2024 Cali electric roof

[Regg]

Hi, I have asked this question before, but want to ask again, how reliable the electric roof is.
I appreciate on here you only here about the problem ones but is there a general consensus as to their reliability, the Cali we are looking to buy is a 2024 one.
Thanks
Reg

 

[Sabi-Star1977]

My 2023 Ocean roof has been reliable but leaks around the seams. My dealer is in denial saying they’ve sprayed it with a hose and nothing come through but when it rains, even lightly, streaks of water appear at the front, and pools on the ledges, dripping on front seats.
Drains regularly need checking to keep them clean.
Operating the roof, no problems but must be very careful to make sure door open to let air in/out
.Otherwise, great. Love it

 

[Regg]

Thanks for the info, leaky roof not good though,
Reg

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Hi, I have asked this question before, but want to ask again, how reliable the electric roof is.
I appreciate on here you only here about the problem ones but is there a general consensus as to their reliability, the Cali we are looking to buy is a 2024 one.
Thanks
Reg

I think only really a statistic would tell you the answer to that. We know the sensors break on many but what % that might be we can only vaguely guess.
My sensors corroded and failed and I replaced myself for £60 DIY. A VW loom is a lot more. Fitted by a dealer is a small fortune.

You pays your money, you take your choice. How long is a piece of string.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi, I have asked this question before, but want to ask again, how reliable the electric roof is.
I appreciate on here you only here about the problem ones but is there a general consensus as to their reliability, the Cali we are looking to buy is a 2024 one.
Thanks
Reg

Ignore problems/leaks regarding the Bellows as that has nothing to do with whether the roof mechanism is manual or hydraulic.
I had my California for 10 yrs and the hydraulic roof was faultless. The vehicle is still on the road and I have it on good authority it is still faultless at 12+ yrs.
The most common problem is one of the 4 sensors corrodes. Easily fixed DIY , by an Autoelectrician or at Kernow Transporters for a fraction of the cost at VW. Still this problem is not that common.
The rest of the system is rarely problematic.

 

[Kev56]

Ignore problems/leaks regarding the Bellows as that has nothing to do with whether the roof mechanism is manual or hydraulic.
I had my California for 10 yrs and the hydraulic roof was faultless. The vehicle is still on the road and I have it on good authority it is still faultless at 12+ yrs.
The most common problem is one of the 4 sensors corrodes. Easily fixed DIY , by an Autoelectrician or at Kernow Transporters for a fraction of the cost at VW. Still this problem is not that common.
The rest of the system is rarely problematic.

Hi WelshGas, re. the 4sensors mentioned (corroding) is there anything that can be done to help prevent this happening in the future, ie lubricate/spray coating?

 

[SusiBus]

We had our stuck up on our T5.1 because the control button broke. Otherwise 13 years with no problem. We don't use a bellows bungee. A 2024 reg will have the later control panel. Just exercise care, push the control straight., with no sideways pressure.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi WelshGas, re. the 4sensors mentioned (corroding) is there anything that can be done to help prevent this happening in the future, ie lubricate/spray coating?

You could try painting with ACF50. They are simple sensors also used on Convertable Roofs easily replaced it's just that VW insist on replacing the whole wiring loom rather than just the sensors.

 

[sidepod]

Second the ACF50 thang.

You need to make the roof mechanism part of the cleaning regime.
Get the steps out, get up there, get the covers off, clean it/spray it.

Ignore it at your peril.

 

[Resfeber]

Second the ACF50 thang.

You need to make the roof mechanism part of the cleaning regime.
Get the steps out, get up there, get the covers off, clean it/spray it.

Ignore it at your peril.

Couldn’t agree more 8 years of Ocean ownership not a hiccup from 2 of these roofs subject to doing as @sidepod

 

[Kev56]

Second the ACF50 thang.

You need to make the roof mechanism part of the cleaning regime.
Get the steps out, get up there, get the covers off, clean it/spray it.

Ignore it at your peril.

Hi sidepod, I’m gonna adopt this idea. What do you mean by the covers? Thanks.

 

[dspuk]

Never had a real issues.

In temperature extremes I get a slight droop (fnarr fnarr) very occasionally but just sort before we go to bed. That is just how hydraulics work.

When it’s been sat a while the open sensors get confused and say open after a foot of opening. I just ignore and carry on opening. It’s only on first open after being sat between trips.

Other than that, touch wood, all good in 4 years.

As said, bellows themselves are a different matter and subject to much debate.

 

[pchmlk]

12 year old t5.1. No issues with the roof at all.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

2020. No issues. None

Loses height occasionally but it automatically pumps it back up.

 

[jeff]

18 years old just had all 4 sensors replaced as one had blown and the roof didn’t know weather it was up or down.

 

[sidepod]

Hi sidepod, I’m gonna adopt this idea. What do you mean by the covers? Thanks.

The black plastic covers that sit over the rams/drains etc