Vert top won't drop

[Horsepower67]

Hey guys, I've already checked the motor itself, no prob there. Already swapped relays, they were not the issue.
When you press, or pull, the switch on the dash you can gear the relays click. Using a volt meter I discovered that the 12V constant wire on the relay loses 12V when the dash switch is used. WTF? It looks like there is some sort of circuit breaker that has gotten weak, and is shutting the 12V when a strain is put on the circuit.
Anybody have any ideas?
Anybody have schematics for the top circuit?
I know it's something simple, I'm just not sure where to look.
Thanks,

 

[saleenx029]

I have the EXACT same problem on my 92 convertible so I am interested in this fix also, if anyone happens to know.

 

[HISSIN50]

courtesy of Torquey Tom: http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustang88VertTopMotorCkt.gif

good luck.

 

[Horsepower67]

A-HA! I knew there was a circuit breaker in there somewhere,... and they said I was crazy...
Still though, where is that bas***? Look like I'll be pulling carpet and tracing wires this weekend.

 

[Horsepower67]

C'mon, somebody out there knows where that vert top circuit breaker, or fusible link is....
Not even the local Ford mechanics know.....

 

[HISSIN50]

as i recall, it is in the area of the dimmer switch. im not sure - that is my foggy recollection from a thread in here awhile back.

good luck.

 

[Horsepower67]

Thanks Hissin, I'll start my search in that area

 

[cjones]

according to the diagnostic routine the breaker is:

attached to top switch behind I/P.

 

[HISSIN50]

according to the diagnostic routine the breaker is:

attached to top switch behind I/P.

thank you for the info.
HP67, i would start there - im not sure where i got my info from (it was some vague recollection). CJ's info should be much better.
good luck.

 

[remat457]

I have the EXACT same problem on my 92 convertible so I am interested in this fix also, if anyone happens to know.

My 89 does the same thing.
I just pulled the pins and made it a manual top...

 

[HISSIN50]

My 89 does the same thing.
I just pulled the pins and made it a manual top...

please elaborate. i always keep that idea in the back of my noggin...i thought one had to disconnect the hydraulics. sounds like you found an easier method. if so, educate us please.

 

[Ranchero5.0]

I don't believe it's behind the switch, there's only the control wiring up there. I'd check the relay pack and see what the wire colors are and then check under the dash for the dang thing. I parted out a '92 a few months ago and don't remember anything about it.

Jamie

 

[HISSIN50]

Jamie, i could not remember where it is. some poor guy in here had a thread about this same stuff about 5 months ago, and he found his CB. the location i gave in my first post was my foggy recollection of where it was. sounds like the turn signal relay - hunt all over for it. LOL.
good luck HP67.

Remat or Jamie - any thoughts on pullin the pin (that Remat was talkin about)?

 

[Camman]

It is under your dash, behind the knee board. Somewhere in the vicinity of the fuse block. Mine was right underneath the steering column, however I may have gotten lucky... if you need tomorrow I can go see what color wires they are. Be advised, this is a small circuit breaker, almost as small as a blade fuse.

 

[HISSIN50]

It is under your dash, behind the knee board. Somewhere in the vicinity of the fuse block. Mine was right underneath the steering column, however I may have gotten lucky... if you need tomorrow I can go see what color wires they are. Be advised, this is a small circuit breaker, almost as small as a blade fuse.

Camman, how you been?
whahoo, it sounds like my bean still sorta works (behind dimmer, around fusebox, etc. all the same for my pride. )

 

[saleenx029]

I was told to make the convertible top work manualkly and easily you must dissconnect the hydraulics. Also I was wondering if anyone has removed their hydraulics and how much weight could be saved?

 

[black'vert]

89 gt here has the same problem, All I get are relay clicks for up and down and no action on the pump. I just disconnected the pump and removed it for cleaning of the contact brushes and the same thing happened.

this top has me

....and yes, I searched for 20 mins to find the previous post on this topic....with no success

 

[HISSIN50]

blackvert, have you checked to ensure that you are getting power from up front (via the CB). the terminals that trigger the coil of the relay will make it click, but if there is no juice to the relay (input in the common terminal), the relay will click, but pass no juice......just a two cent idea. good luck (BTW, i have not had luck finding old threads lately either).

 

[black'vert]

I am in the same boat as others, i just need to know where to find the CB and what it looks like.

 

[remat457]

please elaborate. i always keep that idea in the back of my noggin...i thought one had to disconnect the hydraulics. sounds like you found an easier method. if so, educate us please.

No problem...With the top down look towards the top of the lift motors (far left and right behind the trim panels. There is a round bolt (I don't know what it is called) that runs through each motor and also through the top mechanism. It is held on simply by a cotter pin.

Pop the cotter pin out and the bolt can be wiggled out. The only thing to be careful of is that there is also a plastic bushing on the lift motor that the bolt slides into. It is really is to lose (guilty).


Hope that helps..
I am a novice and it was really easy to do. Now if I can just get around to fixing the top.