How do you add fluid to a convertible top motor?

Answer 1

Thanks for the info. My top doesn't always go down, but of course today when I took it to the dealership it worked. Where do I find the conv. motor? (I've only had the car a couple of months.) 98' Mustang

Not sure if your motor is the same as mine ('71 Cutlass), but mine says the same thing: fill with Type A Transmission Fluid. Mine has a rubber plug on one end of the motor. All I have to do is pull that out (carefully so as not to tear it) and funnel in the fluid. After you fill it (until it runs out the hole) I would recommend running the top up and down a few times, then refill it. This should bleed out any air in the hydraulic lines. It's that easy for me...hopefully yours is the same. Oh, and I believe that Type A transmission fluid is equivalent to today's Dexron III or MERCON. Good luck!

Filling the reservoir until fluid runs out is a disaster waiting to happen. The reservoir should be filled with the convertible top in the lowered position and the final level should be approximately 1/4 inch below the bottom of the fill hole. Here's why: The reservoir is a buffer. There is always fluid in the upper and lower portions of the lift cylinders. When the cylinder rod is fully retracted, the reservoir is at it's highest level. This is due to the cylinder rod displacing some of the fluid in the cylinder. When the rod is extended (top raised) the entire bottom of the cylinder fills and reservoir level wiil be at it's lowest point. Imagine what happens if you fill the reservoir while in this position, and especially if you fill it until fluid leaks out. Hmmm, lower the top, level rises until there is no more room in the reservoir (or air volume is compressed until pressure blows the oring seals out). At this point, pressure in the reservoir will be greater than 300psi. (these pumps dead head at about 300-350psi) This means the main oring seal will blow out and the fluid in the reservoir will now be in your trunk. No one wants that.