997 Porsche: Top Dead & Warning Lights Puzzle

Hey there, I had a similar issue with my '04 Porsche 996 last spring. The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced. In my case, it turned out to be a blown fuse in the safety system circuit that controls both the convertible top and airbag functions. I initially thought it was something major, but my mechanic found that the fuse had corroded over time, causing poor connection. The rollover sensor is connected to the same circuit, which explains why you're getting multiple issues at once. In my case, they had to replace the fuse box unit and check all the related wiring. It wasn't a particularly serious repair, but needed a Porsche specialist to properly diagnose it since these systems are interconnected for safety reasons. If you're in need of a reliable mechanic, it's definitely worth finding a certified Porsche specialist. The generic shops often miss these specific connections between systems that are unique to Porsche models. Best of luck with the repair.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That sounds very similar to my situation. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the fuse box replacement? Also, has everything been working smoothly since the repair? Just want to get an idea of what I might be looking at cost-wise and if it really solved the problem for good.

Hey again! Absolutely happy to help! I actually just had this fixed a few months ago, and I'm glad to report that everything's been working perfectly since then. The convertible top goes up and down like a charm, and those annoying warning lights haven't flashed once. The rollover sensor is working exactly as it should now. The total bill came to 52.50€, pretty reasonable considering I was initially worried it might be something way more serious! It was just a matter of replacing that defective fuse, though it needed a proper diagnostic first to pinpoint the exact issue. Tell you what, it's such a relief when these things turn out to be simpler than expected. My Porsche has been running like a dream since the fix. Just make sure you get a proper Porsche specialist to look at it, they really know their stuff when it comes to these interconnected systems. Let me know how it goes with yours! Always happy to share experiences with fellow Porsche owners.

Just wanted to update everyone, I took your advice and finally got it checked out! what a relief it turned out to be something pretty straightforward. Found a certified Porsche specialist who really knew their stuff. Funny enough, it wasn't exactly the same issue as yours, turned out to be a faulty connection in the wiring harness near the rollover sensor. Cost me a bit more, around €250 with diagnostics and labor, but totally worth it. The mechanic was super thorough and even showed me exactly what was causing the problem. The best part? Everything's working perfectly now, top goes up and down smoothly, no more warning lights, and I finally feel confident driving it again. Really appreciate everyone's input here, especially about finding a proper Porsche specialist. Saved me from going back to that sketchy mechanic I used before! Thanks again for all the help. Sometimes it's just about finding someone experienced to fix these things!