Slow Top

[rcjohny]

My 2003 Birds top seams to go up slow, and hesitates about half way up is this normal ?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Slow Top

No.

[bronzebird]

Re: Slow Top

My 2003 Birds top seams to go up slow, and hesitates about half way up is this normal ?

Should go up in seven seconds.

Bronzebird

[bwlewis]

Re: Slow Top

Doesn't seem right, you might want to check other threads for hesitant or "jerky" operation. I remember someone saying how you can get to the linkage, etc.

[LBPatt]

Re: Slow Top

Motor going bad...

[rcjohny]

Re: Slow Top

I don't think it is the motor, the top has only been used 6 times since bought new, maby it just needs used some. The top is real tight not stretched at all yet. I just went out and tried it again and it seamed to come up a little faster.

[Kokomo]

Re: Slow Top

The hydraulic system should be operated periodically to keep the system in good working order. It probably just needed to be used a bit. I wouldn't be concerned unless it keeps doing it or gets worse. As someone else already said, it should take about 7-8 seconds to fully raise or lower the top.

[bwlewis]

Re: Slow Top

Another question, maybe related... Does the hydraulic fliud need servicing, replacement, etc?

[5bird7]

Re: Slow Top

Bruce, I suspect most are in good working order since new so very few have run into problems (a very few have been reported here), so you may end up needing to talk to a shop that specializes in convertible top installations and repairs.

[jerrym3]

Re: Slow Top

In 40 years, I've never done anything to my Galaxy's converible top mechanism except replace a hose about 20 years ago.

But, I notice that when raising the top, I have to force my TBird's top to hook perfectly either by pulling down hard with my hand on the driver's side, or forcing the motor, which I do not like to do.

[rcjohny]

Re: Slow Top

My top seams to work alot better today , I guess it was just stiff from lack of use. If the sun stay's out I will put it to the test. Any way she goes in to the dealer in the morning to up date the computer & transmission shifts wish me luck.

[rcjohny]

Re: Slow Top

well just got back from ford ,had my computer & thansmission up dates done. It seams to drive & shift a lot better & smother cost $ 75.00 best money I spent sofar. Now to drive and enjoy.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Slow Top

I notice that when raising the top, I have to force my TBird's top to hook perfectly either by pulling down hard with my hand on the driver's side, or forcing the motor, which I do not like to do.

Jerry, I have had to do this a few times (except mine is the passenger side), but it has come-up when the top has not been used for a while. It seems to stretch at bit after it has been in the up position for a little while. The hooks get in the perfect position after that - until another long period of inactivity with the top in the down position.

[Daktari]

Re: Slow Top

Hi there,

The top on ours works fine but what worries me sometimes is the way it comes crashing down when putting it back up. It goes nice and smooth then towards the wind shield it just crashes down. Is this normal or should there be some kind of damper device that comes in to slow it down. I've found myself letting off the button in mid-air and doing the last part gradually.

Just wondered if they were all like this?

Gordon.

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Re: Slow Top

Hi there,

The top on ours works fine but what worries me sometimes is the way it comes crashing down when putting it back up. It goes nice and smooth then towards the wind shield it just crashes down. Is this normal or should there be some kind of damper device that comes in to slow it down. I've found myself letting off the button in mid-air and doing the last part gradually.

Just wondered if they were all like this?

Gordon.

Mine and I think most do the same thing Gordon. You can literally let it latch closed without opening the handle and some people do. I bring mine up probably 80%, stop it, open the latch, then finish bringing it up then close the latch. Sometimes I guide it with my hand the last 20%.