Top goes down just fine, but when I try to put it up it sounds like the motor is really struggling. The sound is a much lower pitch and almost sounds like it isn't getting enough power or something. It will get about 1/4 of the way up, then it cuts out completely and the top drifts back down. Then I have to wait a little while to try it again, and it usually cuts out before 1/4. I have to physically pull it up while my wife operates the switch to get the top back up. Thought it was because I put in new hydraulic pistons and they were tight, but it hasn't got any better. Anyone have any advice?
+1 You could have a leak. I'd pull up the back seat lower cushion to make sure and to check the lines before you try to add any fluid or bleed the system.
Just a guess,,,,,,,,,,,,I think it's time for a new pump/motor assembly. Have you ever taken one apart that has been in service for several years? The motor gets really dirty and yucky inside, keeps it from running effectively and it seems like it has no power. As stated, just my thought. Best luck, Mike
You need a new motor/pump assembly. The top on my car was doing exactly the same thing last year. The inner working do get gummed up and cause a lot of internal drag. I put a new motor and hoses on the car and now it works like a champ.
The pump itself is fairly new. It worked great for a few months until I had one of the lines blow and spray fluid all over my backseat. So I replaced the lines and the pistons. After that the top wouldn't move. Could it be that the pump isn't getting enough power?
Did you bleed the system after the line blew? Check the ground and then run a jumper from battery to the green lead to lower and red to raise. If it doesn't work good chance it's the motor. There should be 9.5 to 11 volts at the terminal.Don't forget to wipe the cylinder rods with ATF while the top is up. Good luck. Art
If you do end up needing a new pump don't go spend over $200 on an original style.. go to a local junk yard and get one out of the later model Chrysler Lebaron. The pump is exactly the same (mount bracket is different but you can use the reservoir off your original and then the mount is the same) (also get the electrical pig tail if you want to put that on with it) I have it on mine, $14 at the junk yard. I bought another one just to have on hand. I believe the lines will fit too!
If the lines have air the motor will run fast then bog down so I don't thin it's air in the lines. If the motor is working hard from the start then kicking the overload switch you may have pressure building up, top binding up, or motor breakdown. Check that the top goes up smooth (you may have to undo the rams). Check to see if you have a smashed line. You can also pull the rams but leave the lines connected and run them up and down to see if you are getting the same problem without the top connected.
