Convertible top inop
 

2005 model, top worked fine for 2 years I owned vehicle until couple days ago. First sign trouble it stop one inch from being up. Raised and lowered again same thing was able to get it up be physically adding pressure down to get last inch. I did hear sound like motor was groaning. Since nothing, press either up or down absolutely nothing no click, sound or anything. Checked fuse ok. Checked trunk and back wall was engaged in the two latches. Called Chrsyler dealership and from what I said they guess part needed would be $2,400 plus labor. Have appointment for Monday to take vehicle in. Any suggestions?

Re: Convertible top inop
 

My suggestion is to forget the appointment with the dealer, they will rob you blind.
Ask here for the solution, what have you got to lose?

Re: Convertible top inop
 

First thing to check is fluid level in the pump reservoir, driver side behind rear wheel inside trunk.
If low, then check real carefully for a hydraulic leak, there are 7 cylinders that can leak :
1 tonneau cover lift cylinder
1. tonneau cover latch cylinder
2 rear bow lift cylinders
1 rear bow lock cylinder
2 main top lift cylinders.

If ANY are leaking, probably best to have all rebuilt by tophydraulics.com for @ $700
( you have to remove and ship your cylinders )

Re: Convertible top inop
 

NO ONE can troubleshoot a convertible top over the phone.


You are a damn fool if you take that car to them. PERIOD.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

^^^^^^ What he said :)

Re: Convertible top inop
 

+ one, times a trillion:p

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Thank you. im back to plan b which I don't know yet.
Trying to get to hydraulic cylinder.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Have you checked the fluid level in the reservoir?

Re: Convertible top inop
 

At present time unable to locate hydraulic reservoir. I just received tool to take top down and up manually. Video on You Tube on how to do this. Hope to be able to locate when top partial up. I did take car to the Chrysler dealer. They spend 30 minutes trying to hook it up to the diagnostic machine with no luck. To their credit they did not charge me for anything. They sent me to an electric place again with no luck. They did say if I had a hydraulic leak I would see a large puddle of oil on the floor. Which I have not. So when weather here breaks with will work manually on top to get to reservoir. I appreciate all the replies will post when something is discovered.
Ed

Re: Convertible top inop
 

This is it tucked down in the fender well behind the driver side rear well :

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cro...5346ac04f5.png

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Ok I thought reservoir was behind drivers seat back where top is stored. I think I found it under the hood directly in line with steering wheel sitting on top of something. Its shaped like a trapezoid. Anything it show fluid level almost full.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

It is NOT under the hood, it is in the well behind the driver's side rear tire, and it looks like the above picture with "Max" written on it.
It has a brass capped fill hole, you will need to use a turkey baster to add fluid ( Pentosin CHFS )

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Ok back to drawing board. Looks like I have to remove some of the paneling in trunk area to get to it. My tools at another location so will attempt when I get them. Any secret to removing those black pegs.
Many thanks

Re: Convertible top inop
 

One can usually do it with fingernails - just pull the center out about 1/2", then you can remove the fastener. You can also use a small screwdriver to get the center started out.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Ok I got paneling off. Found reservoir. Markings show max and min looks like it's about 2 inches below min. Bolt on side of reservoir at the max level. So I assume get some hydraulic fluid remove bolt and use turkey blaster to put the hydraulic to fill to max level.

Going to store for blaster and hydraulic fluid. Thank you again.


I may have a college degree but it doesn't mean I know much about mechanics.

Will let you know outcome.
Ed

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Good deal, let us know.
BTW, even though it is hydraulics, there is no 'bleeding' procedure. You just fill the tank and run the top up and down a bunch of times.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Success, Success It's working. Up and Down both ok. Thank you Thank you.

I owe you a beer. You ever make it up to Tawas, MI I'll pay you that beer and take you for a nice boat ride. If there is any wind will get to watch the kite boarders up close.

Again Thank you
Ed


I guess now I should look for a leak. Although nothing on floor. At least now I know what to do.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

You did use the ( Pentosin CHFS ) fluid, I hope? I am not sure it would be good to mix fluids. To be low, it has to go somewhere.

Re: Convertible top inop
 

Glad it's working, but like ZERACER said, that stuff does not evaporate, it went somewhere.
Look real good for signs of a leak.