GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1294372  Size: SH
  1. Place the folding top in the up position.
  2. Disconnect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove the left side compartment side trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Left Side in Body Rear End.
  4. Remove the right side compartment side trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Right Side in Body Rear End.
  5. Remove the release actuator from the fuel filler door. Refer to Fuel Tank Filler Door Lock Actuator Replacement in Body Rear End.

  6. Object Number: 1294374  Size: SH
  7. Manually place the folding top in the down position. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation .
  8. Remove the left side seat belt retractor. Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front in Seat Belts.
  9. Remove the right side seat belt retractor. Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Front in Seat Belts.
  10. Remove the ignition lock key transmitter antennas. Refer to Ignition Lock Key Transmitter Antenna Replacement - Left Side and to Ignition Lock Key Transmitter Antenna Replacement - Right Side in Entertainment.
  11. If the vehicle is equipped with a digital radio remove the digital radio receiver. Refer to Digital Radio Receiver Replacement in Entertainment.
  12. Open the rear compartment.
  13. Remove both of the quarter panels. Refer to Rear Quarter Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.
  14. Remove both of the rear compartment frames. Refer to Rear Compartment Panel Frame Replacement in Collision Repair.

  15. Object Number: 1342564  Size: SH

    Important: In order to remove the folding top module, first remove a section of the bodyside reinforcement (1) and the bodyside (2). The bodyside and the reinforcement are bonded together, so you will remove the components as a single unit.

  16. Measure 5 mm (3/16 in) down from the weatherstrip pushpin holes (3).
  17. Scribe a section line (4) across the panels as shown.
  18. Important: Save the section part for the installation procedure.

  19. Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent tool, cut through both panels following the section line (4).

  20. Object Number: 1342565  Size: SH
  21. Remove and save the sectioned part (1) for the installation procedure.

  22. Object Number: 1343094  Size: SH
  23. Remove the roof support bracket bolt (1).

  24. Object Number: 1339403  Size: SH
  25. Remove the nuts (1) from the outer roof support bracket.
  26. Remove the nuts (3) from the center roof support bracket.

  27. Object Number: 1339455  Size: SH
  28. Open the fold-over clips (1) on the rear end panel that retain the hydraulic hoses and remove the hoses.

  29. Object Number: 1250801  Size: SH
  30. Remove the 3 electrical connectors (1) from the hydraulic pump bracket (2).

  31. Object Number: 1250802  Size: SH
  32. Remove the 2 electrical connectors from the hydraulic pump bracket.

  33. Object Number: 1250803  Size: SH
  34. Disconnect the 3 electrical connectors (1) from the folding top control module.

  35. Object Number: 1250804  Size: SH
  36. Remove the hydraulic pump bracket bolts (1).
  37. Lift the hydraulic pump up and out of the storage compartment and set the pump in the rear compartment.

  38. Object Number: 1244726  Size: SH
  39. Remove the fastener (1) from the retaining bracket that holds the rear mounted door release cable (2).

  40. Object Number: 1342911  Size: SH
  41. If you will install a new folding top module, proceed to step 35.
  42. If you will reinstall the same folding top module, you must first make an angle iron support bar (2) in order to secure the distance between the 2 quarter longitudinal frame supports (1) at the top rear of the roof assembly. The following steps show how to make the support bar.


    Object Number: 1342567  Size: SH
  43. Begin with a piece of angle iron (1) of length (b) 1448 mm (57 in), of width (a) 50x50 mm (2x2 in) with a minimum wall stock (c) of 3 mm (1/8 in).

  44. Object Number: 1342601  Size: SH
  45. Cut off a section (2) of 80 mm (3 1/8 in) from one flange on both sides of the angle iron (1).

  46. Object Number: 1342602  Size: SH
  47. Drill 2 holes (1) 10 mm (3/8 in) in the center of the flange that was left full length. Place each hole 12.7 mm (½ in) from the outside edge of the flange. The centers of the 2 holes should be 1422 mm (56 in) apart.

  48. Object Number: 1342605  Size: SH
  49. Place a 6x25 mm bolt (1) in the slots (2) in the rear face of the 2 frame supports.
  50. Install the support bar on the bolts in the frame supports.
  51. Install a washer and nut on the 2 bolts and tighten.

  52. Object Number: 1342606  Size: SH
  53. Remove the nuts (1) from the rear roof support bracket.
  54. Attach the hydraulic pump to the support bracket with wire ties.
  55. Attach any excess slack in the wiring or the hydraulic hoses to the support bracket with wire ties.
  56. Select a location to place the folding top module after you have lifted the module from the vehicle.
  57. Remove the folding top module from the vehicle. If a hoist is not used, you will require the aid of 6 assistants. Lift the module at each corner.
  58. Note the quantity and the location of any shims that my be present at any of the mounting locations.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the same shims in the original locations.
  2. Open the rear compartment.

  3. Object Number: 1339582  Size: SH
  4. Position the folding top module to the vehicle and align the front locating pins (1) to the holes (2) in the B-pillars while lowering the module into place.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1342794  Size: SH
  6. Install the nuts on the folding top module and hand tighten the nuts in the designated sequence.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts in the designated sequence to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1343094  Size: SH
  8. Install the roof support bracket bolt (1).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

    Important: When cutting the tie wraps, protect the hydraulic lines and the electrical wires.

  10. Cut the tie wraps holding the hydraulic hoses and the electrical wires to the shipping bar.
  11. Remove the hydraulic pump from the shipping bar.
  12. Remove the shipping bar from the roof module.

