1999 Mustang Convertible...suddenly, the top is going up slowly...removed rear seat, and motor sounds noisy going up...going to try adding fluid after I grab some at Napa tomorrow, but don't see any leaks at the motor...any ideas other than fluid?...first Mustang we've owned, and so far, love it...easy to work on, and reliable as all Hell...Grandson loves it, and I may just hold on to it for eight years and pass it on to him...

 

My guess is low fluid. That would also account for noisy operation. Top it up and see if that resolves anything. If not, probably gonna need a new motor.

 

If you're not seeing any leaks, I'm guessing the motor is going south. Easy enough to swap out. A little messy but no biggy.