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Convertible top stopped working!!!

2K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  daimon1054 
#1 ·
I tryed to put my top down today and to my dismay... it didn't. It's not on my t-bird, it's on a 96 sunfire or ~****fire~,~sunflower~, ~sweetfire~ what ever you choose to call it. Either way i would love some help so i at least have a decent ride until my birdy is done. thanks again
 
#2 ·
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Doc here.. :pimp:

Really need more info here...what's it doing, not doing (other than not going down)...

Look for power:
Start at fuses...follow that back to the switches, then relays then to the actuator motor(s) If you have power at those spots, go to the ground side.Be sure you have solid ground through the system.

More Info would be helpful...

Doc :pimp:
 
#4 ·
sorry i didn't include more.
I checked the fuse and positive it is good. The motor makes absolutly no noise at all, i tryed to get to the switch but you know how these newer cars are, i have ot take out half the interior which is half push rivits which means more stops to advanced...lol..... but anyway, i can hear the handle hitting and clicking the switch, but nothing happens. Someone toldme the motors just go eventually, but i doubt it would be so sudden. Any further help would be greatly apprectiated.
 
#5 ·
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Doc here, :pimp:

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOURS!

Electricity, The IRS and Heart-attacks can all strike without warning...

Get a manual for that car, and under Top, or wiring diagrams follow the circuit and locate all the units that make the top run.

Do you have a multi meter? or even a test light? If so track down the top motor (or pump motor whichever the case may be..) and find the plug for it...It should be in the trunk area (not really sure on your car) or rear side panel (s) you should be able to get to it pretty easy.

On the harness side of the plug hook up your meter or test light to each terminal and ground , have someone hold the switch in up or down while doing this, and test each terminal...if it's like 4 wires, it should have voltage on one wire in up, and a different wire in down. the other two are grounds. If it's 2 wire then one is power and the other ground reversed at a relay or switch elsewhere in the circuit.If you get this, then yes the motor is probably shot.

If not, Look on the diagrams for a "Limit Lockout Switch (s)" that tells the motor to stop when the top has reached maximum travel in either direction. Most likely one of these has gone south or needs adjustment to energize the motor.

The first step is get a manual...If you can't find one at the local autoparts store (about $20.00) Go the main library reference desk and ask for one, they should have one, or be able to outsource it for you in a couple of days...Most require you copy reference material there so bring lot's of copy change!

Keep us posted!
Doc :pimp:
 
#7 ·
I tryed searching around the internet to find a manual for the car, then i moved to the libraries. I found plenty of information on everything accept convertible tops, would the dealership be willing to give me any help? Or does anybody know a wensite I can get stuff from? I really want to use this car for some practice before I dive into my T-bird, so any help would be appreciated
 
#8 ·
In the owners manual there should be instructions on how to put the top up and down manualy. My car has a special tool to unlock the header latch (it's totaly automatic on mine) and then to crank the top by hand. This at least would get me on the road.
The dealer might or might not help some or better than others so, go ask. As Doc said though you can check the motor without a manual so you will at least know if your getting power to it.
 
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