  13. Object Number: 1250804  Size: SH
  14. Position the hydraulic pump to the mounting location.
  15. Apply LOCTITEâ„¢ Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.
  16. Install the bolts (1) to the hydraulic pump bracket.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1250803  Size: SH
  18. Connect the 3 electrical connectors (1) to the folding top control module.

  19. Object Number: 1250802  Size: SH
  20. Install the 2 electrical connectors (1) to the hydraulic pump bracket (2).

  21. Object Number: 1250801  Size: SH
  22. Install the 3 electrical connectors (1) to the hydraulic pump bracket (2).

  23. Object Number: 1339455  Size: SH
  24. Install the hydraulic hoses in the fold-over clips (1) on the rear end panel. Fold the clips over to retain the hydraulic hoses.

  25. Object Number: 1244726  Size: SH
  26. Install the fastener (1) to the bracket retaining the rear door release cable (2).
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 3 N·m (27 lb in).


    Object Number: 1274131  Size: SH
  28. Turn the hydraulic pump bypass valve (1) counterclockwise until the valve stops.

  29. Object Number: 1228701  Size: SH
  30. Pull the over-center links (1) down to unlock the storage compartment panel.
  31. Move the storage compartment panel rearward and up to the stored position. Pull on the center of the panel to maintain even pressure. The rubber bumpers on each corner of the panel will fit against the underside on the rear compartment lid.

  32. Object Number: 1274133  Size: SH
  33. Push both sides of the over-center links up to lock the storage compartment panel.

  34. Object Number: 1237547  Size: SH
  35. Push up on the over-center link (1) until the closeout panels start to move.

  36. Object Number: 1274135  Size: SH
  37. Grasp the compartment closeout panel and pull open with one hand. Use your other hand to assist one of the closeout outer panels to an open position.

  38. Object Number: 1274422  Size: SH
  39. Remove the wrench located inside the passenger side storage compartment.

  40. Object Number: 1274136  Size: SH
  41. Reach in from the side of the vehicle and under the top to remove the headliner plug. The plug is located in the center of the top near the front.
  42. Insert the wrench into the latch actuator bolt beneath the plug location. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until movement stops, while gently pulling up on the center of the folding top to release the top.

  43. Object Number: 1274137  Size: SH
  44. Grasp the folding top at the front and at the side. Lift the folding top out of the stored position.

  45. Object Number: 1274138  Size: SH
  46. Move the folding top towards the windshield header. Be careful not to pinch your fingers between the panels.

  47. Object Number: 1274139  Size: SH
  48. Place your hands on the folding top and guide the top into the closed position.

  49. Object Number: 1274140  Size: SH
  50. While sitting in the driver seat, pull down on the rear of the front folding top panel.

  51. Object Number: 1274142  Size: SH
  52. While holding the rear of the panel down, insert the wrench and turn counterclockwise until movement stops. This will ensure that the latch jaws are fully open.

  53. Object Number: 1274143  Size: SH
  54. From outside the vehicle, push down on both rear corners of the front folding top panel to ensure that the rear latches are latched.
  55. Before applying adhesive, dry fit the bodyside sectioned part that was removed earlier and test for proper fit and alignment.

  56. Object Number: 1342566  Size: SH
  57. In order to bond the bodyside-sectioned part to the vehicle, you will need to create 4 SMC backing plates, which can be made from the original rear compartment frames. Use one plate of each size for each side of the vehicle. Trim the plates as necessary to fit behind the joint.
  58. • Make 2 backing plates with dimensions of 30x50 mm (1 3/16x2 in).
    • Make 2 backing plates with dimensions of 25x50 mm (1x2 in).
  59. Clean and prepare all bonding mating surfaces according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.
  60. Apply a consistent bead of structural adhesive to the bonding mating surfaces on the backing plates (1,2) and on the vehicle (3). Refer to Sheet Molded Compound (SMC) Panel Bonding in Collision Repair.
  61. Clamp the backing plates in place and allow to dry according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.
  62. Remove excess adhesive.

  63. Object Number: 1342787  Size: SH
  64. Temporarily install the bodyside-sectioned part (1) that was removed earlier and test for proper fit and alignment.
  65. Remove the bodyside sectioned part (1).
  66. Apply a consistent bead of structural adhesive to the bonding mating surfaces of the backing plates (2,4) and to both sides of the section joint (3). Refer to Sheet Molded Compound (SMC) Panel Bonding in Collision Repair.
  67. Clamp in place and allow to dry according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.
  68. Remove the excess adhesive.
  69. Install both of the rear compartment frames. Refer to Rear Compartment Panel Frame Replacement in Collision Repair.
  70. Install both of the quarter panels. Refer to Rear Quarter Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.
  71. If the vehicle is equipped with a digital radio install the digital radio receiver. Refer to Digital Radio Receiver Replacement in Entertainment.
  72. Install the ignition lock key transmitter antennas. Refer to Ignition Lock Key Transmitter Antenna Replacement - Left Side and to Ignition Lock Key Transmitter Antenna Replacement - Right Side in Entertainment.
  73. Install the right side seat belt retractor. Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Front in Seat Belts.
  74. Install the left side seat belt retractor. Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front in Seat Belts.
  75. Install the release actuator from the fuel filler door. Refer to Fuel Tank Filler Door Lock Actuator Replacement in Body Rear End.
  76. Install the right side compartment side trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Right Side in Body Rear End.
  77. Install the left side compartment side trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Left Side in Body Rear End.
  78. Connect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  79. Verify that the folding top panels are aligned properly. Refer to Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications .
  80. Operate the folding top under power through a complete cycle in both directions.
  81. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation .