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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Top won't go up

  • Thread starter Thread starter 69Rcode_Mach1
  • Start date Start date Mar 1, 2006

69Rcode_Mach1

Active Member
Apr 20, 2004
1,473
1
37
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 1, 2006
#1
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #1
Ummm I was driving today and I put my top down, got to work, and now it won't go up. I am wondering if it was the cold overnight or what, but now my car is stuck with the top down, and who knows how much longer this nice weather will last. Any ideas on what could cause this, and how I could get my top up manually for now. Thanks you guys.:SNSign:
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Mar 1, 2006
#2
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #2
What happens when you hit the button? Is the CB popping, are the relays clicking, etc?

You can disable the linkage if you have to make it a manual top.

Good luck.
 

srothfuss

Last night I stabbed the same guy 7 times in a row
Oct 17, 2004
1,796
3
0
Woodward Ave.
Mar 1, 2006
#3
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #3
You know the switch is push / pull to make the top go up and down correct?

If you need to get the top up in a hurry, the pump can get accessed by removing the back rest part of the backseat. You'll have to open up the lines (unhook the hydrualics so that you can do it manually.)
 

wild86stang

New Member
Oct 12, 2005
115
0
0
Milan, OH
Mar 1, 2006
#4
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #4
If you do what srothfuss suggests make sure you have something to catch all the fluid. I had to do it and underestimated the amount of fluid in that system. I had the electrical half of the top motor repaired, but it's still not working correctly. I guess my next suspect is the top cylinders.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Mar 1, 2006
#5
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #5
I dont believe that the hydraulics need to be opened to make the top manual. I havent had to do this on my top yet however.
 

gcwh02

New Member
Jun 20, 2005
515
0
0
pottstown, PA
Mar 1, 2006
#6
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #6
Same problem for me, i was told that it was a relay. there are 2 relays, one to make it go up, and one to make it go down, it might be one of them?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Mar 1, 2006
#7
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #7
GC, it isnt quite that simple. If you look at this diagram, courtesy of S&2B's (site host) and TMoss (diagram author), you can see the power pathway. One reason I asked the questions I did in the first post is to narrow down whether the issue lies on the control side or power side of the circuit.
 

69Rcode_Mach1

Active Member
Apr 20, 2004
1,473
1
37
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 1, 2006
#8
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #8
When I push or pull the button I can hear the relays clicking. But the top doesn't move.
 

billison

I like tinted tail
15 Year Member
Feb 27, 2006
2,607
1,094
184
stl
Mar 1, 2006
#9
  • Mar 1, 2006
  • #9
sounds like the pump is out, easy fix, i got one if you need it, for cheep too, to put it up your self, have a buddie help you up it up, you'll want to pull up on both sides at the same time so that everthing stays even and stays smoth, if it gets outta wack, it'll get hard to close, bust back glass, so be carefull puttin it up
 

69Rcode_Mach1

Active Member
Apr 20, 2004
1,473
1
37
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 2, 2006
#10
  • Mar 2, 2006
  • #10
How do I go about getting to the pump so I can disconnect it for now. I need to do this today. How can I get that backseat off? Is it easy?
 

srothfuss

Last night I stabbed the same guy 7 times in a row
Oct 17, 2004
1,796
3
0
Woodward Ave.
Mar 2, 2006
#11
  • Mar 2, 2006
  • #11
You might have to remove the rear trim panels... look for exposed screws to get them loose. The lower cushion needs to be pushed back and it will pop up and come out. With those parts out of the way, you should see to lower screws (one on each side) for the back rest. Remove those both and push down on the seat and it'll pop right out.
 

billison

I like tinted tail
15 Year Member
Feb 27, 2006
2,607
1,094
184
stl
Mar 2, 2006
#12
  • Mar 2, 2006
  • #12
with the top up, you'll get in the back seat and the trim between the back window and the trunk will come out after a buch of screws and it'll be there, i think it's connected to the breake fluid, or tranny fluid, i can't remember,
 

69Rcode_Mach1

Active Member
Apr 20, 2004
1,473
1
37
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 3, 2006
#13
  • Mar 3, 2006
  • #13
HISSIN50 said:
I dont believe that the hydraulics need to be opened to make the top manual. I havent had to do this on my top yet however.
Click to expand...

How can I go about disabling it so the top is manual? I reallly would rather not bleed all the hydraulics. It is stuck in the down position which is the problem, I don't want people getting in my car, and the weather may go bad outside and then my leather is trashed.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Mar 3, 2006
#14
  • Mar 3, 2006
  • #14
69Rcode_Mach1 said:
How can I go about disabling it so the top is manual? I reallly would rather not bleed all the hydraulics. It is stuck in the down position which is the problem, I don't want people getting in my car, and the weather may go bad outside and then my leather is trashed.
Click to expand...
Check out this post. Good luck.
 

thegabrielles

Member
Feb 26, 2003
516
1
16
Atlanta Georgia
Mar 3, 2006
#15
  • Mar 3, 2006
  • #15
Man I hope you have not started disassembly yet!!!

All you have to do is go thru the trunk, if you remove the cover at the back of the trunk (part closest to the front of the car) you will see the motor plain as day. There are 4 rubber "grommets" holding it in place. A big scredriver will pop it right up. If it is your motor chances are its just the brushes. You can actually replace them pretty easily. I did this in mine about 4 years ago and have had no problems since. The car is now totalled and the selling off of parts has begun, If you need anything let mo know.

The motor when it goes bad normally will still lower the top but you have to raise it manually, to do that get someone to help you because its a Pain in the neck. You have to fight the hydraulics the whole way, just make sure and keep it lined up. Good luck!!!
 

69Rcode_Mach1

Active Member
Apr 20, 2004
1,473
1
37
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 3, 2006
#16
  • Mar 3, 2006
  • #16
I did it right after my previous post. I just drained the whole thing and took out the seats. It was very simple, the seats are only held on by two bolts. It is the motor though, I will have to replace it.
 

thegabrielles

Member
Feb 26, 2003
516
1
16
Atlanta Georgia
Mar 3, 2006
#17
  • Mar 3, 2006
  • #17
While you have it out, why not take it apart and take a look at the brushes, chances are only one is wore out. I went to an electrical shop to find a brush that had a large enough wire on it, the I had to grind it to fit in the slot, it is really easy. I have my old one, but why spend $$ on somebody elses used one that may have problem or pay $350 ( I think thats how much they were) for a new one. Either way good luck!!!
 
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