Pop top problems

[Alegna65]

My 2017 Cali Ocean (T6) has started having problems with the electric roof. It goes up fine, but the corner over the driver slowly goes down. My local garage has said it is most likely the gas ram and maybe the pump too. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, who fixed it (VW dealership, local garage...some type of roof specialist?)

 

[KevH]

I hesitate to say this but a simple search of this forum will blow your mind on this topic.
You have joined a growing band of unhappy campers.

 

[Peter B H]

My 2017 Cali Ocean (T6) has started having problems with the electric roof. It goes up fine, but the corner over the driver slowly goes down. My local garage has said it is most likely the gas ram and maybe the pump too. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, who fixed it (VW dealership, local garage...some type of roof specialist?)

I have exactly the same problem. How are you getting on with finding a solution?
Peter.

 

[Gabba78]

I had it repaired twice. The first time, a piston had lost hydraulic fluid, and the second time, it lost hydraulic fluid from the reservoir above the rearview mirror, which also burned out the service controller (for the fridge, heating, etc.). The third time, just a few days ago, I decided to contact a fitter who will install pistons and a Reimo roof kit so that I can have a manual and more reliable roof.I'll let you know in September when the work is finished

 

[Tim&carolsvan]

we have had the same issue with our new t 6.1 since purchasing it in 2023 it has been into the dealership six times the first 3 times they would not accept it was sagging on the drivers side. this occurred after around 48 hour the fourth time they bleed the pump the 5th time they did replace the ram the 6th time they said the roof had re set it self. as per manual this has never happened in our 20 weeks of camping in it finally on our 7th visit to them they finally agreed to replace the pump at a cost of £1800. luckily were still in warranty hopefully this has cured our long standing problem were away this week and wait to see if it has

 

[Tim&carolsvan]

we have had the same issue with our new t 6.1 since purchasing it in 2023 it has been into the dealership six times the first 3 times they would not accept it was sagging on the drivers side. this occurred after around 48 hour the fourth time they bleed the pump the 5th time they did replace the ram the 6th time they said the roof had re set it self. as per manual this has never happened in our 20 weeks of camping in it finally on our 7th visit to them they finally agreed to replace the pump at a cost of £1800. luckily were still in warranty hopefully this has cured our long standing problem were away this week and wait to see if it has

Update after new pump fitted roof is now fixed. Cost £1800 for parts. Covered by warenty. Happy chappy now

 

[Andyhcfc]

Update after new pump fitted roof is now fixed. Cost £1800 for parts. Covered by warenty. Happy chappy now

 

[Andyhcfc]

Wow Tim and Carol, I have been trying to get VW and a dealer to admit the pump is the problem and change it for 3 and a half years of roof issues!!

Last advice I had was to raise the roof and lower the roof 5 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid everytime I want to raise the roof for the night. Which has worked on a two night stay in the UK, but our trip to France coming up will test this out for up to 4 nights in hotter conditions

Did you ask VW to approve the pump change under warranty or the dealer?

Cheers

 

[Tim&carolsvan]

The van had been into the vw dealer for 7 times for the same issue they finally agreed to replace the pump under warranty they admitted there are issues with the 2022/2022 pumps were on our 3 rd holiday since new pump and the roof is perfect no ssh even with heavy winds over the last few days

 

[Alegna65]

Somehow, I never came back to this conversation. I ended up taking it to a VW dealership and it cost me £1800 to have a new motor fitted. It works fine now

 

[edocali]

For those out of warranty… Are there any independent specialists that can fix issues without having to pay VW so much ?
I dread a roof issue

 

[WelshGas]

For those out of warranty… Are there any independent specialists that can fix issues without having to pay VW so much ?
I dread a roof issue

Yes, Kernow Transporters.

Volkswagen California repairs. Audi RS transfer box repair

Volkswagen California code 1000 repair Volkswagen California Roof Bellows 061S Audi RS servicing Audi RS coding Audi RS Transfer Box Repair

www.kernowtransporters.co.uk

 

[edocali]

Yes, Kernow Transporters.

