Roof did not close on the front right

MrT-6California · May 7, 2023

A lot of roof closing topics

Heres my issue....

After a couple of days of camping in Normandie.. actually my first trip with my 2016 t6 with wife and kid.

I drove my car of the ramp and tried to close the roof.
But, the roof wouldn't close. It stayed open on the right front side. About 1 or 2 inches.
Control panel said it was closed, but it clearly wasn't.

We where at the worst camping of the week, really wouldn't like to wait there any longer to get this fixed somehow.
I tried 4 of 5 times, without luck.

The I moved the car a meter or so, and magically the roof was ok and closed normally.

Anybody an idea what could have happend ?
Is the roof adjustable in some way ? So I can adjust it if the issue occurs again ? I know I can close it manuallly, but that wont solve the problem (We wont be able to drive home with a manual closed roof ?)

Could torsion of the car be the reason ?

WelshGas · May 7, 2023

MrT-6California said:
A lot of roof closing topics

Heres my issue....

After a couple of days of camping in Normandie.. actually my first trip with my 2016 t6 with wife and kid.

I drove my car of the ramp and tried to close the roof.
But, the roof wouldn't close. It stayed open on the right front side. About 1 or 2 inches.
Control panel said it was closed, but it clearly wasn't.

We where at the worst camping of the week, really wouldn't like to wait there any longer to get this fixed somehow.
I tried 4 of 5 times, without luck.

The I moved the car a meter or so, and magically the roof was ok and closed normally.

Anybody an idea what could have happend ?
Is the roof adjustable in some way ? So I can adjust it if the issue occurs again ? I know I can close it manuallly, but that wont solve the problem (We wont be able to drive home with a manual closed roof ?)

Could torsion of the car be the reason ?

1. The roof is not adjustable to all intents and purpose.
2. You should have a set of Velcro straps with plastic inserts that go in the roof and side channels to tie down the roof when lowered manually to allow driving.
3. Why did you move the vehicle off the ramps with the roof up? Did you put the roof up before driving onto the levelling ramps?

jeff · May 7, 2023

MrT-6California said:
A lot of roof closing topics

Heres my issue....

After a couple of days of camping in Normandie.. actually my first trip with my 2016 t6 with wife and kid.

I drove my car of the ramp and tried to close the roof.
But, the roof wouldn't close. It stayed open on the right front side. About 1 or 2 inches.
Control panel said it was closed, but it clearly wasn't.

We where at the worst camping of the week, really wouldn't like to wait there any longer to get this fixed somehow.
I tried 4 of 5 times, without luck.

The I moved the car a meter or so, and magically the roof was ok and closed normally.

Anybody an idea what could have happend ?
Is the roof adjustable in some way ? So I can adjust it if the issue occurs again ? I know I can close it manuallly, but that wont solve the problem (We wont be able to drive home with a manual closed roof ?)

Could torsion of the car be the reason ?

The only time it’s happened to me was when the van was not level,
i now make it’s level before putting roof up or down.

JohnCalifornia · May 7, 2023

WelshGas said:
1. The roof is not adjustable to all intents and purpose.
2. You should have a set of Velcro straps with plastic inserts that go in the roof and side channels to tie down the roof when lowered manually to allow driving.
3. Why did you move the vehicle off the ramps with the roof up? Did you put the roof up before driving onto the levelling ramps?

Where do these Velcro straps with plastic inserts live in the Cali? I don’t think I have them .

WelshGas · May 7, 2023

JohnCalifornia said:
Where do these Velcro straps with plastic inserts live in the Cali? I don’t think I have them .

Mine were in the under seat draw.

I had a pair.

VW California Emergency Roof Tie Down Kit - Single - CampervanBits

Please note: This is a pack of one (Two are required to make a full kit)

vwcaliforniaclub.com

JohnCalifornia · May 7, 2023

Ah , I have 1 Velcro strap but no plastic bit. It was in the drivers door pocket. I did wonder what it was for. I’m pretty certain I’ve checked every nook and cranny in the van. I’ll have another check tomorrow.

MrT-6California · May 8, 2023

Thanks guys..

I ordered the velcro straps + inserts, as my Van did not have them. Thanks for the tip.

The only time I moved the Van with the roof open, was when I was about to leave. I did not put it onto the ramp with the roof open.
Why I did it, to be honest, I cannot come up with a good reason why I did it ???

WelshGas · May 8, 2023

MrT-6California said:
Thanks guys..

I ordered the velcro straps + inserts, as my Van did not have them. Thanks for the tip.

The only time I moved the Van with the roof open, was when I was about to leave. I did not put it onto the ramp with the roof open.
Why I did it, to be honest, I cannot come up with a good reason why I did it ???

It might have been an air bubble in the hydraulics that side. Always raise or lower in the same position.