2000 box s top stuck

[shihman]

hi all, first i would like to thank EVERYONE in this fourm for ALL the help in the past. now i need another desperat help. i have done lots research on this topic already and it seems like everyone's problem was resolved with the problem i don't have. :(

here is what i know of my conditions:

1. i tried to open the top last night and it just stop 2/3 way down.

2. the hand break light is on

3. when i unlatch the lever/hook, windows went down normally

4. the convertible light on dashboard came on when i press the down button, but now is staying on

5. when i push the down button, i can hear a double click from behind the seat and lights on dashboard went dim slightly like the motor is drawing power

here is what i have done/checked so far:

1. checkedboth fuse and both are fine

2. took out the double relay, tapped many many times and re-insert it back in and taking it out many many time also

3. rehook the hand break switch just in case

4. poke my finger in the windshield micro switch (that's the one the latch goes in right?) while pushing the open button and i can hear the click

5. i even disconnect and reconnect the battery

i hear there is a big difference between the 99 verion and the 00 and up. now after what i have done, please advice me what to do or check next.

[pk2]

The only real big difference I know of is the “transmissions”. Newer ones are different in that they have...um the stop switches built in(?) and maybe a full round gear (?). At some point the geometry of the top was changed to accommodate a glass rear window. Also at some point they put in better cables that don't stretch.

For the most part though their not “radical” changes. The functions are the same as far as your problem is concerned. Your observations are keen in that you interpreted your dimming lites as an indicator of a big draw on your battery.

Either you have something (softball, in the gutter, your missing drill etc) blocking the top mechanisms travels or, the mechanism is fighting itself. This may be evidenced by a tweaked clam shell cover as it winds open.

For the immediate, put the top in service mode and disconnect the tie rods (with little ball sockets on the ends, going to the top structure from transmissions). Then you can see all in the top mechanism and look for the common problems youv'e seen described here.

You can also operate your top manually until you figure it out.

Regards, PK

[shihman]

The only real big difference I know of is the “transmissions”. Newer ones are different in that they have...um the stop switches built in(?) and maybe a full round gear (?). At some point the geometry of the top was changed to accommodate a glass rear window. Also at some point they put in better cables that don't stretch.

For the most part though their not “radical” changes. The functions are the same as far as your problem is concerned. Your observations are keen in that you interpreted your dimming lites as an indicator of a big draw on your battery.

Either you have something (softball, in the gutter, your missing drill etc) blocking the top mechanisms travels or, the mechanism is fighting itself. This may be evidenced by a tweaked clam shell cover as it winds open.

For the immediate, put the top in service mode and disconnect the tie rods (with little ball sockets on the ends, going to the top structure from transmissions). Then you can see all in the top mechanism and look for the common problems youv'e seen described here.

You can also operate your top manually until you figure it out.

Regards, PK

hi PK, thanks for your quick response. i took your advice and looked around see if i got anything stuck. i didn't find anything but by doing so, i jiggle the top few time, push and hold the button few times the top was able to go back up. however the top light on the dashboard stays on. i am still not sure that fixed the problem. my question is, can the motor be too old and it doesn't have enough power or juice to move the top? also, can you please tell me how to operate the top manually?

[pk2]

Shihiman

I doubt it's your motor.. If you jiggled it around and got it to move...it works. There are 3 or 4 common problems with these tops and the motors are not one. The top light just means something messed up...we know that (I can't get mine to go out but the top works).

Technically theres are 3 switches that get tagged during an open or close cycle. Any one of them being bad or not tripped can keep your light on..and more...compplicated.

If you haven't yet, put the thing in “service mode” which is done (if I remember correctly) by opening the top about a foot or so till the clamshell rises about 9 inches, you can then reach in and find a cable on each side that holds the back of the top taunt and down, They pop off (ball joint thing).

You can now lift the back of the top up and see all. Look at the”L” shaped lever arms for the top on either side of engine cover compartment. They should be positioned EXACTLY as mirror images. If one is a bit off this will say much. Also make sure the “tie-rods” from these levers are not cracked at the ends.

Good luck

PK

Maurice where are you?

[shihman]

Shihiman

I doubt it's your motor.. If you jiggled it around and got it to move...it works. There are 3 or 4 common problems with these tops and the motors are not one. The top light just means something messed up...we know that (I can't get mine to go out but the top works).

Technically theres are 3 switches that get tagged during an open or close cycle. Any one of them being bad or not tripped can keep your light on..and more...compplicated.

If you haven't yet, put the thing in “service mode” which is done (if I remember correctly) by opening the top about a foot or so till the clamshell rises about 9 inches, you can then reach in and find a cable on each side that holds the back of the top taunt and down, They pop off (ball joint thing).

You can now lift the back of the top up and see all. Look at the”L” shaped lever arms for the top on either side of engine cover compartment. They should be positioned EXACTLY as mirror images. If one is a bit off this will say much. Also make sure the “tie-rods” from these levers are not cracked at the ends.

Good luck

PK

Maurice where are you?

pk, thanks again for your advice. i will try to do what you suggested and get back to you.

Edited June 23, 2008 by shihman