Volkswagen California repairs. Audi RS transfer box repair

Volkswagen California code 1000 repair Volkswagen California Roof Bellows 061S Audi RS servicing Audi RS coding Audi RS Transfer Box Repair

www.kernowtransporters.co.uk

Thanks . They’re very far from me.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks . They’re very far from me.

Sometimes you have to travel for quality and experience second to none.

 

[sidepod]

The van had been into the vw dealer for 7 times for the same issue they finally agreed to replace the pump under warranty they admitted there are issues with the 2022/2022 pumps were on our 3 rd holiday since new pump and the roof is perfect no ssh even with heavy winds over the last few days

So just to get this clear (I’ve read about as many posts on this subject as I can take), is there now a definitive VW accepted problem/fix/process/part number or will I just get the runaround if I take it to a dealer?

 

[Tim&carolsvan]

Unofficially there is an issue with the 2021/22 pumps most people give up after a couple of attempts. But we were persistent we have just got back from 8 nights and the roof didn’t drop a millimetre so it has proven replacing the pump was the issue I suggest just keep badgering them it took us 2 years before they accepted it was a not fit for purpose. Good luck

 

[Andyhcfc]

Unofficially there is an issue with the 2021/22 pumps most people give up after a couple of attempts. But we were persistent we have just got back from 8 nights and the roof didn’t drop a millimetre so it has proven replacing the pump was the issue I suggest just keep badgering them it took us 2 years before they accepted it was a not fit for purpose. Good luck

As I expected my T6.1 2022 roof collapsed while on holiday in the South of France every time we raised it on a stop. I will try VW and Breeze again! I have just extended my warranty this year in the hope I could get this issue fixed, but they both keep stalling me! Probably trying to eke it out until my warranty runs out!

 

[andyinluton]

So just to get this clear (I’ve read about as many posts on this subject as I can take), is there now a definitive VW accepted problem/fix/process/part number or will I just get the runaround if I take it to a dealer?

A new pump is the answer, all it really needs is the none return valves cleaning out but thats beyond VW. Your big problem is VW accepting that it is a fault not a feature. I managed to get it replaced on my 2020 van but it was a struggle.

 

[sidepod]

A new pump is the answer, all it really needs is the none return valves cleaning out but thats beyond VW. Your big problem is VW accepting that it is a fault not a feature. I managed to get it replaced on my 2020 van but it was a struggle.

So a NEW pump will have different NR valves that don't get clogged/dirty? Sounds more like a basic system strip/flush/clean etc?

 

[andyinluton]

So a NEW pump will have different NR valves that don't get clogged/dirty? Sounds more like a basic system strip/flush/clean etc?

No - a new pump will have the same valves but wont come with the bits of swarf jamming the NR valves.
Im sure if you can dismantle & clean it, the existing pump would be fine.

 

[sidepod]

Sorry, swarf? From where?

 

[andyinluton]

Sorry, swarf? From where?

From when the pumps were manufactured - affected a batch of pumps 2020-2021

 

[sidepod]

More confused now. Mine is a MY23 so why is it suffering erectile dysfunction?

 

[Up10]

More confused now. Mine is a MY23 so why is it suffering erectile dysfunction?

Ours is a 2024 registered. Our roof drooped too but we were lucky enough to have a decent VW workshop who identified faulty NR valves on the pump so replaced the unit. Were on our way home after a 3 week test with roof up for as long as 4 nights without a single issue.

 

[sidepod]

Ours is a 2024 registered. Our roof drooped too but we were lucky enough to have a decent VW workshop who identified faulty NR valves on the pump so replaced the unit. Were on our way home after a 3 week test with roof up for as long as 4 nights without a single issue.

SO when you say VW workshop, do you mean an indy or a Main Dealer?