The lowdown on vert top motors

[Black Stampede]

Hey guys, last night when I took my car out it was a real nice night so I decided to drop the top. I pull the e-brake press the button and nothing. Makes no sounds at all. The car has 88K on it and the top has always worked great. What kind of mileage approximately is normal for top motors to go out? Or is it likely that theres a short somewhere or something else possibly? I'm pissed cause if I remember correctly those motors cost a lot.

Thanks for any help/advise.

 

[95strokerPSU]

I believe mine is the original motor which would put it at 130,000+. Is the ebrake light illuminated on the dash when you pull the ebrake?

 

[Georgia50]

Sounds to me like it’s a short or something when my motor went out it still made a noise.

But just incase you do need a new motor
Hers the site; http://www.mpsautosalvage.com/products/index.cfm
TOP MOTOR 1994-1998 U '94-'98, USED, CONVERTIBLE.
$100.00
Yea it’s used but the pries is right. Mine went out at 103k
Look under convertible top motors and lifts .

 

[Black Stampede]

I believe mine is the original motor which would put it at 130,000+. Is the ebrake light illuminated on the dash when you pull the ebrake?

Yep, I checked for that when I first tried it and it didnt work. I was hoping that was it but sure enough it was lit up.

I just wouldnt think it would go out this soon. How should I go about searching for the problem to see if its not the motor going bad?

Thanks guys.

 

[tmoss]

The top motor is run from relays - you might need to replace them or a bad switch - there are wiring diagrams at

www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine

Check for where your loosing the power........

 

[Leezure]

You're going to have to test every part of the electrical system piece by piece. I found everything to be in order but the motor would not turn when power was applied. This was frustrating because it did not fail every time. I just about ordered a new motor (big $$$) when I decided to open it up. The brushes fell out into my hand. $10.00 worth of brushes and I haven't had another problem.

I wish I had started with the motor but with electrical problems you have to start somewhere and work your way all the way through.

 

[HISSIN50]

Tom and Leezure are right on. Assume nada and spend a few minutes testing.

Good luck.

 

[smitty_64]

I know this sounds silly, but, being an electronics guy, I say fuses/circuit breakers first, switches second, wiring third (if nothing has been messed with), and finally the motor. No need in spending lots of money for a motor that still won't turn. It sounds like your ebrake switch is working, but is that signal making it to your motor. Real easy to figure out with a multimeter.

 

[extremetrek]

I too doubt this is the result of a bad motor. This happened to me as well. Apparantly the top switch in the center console is two pieces, on my car those two pieces simply seperated...I am not electronically inclined so I opted to simply buy a replacement, but I would definitely say check the switch first. If it is the switch I have seen them from $25-$40 and they are super easy to change. Good luck!

 

[mo_dingo]

yeah, unless the system has a atf leak, and ran low/dry for an extended period of time, then the motor is the last place to look.
Scott

 

[Black Stampede]

Thanks alot guys. Yeah, I too am not very electronically inclined so most of what you suggested doesnt make much sense. What brushes fell out and from where?

 

[Leezure]

The brushes are in the electric motor. They are designed, as most electric motor brushes, to wear down over time. Electric motors are pretty basic and have very few moving parts. Changing the brushes is an easy fix.

This is most likely not your problem as there are more vulnerable parts likely to fail (the switch is located underneath your cup holder begging for condensation or a spill) but before committing to purchasing a new motor I would certainly take a look inside.

 

[Black Stampede]

The brushes are in the electric motor. They are designed, as most electric motor brushes, to wear down over time. Electric motors are pretty basic and have very few moving parts. Changing the brushes is an easy fix.

This is most likely not your problem as there are more vulnerable parts likely to fail (the switch is located underneath your cup holder begging for condensation or a spill) but before committing to purchasing a new motor I would certainly take a look inside.

How can I tell if the switch is bad?

 

[HISSIN50]

How can I tell if the switch is bad?

Dynamically: check that you have power to the switch. Then close the switch and check output (for the appropriate switch-position). Check that both the up and down position of the switch has output.

Good luck.

 

[Black Stampede]

It was in fact the switch. Thanks for the help guys.