convertible top problem....

[sgtmadman]

I have a '95 convertible fbird. Several months ago, the top began to slow down when lowering and raising. Latley, it will go down fine, but I have to assist it or it won't raise on its own. Upon inspecting the convertible motor, I noticed that the hydraulic fluid reservoir is half full. I suspect there is a leak at an o-ring or something.
I recently had the bird into the dealer for a 70,000 mile tune up and had them check the conv. top motor. They stated that all hoses are fine and that fluid is not leaking in the lines anywhere. They wanted to cahrge me $1800 to replace the conv. motor. I told them what they could do with that!
Anyway, I am sure I can fix this for MUCH less than $1800.
Anyone have a similar problem? Just looking for some advice before I begin taking the conv. motor out.....

thanks for your help! :cool:

[sgtmadman]

Does anyone know the weight of the convertible motor hydraulic fluid.

Autozone actually told me that the convertible hydraulic fluid is the same as the differential fluid - then they actually asked my what type of differential I have in my 95 3.8 and told me to use that fluid.

And I thought I was CLUELESS!!!!!!

[bu-bye]

I might be stepping out on a limb here but I think normal DOT 3 fluid used in our brake system should work. You can always call the Dealer and ask them.

[sgtmadman]

Thanks, Bu-buy. I'm trying to verify this with GM. I don't want to take a chance on meesing the valve up by putting the wrong weight fluid in the motor.

[CARdiac]

Mine slowed down shortly after I got the car, infact at times (rarely) it gets stuck going down and I need to give it a little push....but that was 6 years ago and It is still the same....rarely gets stuck but no worse in 6 years....

[CRBCamaro]

My 2001 had the same problem earilier this summer. I took it to the dealer and they had to bleed the cylinders. Works like a charm now. Dealer said it would be about $300 if not under warrantee.

[Kidinthehall2001]

if they where gonna charge me $1800 i would say screw the motor, i'll go up and down manually

[sgtmadman]

Thanks CRB...I'll see what the dealer says on that. In the mean time, I'm trying to figure out what weight hydraulic fluid is used for our conv. so I can refill the reservoir myself. It may be something that simple....

Kid...2001 I agree completely!

Thanks again....

[sgtmadman]

UPDATE....

I was referred to an auto trim shope by a Pontiac dealer...their convertible guy told me that all convertible motors use "type F transmission fluid"

[CRBCamaro]

Thanks for the heads up, its good info to know...

[sgtmadman]

WTF????

I just realized that 'Type F' transmission fluid is Ford transmission fluid. Also, isn't most transmission fluid red....our convertible top fluid looks like a 15 or 20 weight oil.

I'm still researching this....On Monday, I'll find someone at Pontiac who knows.