Can't get the top down

[sfkjeld]

On my new to me 2000. The top came up ok this morning, but the clam shell didn't close enrirely. Took the top back down and up again. All was fine. We did hear a light snap as the clam shell dropped into place. Assume that was normal. Now when I try to drop it again, the motor pulls the top back maybe an inch, then slow and stop. The clamshell will not pop open. Any clues?

[NewArt]

Slight snaps are not really normal noises. A frequent problem as these cars age is the convertible top transmissions. The is a plastic gear in each unit that can crack and/or split. These gears can be purchased at Pelican and the transmissions can be repaired. The price of the gears is fairly high but the repair job is quite straightforward. I did this job 2 weeks ago on my '04 and the top now works like a charm. Better, IMO, than replacing the transmissions with used from eBay.

[sfkjeld]

Thanks NewArt. After unsuccessfully trying to locate the control arms to the clamshell while down, decided to try to help by manually pulling the top back with the motor. Et voila, the clamshell popped up and the top fell into place. Need to investigate lube points next.

The remaining problem tho is that the top appears all the way down, but the red warning light for the top is on. Also noticed the windows will not come all the way up now.

Nothing's easy, huh?

[NewArt]

Under normal circumstances, one holds the button until the light turns off, opening or closing.