Q: Top gets stuck open

asked by on August 19, 2016

My car has 169,500 miles on it. It’s a wonderful car. I love the convertible top. But now the top gets stuck, and I am afraid to put it down in case it won’t go back up again. I tried to do a simple harness fix, but it didn’t last very long. Do you think I should keep fixing my car or get a new one?

Electric Problems Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. Most of the time this occurs when the lift motor is failing. This is the most common failure on this top. When it cannot lift it any further, then it is failing internally. I usually do an amperage draw test of it to see if it is failing. If you want to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect the related electrical components and pinpoint what needs repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do you adjust the rearview mirror?
Your rearview mirror might not be the most high-tech piece of equipment, but it’s an essential consideration for safety while on the road. Using your rearview mirror helps keep you and your passengers safe, and it also protects other drivers...
Problem with ignition
Hello, the ignition switches are known to fail, causing issues like the ones you are experiencing. There was recall 14123 for ignition switch replacement. You should call the dealer with your VIN to see if your car is eligible for...
Opinion about older AC systems versus the AC systems in modern cars
Here is the kicker. The old air conditioning systems (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-does-a-car-s-air-conditioning-work) were huge and they wasted a lot of energy. But with that said, they blew as cool as can be and lasted a long time. For example, you can take...
Loud knocking noise and then truck shuts off while driving 2002 Ford F250 Turbo-diesel
Hi - given your mileage, and your high mileage, I suspect this engine knocking (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/noise-from-engine-or-exhaust-inspection) could be a problem caused by worn connecting rod or crankshaft bearings; possibly to the point of connecting rod failure. Your mention of light knocking...
Manifold bolts loose and possible vacuum leak.
Hi there. If the intake bolts are loose, then there was an issue with the engine before and a mechanic or someone has removed the intake manifold to fix what ever had failed. It is possible that the mechanic or...
i replaced the cluster and disconnected the battery. when i connected everything again the theft alarm was on and car doesnt start
Hello, thank you for writing in. The first thing we need to determine is if this is a stock alarm or an aftermarket that was installed later. There may be a technical issue with the alarm module itself. The keys...
What engines will fit into my 94 s10 blazer its a 4 door 2wd
If your VIN has a "W" or "Z" in it the 4.3L engine used in model year 1993 and 1994 will fit and function properly with your existing engine controls. You have to match the VIN to the engine, though,...
2010 dodge avenger saying hotoil where the grears are supposed to be. If you drive it it dissapears and engine light turns on.
If the check engine light is on, then trouble codes have been stored. Even if the light goes off, the codes are still stored in memory and with an appropriate scan tool, the mechanic will read the codes. To get...
My car runs and drives but won’t make sharp turns like I can only turn half way before I can’t turn anymore
Hello Almighty T. If you know that the suspension is out of alignment, then I would suspect that your root issue is that some suspension component is either bent, broken or loose. It's also possible that the steering rack is...

Related articles

How Long Should an Engine Last?
A car engine can last hundreds of thousands of miles. Get your oil changed often and don't ignore car warning lights to make your engine last longer.
How to Check and Add Fluid to an Automatic Transmission Car
Checking and keeping your transmission filled with a good level of fluid will help give you a seamless experience when driving.
10 Car Maintenance Myths that are Actually False
Every Every car owner hears about best practices for keeping his or her vehicle in good shape. Whether the advice comes from friends, family, or the car manufacturer, many maintenance suggestions for fuel efficiency, engine power, and overall vehicle longevity...