(Yet Another) Convertible top issue

[nazarah]

Did anyone ever find a solution to this? I've just been operating it this way the entire summer. I've gotten so used to it I'm not sure how much it's worth to me to fix it!

[Deputy347k9]

Originally Posted by nazarah

Did anyone ever find a solution to this? I've just been operating it this way the entire summer. I've gotten so used to it I'm not sure how much it's worth to me to fix it!

"tooltime" started a thread on December 9, 2018 with basically the same issues and questions. Member Plastik responded with a potential remedy on November 12, 2020!

Makes sense that if a joint binds because of no lubrication this would cause an excessive current draw while the folding top motor is operating. If the top struggles to go up or down for any period of time the controller will turn off the folding top motor to prevent overheating or damage to the mechanical structure of the top.

The folding top control module has a thermal protection algorithm to protect the folding top pump motor from damage due to overheating conditions resulting form excessive motor actuation.

"Plastik" added the following which is a strong probability to our issues!


I dropped the top and went to the store. It was acting up going down, never happened before. I did notice though that when I let off the up/down button the top still moved a little. That means there was pressure to the cylinders but whatever it was fighting was causing too much resistance. After I saw that I knew I was right and I think I have it fixed.


Ok here is what I did and the result. I put the top 1/2 way. I sprayed every joint both sides with white lithium grease. I also sprayed the piston rods that were extended. I got the spray way down in there. I did this to both sides. I lifted the top flap and sprayed all the joints and pivots very heavily.


I then put the top down. Crossed my fingers and hit the up button, never even hesitated. I will be doing this every spring and fall. I just have to get a long spray tube to really get down there to the piston. I'm thinking it may be dried out rod seals. There is an internal and external one. If the internal is good the external will get no lube. so by covering the piston shaft it will lube the seal. It even sounds better, like it is not straining at all. I would suggest a $3.00 can of white lithium to start. It took 15 min, most of the time was opening and closing the top. I also cleaned the leaves out of the water bag while I was doing the lube.


Good Luck!

A diagram displaying all areas to lubricate would be so helpful to all convertible owners, anyone have one that can be displayed?

Larry

[nazarah]

Bump!

Man I need to come back here more often than I do.

I'll see if I can find these lube points today. Right now probably If that's all it takes to fix this I'm totally in. I guess the back seat probably has to come out to get to the piston rods or no?