest models. In other words, opening and closing the soft top becomes a “One Touch” operation while stopped or moving, without having to apply the emergency brake with the car in Park, or in a particular gear.
What makes this module so worthwhile is the fact that you are basically adding a unit that can, should you wish, be removed or re-installed as easily as changing a relay.
It’s easy: on the 996 model you merely unplug a connector, insert one end of the SmartTop module where you unplugged the connecter…and then plug the connector you pulled out into the other end of the SmartTop module. That’s it!
I was so pleased with the result that I wrote the company, and they asked me if I would share my pleasure in the form of a review. Well, there is not much to review because it has worked flawlessly. I can’t count the number of times I have opened and closed the top while moving. Another new fan is my wife, who also enjoys the easier operation. And, since the module is strictly electronic, it is “invisible” as far as the operation of the vehicle is concerned. No wires have been spliced; the vehicle is still original. But, if you should still have any doubts about the SmartTop’s effect on warranties, you can always remove it, quickly and painlessly, before visiting the dealer.
The SmartTop is configured to perform the identical functions that the cars come with standard, but with added features. When the top is down, you can now raise the rear quarter windows (996s) using the window switches. (You don’t have to stick your finger in the top latch sensor anymore in order to do this.) And with all 4 windows up and with the rear wind deflector, cool weather is no longer a factor when the top is down. :jump:
Here are the simple installation steps to follow on a 996:
1. Bring your soft top to the “maintenance” position, about half way open.
2. Pop the 2 “ball & socket” tie down cables just below the rear window of the soft top.
3. Lift the entire back of the soft top so it’s resting on the roof.
4. You need to remove the 4 buttons you see at the back of the exposed well. This is where a tool comes in handy, maybe a dull dinner knife. They should come off as easy as “bumper plugs.”
5. With both hands, tug on the carpeted covering so it opens up the area where the electronics are.
6. The big brown (or gray) box on the driver’s side is what you are looking for. Unlatch the locking mechanism of the plug attached to the bottom of the box, and pull the plug out.
7. Insert the top end of the SmartTop module where you removed the plug.
8. Insert the plug into the bottom end of the SmartTop module. In both cases, make certain that the module and plug are properly installed (with reference to the pins and holes), and that both the plug and module are tightly connected.
9. Replace the carpeted area against the back wall. There is a little lip that tucks under.
10. Re-attach the 2 steel ball and socket wires that hold the rear of the soft-top in place, then, either open or close the soft top and you are in business.
Operating instructions:
a. If you are moving at less than 25 mph, just press the open or close button and the cycle will begin.
b. If you are stopped, a safety feature requires you to press the button opposite to your intentions for 2-3 seconds, and then press and release the button that you wish to activate. This safety feature prevents the top from being opened accidentally which could cause harm to bystanding persons.
They are being discounted on www.renntech.org and there is a group buy going on at www.rennlist.com
This is one amazing mod!
Here are some installation pics to make it even easier.
What makes this module so worthwhile is the fact that you are basically adding a unit that can, should you wish, be removed or re-installed as easily as changing a relay.
It’s easy: on the 996 model you merely unplug a connector, insert one end of the SmartTop module where you unplugged the connecter…and then plug the connector you pulled out into the other end of the SmartTop module. That’s it!
I was so pleased with the result that I wrote the company, and they asked me if I would share my pleasure in the form of a review. Well, there is not much to review because it has worked flawlessly. I can’t count the number of times I have opened and closed the top while moving. Another new fan is my wife, who also enjoys the easier operation. And, since the module is strictly electronic, it is “invisible” as far as the operation of the vehicle is concerned. No wires have been spliced; the vehicle is still original. But, if you should still have any doubts about the SmartTop’s effect on warranties, you can always remove it, quickly and painlessly, before visiting the dealer.
The SmartTop is configured to perform the identical functions that the cars come with standard, but with added features. When the top is down, you can now raise the rear quarter windows (996s) using the window switches. (You don’t have to stick your finger in the top latch sensor anymore in order to do this.) And with all 4 windows up and with the rear wind deflector, cool weather is no longer a factor when the top is down. :jump:
Here are the simple installation steps to follow on a 996:
1. Bring your soft top to the “maintenance” position, about half way open.
2. Pop the 2 “ball & socket” tie down cables just below the rear window of the soft top.
3. Lift the entire back of the soft top so it’s resting on the roof.
4. You need to remove the 4 buttons you see at the back of the exposed well. This is where a tool comes in handy, maybe a dull dinner knife. They should come off as easy as “bumper plugs.”
5. With both hands, tug on the carpeted covering so it opens up the area where the electronics are.
6. The big brown (or gray) box on the driver’s side is what you are looking for. Unlatch the locking mechanism of the plug attached to the bottom of the box, and pull the plug out.
7. Insert the top end of the SmartTop module where you removed the plug.
8. Insert the plug into the bottom end of the SmartTop module. In both cases, make certain that the module and plug are properly installed (with reference to the pins and holes), and that both the plug and module are tightly connected.
9. Replace the carpeted area against the back wall. There is a little lip that tucks under.
10. Re-attach the 2 steel ball and socket wires that hold the rear of the soft-top in place, then, either open or close the soft top and you are in business.
Operating instructions:
a. If you are moving at less than 25 mph, just press the open or close button and the cycle will begin.
b. If you are stopped, a safety feature requires you to press the button opposite to your intentions for 2-3 seconds, and then press and release the button that you wish to activate. This safety feature prevents the top from being opened accidentally which could cause harm to bystanding persons.
They are being discounted on www.renntech.org and there is a group buy going on at www.rennlist.com
This is one amazing mod!
Here are some installation pics to make it even easier.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,660
Rep Power: 254
I would add one other step to the instructions:
They ship a velcro strap that can be wrapped around "brown box" pictured. You simply loosen the brown box (2 screws) and slip the velcro strap behind the box and around the SmartTop unit. This will help the unit stay securely "locked" in place. Mine actually came loose until I installed the strap. Great product!
They ship a velcro strap that can be wrapped around "brown box" pictured. You simply loosen the brown box (2 screws) and slip the velcro strap behind the box and around the SmartTop unit. This will help the unit stay securely "locked" in place. Mine actually came loose until I installed the strap. Great product!
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