Diagnostic Information If Convertible Top Will Not Close Properly, Is Crooked, Linkage Is Broken/Bent

If you encounter a vehicle in which the convertible top will not close properly, is crooked or the linkage is broken/bent, it is usually caused by the top being manually forced open or closed while hydraulic pressure is still applied. By attempting to manually open or close the top with hydraulic pressure applied, the force can cause the main pivot bracket or links to bend and/or break. On most hydraulic cylinders, the top pressure will release after five minutes of the last top motor cycle. The cylinders attached to the main pivot bracket never release on their own.

Prior to assuming an alignment issue exists, inspect the linkages to determine if they are bent.

To determine if the linkage is bent, it is necessary to remove the linkage and place it next to a known good component. Because there are several bends incorporated into the design, it may be difficult to identify a bent linkage by visual inspection alone.

The main pivot bracket must be straight against the B-pillar area. The pivot pins must be perpendicular to the pivot bracket. Refer to graphics below.

Important:  Bent or broken linkages are not covered under the terms of the warranty.

To prevent future concerns, the top should not be forced or manually opened/closed without first releasing the hydraulic pressure. After the last cycle of the power folding top operation, allow the hydraulic system a minimum of five minutes to bleed down and manually release the pressure from the main pivot bracket before attempting manual operation of the top. Refer to the Folding Top Manual Operation procedure in Service Information.

Tip
In order to release the hydraulic pressure from the main pivot bracket, locate the pressure release bolt on the front side of the hydraulic pump. Using the wrench located in the console, turn the pressure release bolt counterclockwise one revolution to relieve the pressure. This will allow the top to be manually raised/lowered.