For 1990-2009 cars only
Removal Procedure
- Cycle the stowage compartment lid open.
- Stop the cycle when the stowage compartment lid extension panel is fully seated to the stowage compartment lid.
- Place a protective covering over the interior and the adjacent body panels.
- Support the stowage compartment lid extension panel prior to removing the hydraulic cylinder.
- Gently pry up on the upper retaining clip in order to remove the hydraulic cylinder from the upper ball stud on the extension panel.
- Mark the location of the cylinder sensors.
- Slide the gray cylinder cover back about 3 mm (0.118 in). Squeeze the black tab and disconnect the main cylinder position sensor electrical connectors. Cut the tie straps and electrical tape as needed.
- Gently pry up on the lower retaining clip in order to remove the lift assist strut from the lower ball stud on the stowage compartment lid hinge.
- Place the hydraulic cylinder in a catch pan to catch any loss of fluid.
Caution: Refer to Eye Protection Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic Pressure Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Servicing Electrical Components Caution in the Preface section.
Disassembly Procedure
- Ensure that the ignition switch is in the OFF position and that the folding top has not been operated under power for at least 6 minutes.
- Using a flat-bladed tool (1), release the retainer clips from one of the cylinder hoses.
- Remove the cylinder hose retainer clips and discard the clips.
- Remove the cylinder hose (1). Use a clean shop towel to control any hydraulic fluid leakage.
- Using a plastic or wood tool, remove the cylinder hose O-ring (1).
- Using a small flat-bladed tool, release one of the port plug retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
- Remove the retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
- Remove the port plug from the replacement cylinder.
- Remove the port plug O-ring from the replacement cylinder.
Notice: Refer to Cylinder Hoses Notice in the Preface section.
Important: Once the cylinder hose of the port plug has been removed, DO NOT move the cylinder rod. Moving the cylinder rod will cause fluid to squirt out of the ports.
Important: Before disconnecting the cylinder hoses, have the replacement cylinder ready.
Important: Replacement cylinders are pre-filled with fluid. DO NOT remove the port plug from the cylinder until you are ready to connect the cylinder hose.
Assembly Procedure
- Lubricate and install a new O-ring (1) onto the cylinder hose (2).
- Install the hose into the cylinder port (3). Press down on the hose until the hose is fully seated in the cylinder. Keep the hose as parallel with the cylinder as possible.
- Install a new cylinder hose retainer clip (1). Inspect the retainer clip to ensure that the clip is fully seated around the hose.
- Repeat this procedure for the other hose.
Installation Procedure
- Push on the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder onto the lower ball stud on the stowage compartment lid hinge.
- Push on the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder onto the lower ball stud on the extension panel. Install the retaining clip.
- Connect the electrical connectors to the main cylinder position sensors. Fully seat the gray cover. Use new tie straps and re-tape as needed.
- Remove the support from the stowage compartment lid extension panel.
- Bleed the hydraulic system. Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic System Bleeding Procedure .
- Inspect the hydraulic system for any oil leaks.
- Inspect the fluid level and fluid as needed. Refer to Folding Top Fluid Addition .
- Inspect the fluid level and fluid as needed. Refer to Folding Top Fluid Addition .
- Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation .
