Convertibles offer a unique driving experience that allows you to enjoy the fresh air as well as the road you’re driving on. On older cars, the driver had to get out of the vehicle to manually raise or lower the roof. Now that electronics are less expensive and more reliable, motorized roofs are pretty much standard on any convertible. As a result, auto manufacturers have added a roof warning light to the dashboard.
What the convertible roof warning light means
During normal operation, the convertible roof warning light will illuminate when the roof is opening or closing. When this light shuts off, it indicates that everything has been locked down and normal driving can resume. Typically, the system will only warn the driver of a fault during startup. If an error is detected, the computer will flash this light temporarily on startup to warn the driver that an error has been detected. A code will be stored to help diagnose the issue, but you will need a scan tool to be able to read the code. Most of the time, the issue is relatively small, like a bad sensor or debris stuck in the latches, but you should always investigate in case it is a more serious problem.
Is it safe to drive with the convertible roof warning light on?
As mentioned earlier, this light usually doesn’t indicate a serious issue so you can still use the car even when it is illuminated. If you are getting a warning, the system may not let you raise or lower the roof so be sure to get it checked out quickly so that you can enjoy the fresh air again.
Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines when raising or lowering the roof so you don’t cause any damage to the roof mechanism. If your convertible warning light comes on at startup and you would like more information about why, our certified technicians are always available to help you diagnose any issues.
