Tommy079

Ok I was hoping you experts could help me diagnose my problem. I have a 2001 GT convertible and the top worked just fine back in November, but since then...has not.

When I push the button I can hear the sound of it trying to move it, and even some hydraulic wetness (like squishing). It sometimes even moves a bit, but that's all. I can move it manually with the button depressed and when I start lowering it back it drops very heavily all at once.

Then to get it back up pusing the button doesn't move at all. So I have to have the button pushed, get out of the car, and it is able to be lifted manually.

If I had to guess I'd say the motor is trying to work, and the elecrical that sends the signal is working (because it's taking the tension off the cylinder... right?)

So does that mean the cylinder is bad or needs fluid??? Or am I completely wrong in my own diagnosis and does it have something to do with the motor, electrical, or something else???

cliffyk

It sounds as though it is low on hydraulic fluid, which can only happen if there is a leak--is there any sign of leaking? To have leaked enough to no longer operate it should be obvious.

There could also be mechanical problems in the hydraulics--here's the diagnostic and test procedures from the shop manual.

Tommy079

So more than likely a bad cylinder?

cliffyk

Could be, it could also be low fluid (easiest thing to check first) according to the diagnostic chart, or a bad valve--you need to perform the pinpoint tests to "pinpoint" the problem...

Tommy079

Do you have the diagnostic check on how to get to all that stuff. I don't know if I have to remove the rear seatback or what. I haven't had the car very long and this is the first time I'm trying to get back there to look at all that stuff.

cliffyk

Here is the RnR for the hydraulic system...

Tommy079

Both documents will be very helpful! Thanks very much for your resources. I tried to do a search to find that stuff from the home page of those links you provided, but it was a bit difficult.

sinister99GT

its a lift cylinder, pull your rear seat bottom out and you will see the fluid on one side or the other. the part should be 150.00. i own a auto upholstery shop and do this all the time.if you can use tools you can do it yourself. the hardest part is gettin fluid back in the system..

Tommy079

Any internet link reccomendations to a reputible place online that has a quality lift cylinder cheap.

Also, what's involved in getting the fluid back in???

sinister99GT

google , convertible top specilists, inverness florida ,they have what you need.i will pm you my shop number, call me and i will tell you what to do.