Power Top
These are Convertible or Power Top Trouble Indicator symbols. The second, which just appears as lines and angles one floating above another, is used for a power hardtop from one manufacturer. The first image features just enough “split” or space at the point of the windshield and between the roof and the trunk to suggest that the roof can be folded away. Of course, the owner of a such a vehicle already knows the car is a convertible – we presume. The symbol adds the double directional arrows to indicate that what goes up can come down.
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The symbols are meant to indicate trouble with the power top system, before the top is opened or closed. It comes on during a systems check when the vehicle is started and will stay on if a fault is detected. It will also come on during operation of the top and stay on if the process is not fully completed.
Unfortunately, if a convertible top gets stuck mid-stream going up or down, the trouble symbol will often seem pointless. And if there is a fault in the system, the switch will not activate the top!
More Versions
This next set is a little more helpful. The first is a Top Lock Indicator symbol. The symbol, shown in red, is the image of a car with the top down and a padlock above it. It indicates that the lock mechanism is not engaged or has failed.
This next one, also seen in red, is Top Failure Indicator. It has the same image of the car with an exclamation point above the back of the car. It essentially says that the car does not recognize where the top is and will need to be secured, opened or closed, manually.
This one may also be seen in yellow/amber. In this case, it is most likely that the control mechanism has overheated. Give it a little time and try again.
This one is Speed Warning Indicator. It simply says that the top cannot be activated because the car is moving too fast. This explains what is supposed be a speedometer above the back of the image of the car. It is seen in yellow/amber.
These last two will be seen in the information screen in black and white, along with text describing any problem that may exist. The first is a relatively simple image of a convertible top partially open. Any one of a half a dozen possible messages describing an issue will be seen as well.
The second shows a separation at the back of the car and indicates that the trunk partition is not fully closed. An obstruction may be at fault. The trunk partition opens to take in or release the roof during operation.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY