Sagging roof in heat

[dspuk]

Hi. The auto engagement of the roof is no longer on the California. VW have removed this for some time due to complaints of the roof readjusting in the middle of the night when people are sleeping. So a ‘manual’ lowering half way and raising of the roof is required. Mine lasts until the evening when it starts to cool and the roof drops a couple of inches, lights upstairs do not work etc.

I took mine to the dealer who couldn’t replicate the conditions of the sagging…even though I asked beforehand if they could replicate if not as hot and they said yes. I’ve been told to get pictures and videos and share with the dealer who will send to HQ.

I can't imagine a dealer could replicate unless they left the roof up for 2 to 3 days in searing heat and kept an eye on it. Unfortunately at the moment we can't see to keep the sun for more than a day in the UK...

Still says in the manual the pop top checks and adjusts automatically on the 6.1, never had the opportunity to verify it though.

 

[Kernowboy]

I presume the same should happen on the T6/6.1.

It does, however there is a subtlety in that it checks at 10hrs and if it doesn’t detect a drop at that point then it doesn’t check again at all, until the ignition is turned on which resets it. If a drop is detected then the 5hr checks kick in. Believe that was a change from the 5/5.1, and possibly the 6, which I understand does the 5 hr checks irrespective.

 

[ArunAlec]

It does, however there is a subtlety in that it checks at 10hrs and if it doesn’t detect a drop at that point then it doesn’t check again at all, until the ignition is turned on which resets it. If a drop is detected then the 5hr checks kick in. Believe that was a change from the 5/5.1, and possibly the 6, which I understand does the 5 hr checks irrespective.

Interesting! Can’t see the logic behind not doing the subsequent 5hr checks as they don’t “cost anything”, just a software check of the height and if ok no action, so no 2am wake up! So if the roof can maintain a full erection for 10 hrs it’s free to droop.

 

[andyinluton]

It does, however there is a subtlety in that it checks at 10hrs and if it doesn’t detect a drop at that point then it doesn’t check again at all, until the ignition is turned on which resets it. If a drop is detected then the 5hr checks kick in. Believe that was a change from the 5/5.1, and possibly the 6, which I understand does the 5 hr checks irrespective.

Its the timing then thats stopping the checks.
Park & put up roof in the morning or re-raise the roof first thing, the roof sits in the sun all day with no sagging, as it cools down late evening it will start to sag but its gone past the 10hr point so won't retention itself or do any further checks.

 

[From tent to van]

It does, however there is a subtlety in that it checks at 10hrs and if it doesn’t detect a drop at that point then it doesn’t check again at all, until the ignition is turned on which resets it. If a drop is detected then the 5hr checks kick in. Believe that was a change from the 5/5.1, and possibly the 6, which I understand does the 5 hr checks irrespective.

Yea. That is strange. I will be fine at 10 hrs so missing the next checks then.

 

[Andyhcfc]

My pop top started sagging, and then the lights up top doesn't work either, which is also annoying. Had my pop top checked by Eurovans Crawley, twice, and it didn't play up for them over the two days they had the van in the workshop. Then on holiday in the South of France, in the middle of the night, the hydraulics kicked in and the roof elevated up to where it should be! Seems to be fine ever since, but will see this weekend. Maybe a software fix or something happened. It definitely was not something VW alert you to in the brochure!

 

[dspuk]

My pop top started sagging, and then the lights up top doesn't work either, which is also annoying. Had my pop top checked by Eurovans Crawley, twice, and it didn't play up for them over the two days they had the van in the workshop. Then on holiday in the South of France, in the middle of the night, the hydraulics kicked in and the roof elevated up to where it should be! Seems to be fine ever since, but will see this weekend. Maybe a software fix or something happened. It definitely was not something VW alert you to in the brochure!

If you read the response above from @WelshGas he explains why it happens. Given these are not the same conditions as the inside of the Crawley workshop (nor was your France holiday) not surprised they had no issues. It's the combo of heat and cooling.

If you look at my post you can see where they do alert you in the user manual.

The lights don't work up top by design as it is the roof in the full position that activates them, else you could leave them on with the roof down and drain your leisures. Did say this on your FB post.

Should it happen? That's the debate. For us unless it's get's terrible for any reason, and we've only ever had an inch sag after 3 or 4 days, I'll live with it and the explanation.

 

[paradise city]

It is covered.

Thank you, will be at the dealership in a few weeks for brake fluid and Haldex change, will mention it to them then.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[s2bear]

My roof sag has been terrible his week BUT something strange happened.

It’s been dropping a good 10cm within hours of it being opened fully, time after time. Had to do this at least twice a day the last few days. In the almost 18 months I’ve had the van since new it has never once corrected the sag automatically. I read somewhere that VE had deleted this functionality on later models.

Last night at 2am (4hrs after the last time) the roof had sagged a lot so I turned on the ignition and re opened it.

05:55am first time ever, it just re-tensioned itself. I smiled and went back to sleep.

Hoping it’s the start of something less crap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Morsels]

My roof sag has been terrible his week BUT something strange happened.

