2008 GT Convertible Issues?
 

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has had this issue with a 2008 (or any year s197).

I have a convertible GT CS. There is a constant clicking/clanking noise coming from the latches that lock the roof onto the windshield. The dealer has replaced them twice already and it still won't go away. It starts off as a clicking, kind like the sound it makes when the handle goes up and down. The clicking then turns into an obnoxious clank after a few weeks. These noises happen ALL the time when I'm driving and not just over rough roads. Is this how all s197 mustangs are supposed to sound like?

I have an '06, never had any problems. tops been opened probably 1000+ times.
no noise when closed

I test drove an 07 that did exactly what you are describing. I ended up with an 06 and have none of those problems. I only drive with the top up maybe 15% of the time though.

I would just double check all the latches yourself, I believe that relying on the dealer is a waste of time more often than not. Sorry I cannot be of more assistance.

I have an 08 GT convertible and I have not had any issues similar to your issue.

mine make some noise... I just accepted as part of a vert....

I have an '07 and do not have this issue.

Pull away the visors (the part with the mirrors) from the top of the car, just ever so slightly.

I think the sound you're hearing is the sound of those things rattling against the top of the car. Mine does it on the passenger side every once in awhile. Easy fix.

I have an 07 and its pretty quite except for some rattle somewhere in the drivers side rear but its not the top.

I have an 07 and had the top replaced recently. Neither the original nor the new top had the problem you describe.

my 2008 only had a rattle when the top was down, and it was fixed.

Can you confirm that the dealer REALLY replaced the latches? If they are broken and they say they will replace them try to scratch a little "x" on them to make sure they give you new ones!
You need to do this with everything you take to any mechanic, like oil filters, air filter, etc.

BLKCS08 i have a 2008 Black CS convertible as well. The passenger side convertible latch would rattle like crazy. I took into the dealer and they could not fix it. So i had to come up with my own solution. So, After you put the top up, latch it into place and with all the windows down press the button convertible button as you were going to lower it, doing so will tighten up the top and the latch, stopping the rattle. Make sure when you go to lower it as it is latched, you go easy. Hope that works.

You are the second 08 Vert with the same issue...strange. I have an 06 and have not had that issue at all...

why did you replace your top? what did it cost?

Just wondering- what kind of top do you have this problem with?

Vinyl or cloth?

I don't know if that makes a difference...

subscribing
07 with no real rattles from the roof, i thought the rattle in the passenger seat was the roof but nope. also just a side, yes the visors can rattle.
my 04's root rattled, i just lived with it in the summer and the winter i used as thin weatherstriping across the top bar to snug it up.
hope you get a solution

I have an '08 GT convertible and I have never had issues with the top rattle but on a 2001 convertible I had I did get that issue and I had to do 1 of 2 things either make sure the sun visor wasn't rattling or latch it then push the button to make the top go down while it was latched and that fixed the issue for me.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone!

I have a vinyl top. I can confirm the dealer replaced the latch and handles the first time because the mechanic did it in front of me and afterwards we took it for a drive. A few weeks later the clicking came back and I had them replaced again. The mechanic told me that the latches/handle looked worn when I brought in the car, and that when he replaced them the roof sat slightly differently on the windshield then before. THis last visit was about a month ago, and the clicking has since come back.

McNeely, I'll try what you suggested and report back.

The frame was pinching the top fabric and nearly wore a hole through it. After many threats, they replaced it for free. The replacement top is the newer style with gutters sewn into the edges above the driver and passenger windows. I have the fabric (not vinyl) top, if it matters.

Cloth tops are supposed to the the upgraded one, right?
Just wondering why.
Do they fit better? I was walking back to my vert yesterday and could see the ribs sticking out, kinda like when you see one of those cute little actresses' rib cages!

BTW, I noticed the other day when I got a totally open stretch of our Marina Freeway all to myself, and stepped on it, that at around 90+ the top, which was down, started to fill with air and rise up a little! I backed off the gas and it stayed filled with air until I got down to around 80. Going to have to remember not to do that without the cover over the roof! Just wish it wasn't so hard getting it to fit.

My 05 doesn't rattle at all.

My 06 GT vert top does not rattle. I have been thinking for the last 30 minutes how the top handles could rattle in the first place. My top is extremely tight when I close the handles. If I leave the top down for a week straight it seems even tighter. I've noticed that extended periods with the top down seem to leave a slightly larger gap at the end of the roof closure run. It takes a little more effort to close the roof handles. I seem to recall reading in the OM that this is normal. I also recall reading the proper way to close the top. I want to say that the OM instructs to close the passenger side first then the drivers side. That being said, I just can't figure out how there's enough "slop" in your roof and handle assembly to allow for the rattle. It almost sounds like something inside the handle/latch has broken. I would think if the handle could rattle the top would be noticeably loose.

Yeah, I think that's a design defect. Mine does that too, but at 120 mph.

Any update on this? I am having the same issue (clicking from top handle) with my 2008 GT vert.

I had an 2007 GT vert (manual). The top was up and down at minimum 4 times per day for months. Never had your issue. I did however have the molding around the windows "bunch up".

I have a 08 Gt/cs and i am having the same issue. I cannot figure it out. I have takin the whole front piece off as well too. any help would be great.

Mysteriously, mine seems to have stopped clicking for the time being. Knock on wood. Now I have an issue with the driver's side window rattling when I drive over bumps.

05and 08 no problems at all except the cable on the sides.