How can you get the soft convertible top of a 1998 VW Cabrio convertible back up when it is stuck in the down position and the button doesn't seem to work?

Answer 1

I've had luck with having someone press and hold the top up button while manually pulling the top up. We found the top on my friends car could also be lowered this way - by holding the top down button and manually lowering the top.

If you open the trunk and look on the left side, you will see the cover. This contains the motor for the top. There should be a round plastic cover, if you pull this off you will see the motor. There will be a handle, which you want to turn left to release the pressure in the motor, this will let you manually lift and close the top or open. If the motor is okay and you can use it, then you must turn this handle to the right, in order for the pump to pressurize.