It’s been dropping a good 10cm within hours of it being opened fully, time after time. Had to do this at least twice a day the last few days. In the almost 18 months I’ve had the van since new it has never once corrected the sag automatically. I read somewhere that VE had deleted this functionality on later models.

Last night at 2am (4hrs after the last time) the roof had sagged a lot so I turned on the ignition and re opened it.

05:55am first time ever, it just re-tensioned itself. I smiled and went back to sleep.

Hoping it’s the start of something less crap.


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You need a new pump, none of this should be happening to you, it happened us too that way. You’ll not get it on warranty, VW deny there’s a problem. I paid for it from Kernow Transporters in Cornwall, a specialist who diagnosed the issue immediately, and it fixed the problem. My dealer eventually coughed up £500 towards it on the threat of legal action (actual cost around £1100).

 

[dayslikethis]

Looks like in addition to my engine cut out problem I’m now in the sagging roof club also. In Spain and planning to return to UK earlier than expected. 6.1 4 motion 2023

 

[From tent to van]

Looks like in addition to my engine cut out problem I’m now in the sagging roof club also. In Spain and planning to return to UK earlier than expected. 6.1 4 motion 2023

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Not good. I’m away this weekend so will take some photos and videos in the heat - no doubt it will sag.

Can’t have it doing that when travelling to Europe in the summer.

 

[s2bear]

Mine was doing this and (never having done so before at any point in its 18m lifespan) suddenly started pumping itself back up again, several times, on the most recent trip. I did a software update just before that last trip but don’t know if the two are connected.


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[Perfectos]

Posted in this other thread

is the T6.1 hydraulic roof oil the same as previous models ?

Potential roof problem

We had a problem with our roof this time last year resulting in a replacement electro-hydraulic pump. Since then roof has never budged 1mm even after being up for days. This holiday we have noticed roof sinks on passenger side corner after one day. Drop roof 12 inches, put it back up and it’s...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[dayslikethis]

Posted in this other thread

is the T6.1 hydraulic roof oil the same as previous models ?

Potential roof problem

We had a problem with our roof this time last year resulting in a replacement electro-hydraulic pump. Since then roof has never budged 1mm even after being up for days. This holiday we have noticed roof sinks on passenger side corner after one day. Drop roof 12 inches, put it back up and it’s...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

I’ve no idea but it on the list of problems for my UK dealer. Already booked in for our return.

 

[dayslikethis]

Interestingly. I took a photo of my van in the showroom before I bought it. Note: sagging roof

 

[Morsels]

Looks like in addition to my engine cut out problem I’m now in the sagging roof club also. In Spain and planning to return to UK earlier than expected. 6.1 4 motion 2023

View attachment 114069

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Exactly the same problem we had, often after only 90 minutes. Faulty pump.

 

[dayslikethis]

Looks like in addition to my engine cut out problem I’m now in the sagging roof club also. In Spain and planning to return to UK earlier than expected. 6.1 4 motion 2023

View attachment 114069

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H

Exactly the same problem we had, often after only 90 minutes. Faulty pump.

vw garage have just e mailed me to say there is a TPI ? To correct this. We shall see

 

[yossarian]

There's a TPI dated 21-Mar-2023. Number might be 2010030/8

Summary: If the roof sags more than 10 - 20 cm over 3 days there is a roof bleeding procedure.

The procedure involves removing the control panel, raising the roof, opening and closing the emergency valve and operating the pump. Repeat up to 2 times if problem not resolved. (Refer to actual TPI for specifics because I'm not going there).

Instruction if this does not work : "Complaint cannot be resolved with repeated correct bleeding and continues to occur=> Create a technical repair enquiry."

And there are instructions *not* to replace hydraulic components or the control panel.

One has to have sympathy for the dealer. But I think some are better than others at working the system.

 

[dayslikethis]

There's a TPI dated 21-Mar-2023. Number might be 2010030/8

Summary: If the roof sags more than 10 - 20 cm over 3 days there is a roof bleeding procedure.

The procedure involves removing the control panel, raising the roof, opening and closing the emergency valve and operating the pump. Repeat up to 2 times if problem not resolved.

Instruction if this does not work : "Complaint cannot be resolved with repeated correct bleeding and continues to occur=> Create a technical repair enquiry."

And there are instructions not to replace hydraulic components or the control panel.

One has to have sympathy for the dealer. But I think some are better than others at working the system.

Thanks. Good to know and helpful

 

[yossarian]

I should add the TPI is applicable to T6.1s only. @dayslikethis you need to update your profile.

 

[dayslikethis]

Oops. Thanks. Just done it

 

[tweeks71]

for reference, here is the level of SAG

 

[s2bear]

My roof was sagging again at Polzeath last month in 19 Deg highs and p*ssing rain So it’s not even high temps anymore. Roof lights cut out And not a hint of automatic re-tensioning. i’m thinking, having read above, that maybe if I waited until 10 hrs passed then it might have either re-tensioned or my wife may just have called vw assist and the fire brigade to extract me from the roof bed in the morning.
here‘s the roof being lowered next day:

 

[dayslikethis]

I seem to have posted my update on a separate thread. Dealer says roof sag is within tolerance and cannot authorise warranty work. I’ll be e mailing VW re this. Not acceptable