'97 Vert top problems... again. Any suggestions

[Gators628]

Here is my situation. My vert top will not go up from its down position (thank god for a sunny warm day). This is the second time it has happened to me (the last time, the problem seemed to fix itself). I have taken out the backseat so I have better access to the top motor. Now, when I push the top switch, I hear the relays clicking, so I guess the switch and relay are fine (or at least operational).

However, there is nothing coming from the motor. Maybe one of the fuses is out. I think the top runs off two curcuit breaker fuses (the big silver ones) and I have replaced the one under the dash before. This may be a dumb wustion, but if it is the fuse, does it take time for the fuse to reset?

I am no expert when it comes to electrical and things associated. Any suggestions about my situation or do I need to go into further detail.

 

[Gators628]

Are the circuit breakers in a 97 Vert manual reset or automatic reset?

 

[Gators628]

Update: I testedthe lines going into the motor itself (yellow and red) and they are both recieveing the +- 12V that I guess is needed for the motor to operate when the switch is pressed up or down on the center console. I looks like the motor is dead, not working, or something else. Any suggestions?

 

[soctty7676]

Update: I testedthe lines going into the motor itself (yellow and red) and they are both recieveing the +- 12V that I guess is needed for the motor to operate when the switch is pressed up or down on the center console. I looks like the motor is dead, not working, or something else. Any suggestions?

I've seen some people tap the motor lightly with a hammer, or harder with the plastic handle of a screwdriver before. Then hit the button, then tap again if needed. Sometimes that unjammed or knocked something loose to start working.

 

[1tirefire]

When you pulled the ebrake does the light come on? This is whats wrong with my car. I have to pull the ebrake a certain way so the light comes on then I can operate the top. Some kind of switch is messed up but I can always get it to work so I won't fix it till its 100% broke.

 

[robg860]

I've seen some people tap the motor lightly with a hammer, or harder with the plastic handle of a screwdriver before. Then hit the button, then tap again if needed. Sometimes that unjammed or knocked something loose to start working.

Or, I try banging my head against the drivers side rear quarter panel 5 or 6 times, and that will break the frozen solonoid switch loose, and take out that frustration that comes with a stuck top. Much cheaper that going to Ford!!!

 

[DropTopPony]

I had to replace my motor 2 yrs ago so they do eventually go bad.

 

[soctty7676]

Or, I try banging my head against the drivers side rear quarter panel 5 or 6 times, and that will break the frozen solonoid switch loose, and take out that frustration that comes with a stuck top. Much cheaper that going to Ford!!!

Ha ha! If I ever see someone knocked out cold on the drivers side of a Mustang with the top down, I will know exactly who it is!

I should try this with my '03 Explorer when the rear drivers side window quits working again. Stupid me was just opening and slamming the door shut to get it to work.

 

[G.I.Slow]

If the top motor works when you tap it with a hammer or screwdriver handle, that usually means the brushes on the inside are jammed up. Its pretty easy to take the top motor out and apart. if the brushes are burred you can sand or file them slightly to get them smooth again. If they are totally worn out you can get some new ones probably to replace them. Hope this helps you.

Sean