Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing and installing convertible top cover

Special tools and workshop equipment required

t	Setting tool for Audi A4 Cabrio 2003> -VAS 6138-

t	Stapling tool for Audi A4 Cabrio 2003> -VAS 6148- with 1.5 mm staples -VAS 6148/1-

t	Pop rivet tool -VAS 5072-

Removing   Note Convertible top component designations → Chapter

–  Move the convertible top to the centre position.

–  Screw the bolts -arrows- of the retaining strip for the seal -1- out of the front bracing hoop. –  Carefully detach front bracing hoop trim.

–  Remove tongues of convertible top headliner -1- at front bracing hoop. –  Pull piping strip -2- and convertible top cover -3- out of groove of front bracing hoop.

–  Remove the sealing compound -arrow- at the front corners of the front bracing hoop. –  Detach convertible top cover sideways from convertible top frame.

–  Remove the tensioning strap -1- at the roof guide element between bracing hoop “3” and bracing hoop “4”.   Note Take care not to trap the cable -2- on installation.

–  Remove tensioning cable -1- from mounting hole -2- in roof guide element “1”. –  Pull tensioning cable to rear out of canopy flaps of convertible top cover.   Note Use a suitable piece of welding wire when pulling in tensioning cable. –  Fold back convertible top cover.

–  Pinch off 1.5 mm staples -VAS 6148/1- at ends of zip fastener -arrow-. –  Pull zip fastener apart (4x).   Note Take care not to damage zip fastener.

–  Swivel bow into vertical position (convertible top in centre position) and screw out bolt -arrow B-.   Note For greater clarity, the adjacent illustration shows the convertible top structure without headliner, cover and padding.

–  Remove lock washer at rear window cable guide and pull cable out of guide -arrow-.

–  Drill out rivet -1- of convertible top headliner tongue at bow. –  Pull the fastening strip -2- of the convertible top headliner out of the groove in the bow. –  Pull the convertible top headliner out of the rear window guide frame. Take care not to leave any clips in the rear window guide frame.   Note Replace defective clips. l  This separates the convertible top headliner from the convertible top cover (rear window frame).

–  Pull the plastic strip -1- out of the groove of the bow -2-.

–  Sever the cable tie -1-. –  Open the housing -2- and unplug the heated rear window connectors. –  Detach convertible top frame downwards at main guide element. Installing Install convertible top cover in reverse order of removal.   Note t  Pay attention to correct installation position and operation of all convertible top components. t  Check operation.