Convertible Top Help!!!!!

[1992vert]

On my '92 LX Vert...

Problem: Top goes up but won't go down.

Troubleshooting:
- Fuse panel fuse is good.
- Circuit Breaker under dash has 12V's on both sides.
- Relays just before the hydraulic motor are good(swapped them between each other, both work on the "up" connector).
- Both fuse links under hood by starter solenoid have 12V's on both sides.
- Dash switch replaced.

Other contributing factors to consider:
Ever since I picked up the car in '97 the top would always go down without engaging the e-brake. Only recently have I realized most late model Stangs typically have a safety feature that would not allow this(if I'm not mistaken??). Not sure why mine worked without the e-brake, but it sure made it convenient dropping the top at stop lights and slow rolls. Also, I recently had the entire interior removed to install a 6-point roll cage. I replaced the seats with some aftermarket ones, died the console and some dash parts black, new carpet and a new custom gauge cluster.

Upon putting everything back together I reconnected all the console wiring that had a place to go. Is there a connector at the e-brake handle which is part of the conv't top safety mechanism? I thought possibly it was disconnected before and I may have reconnected it, however with the e-brake engaged the top still won't go down. Is the new gauge cluster the culprit?

Really scratching my head on this one...any help is appreciated.

 

[1991vert]

nice name haha jk

do you hear the motor move? are the top frame cables snapped? there's two, one on each side. i think both attach behind the J hooks and run down the top to the back

edit: there is no safety mechanism. you could put it down at 70mph on the highway and go flying haha

 

[1992vert]

Ha...nice one!

One other thing I failed to mention was that absolutely nothing happens when you push the down switch. Not even a click at the relay. That's the wierd thing, works completely normal on the way up, but dead silence the other way????

 

[stykthyn]

bad switch maybe?

 

[1992vert]

bad switch maybe?

I replaced the my orig switch with a used one from 5.0 resto. How do you test the switch?

 

[stykthyn]

I'd use a voltmeter. if there was current running while the switch is in the on position it should be good.
odds are if you replaced the switch that wasnt it. I am puzzled on this one as well. it doesnt sound as if you have an electrical problem.
check your tension cables and make sure they are properly in place. if they are fine, then I would move on to the pump itself. it may be malfunctioning. there could be a pinched hydraulic line, or the resevoir may be low.
I have the convert diagnosis book. if you would like I can possibly take pics of the pages and post them up for you tonight.

 

[1992vert]

I'd use a voltmeter. if there was current running while the switch is in the on position it should be good.
odds are if you replaced the switch that wasnt it. I am puzzled on this one as well. it doesnt sound as if you have an electrical problem.
check your tension cables and make sure they are properly in place. if they are fine, then I would move on to the pump itself. it may be malfunctioning. there could be a pinched hydraulic line, or the resevoir may be low.
I have the convert diagnosis book. if you would like I can possibly take pics of the pages and post them up for you tonight.

I replaced the pump with a "rebuilt" one from ebay a couple years ago. The original pump became intermittant with it's operation before crapping out for good(which is typical). Like I said the down relay isn't even clicking so you'd think it's not getting power, but there's 12v's on the hot wire going to it. I'll look at the switch a little closer. At some point I may need help from your book, but I'll keep checking and double checking for now. Thx!

 

[stykthyn]

not a prob, let me know if you need anything

 

[1992vert]

Problem solved...well good enough anyway!

Narrowed the problem to the signal wire between the dash switch and the down relay. Rigged a quick jumper wire and the pump worked. Wasn't in the mood the trace the broken wire, so I simply ran a new one...problem solved.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[HISSIN50]

Hmmm, How did I miss your thread over here but post on another version elsewhere. I'm only over here about 20K times as much as any other forum.

Again, glad to hear you got it.