Cant get the soft top down manually, help pls!

[Z4inOz]

Thanks Number5. I will try that

 

[jeff11214]

Yet another guy with same issue as others here.
Console down button does unlatch the top, but top can only be manually pulled down maybe half foot.
I tried pulling on boden cable numerous times, but did not make any difference.
Assuming boden cable is the only issue not allowing fluid in the cable, would replacing the drowned hydro top motor resolve the issue so top can move automatically or manually?

 

[enuff_zed]

Yet another guy with same issue as others here.
Console down button does unlatch the top, but top can only be manually pulled down maybe half foot.
I tried pulling on boden cable numerous times, but did not make any difference.
Assuming boden cable is the only issue not allowing fluid in the cable, would replacing the drowned hydro top motor resolve the issue so top can move automatically or manually?

Hi there, whereabouts are you?
A few on here that can help out. Tbh you need to get the motor into boot to investigate before you can decide the next step.

 

[jeff11214]

I'm in New York. I'm planning on replacing and relocating the top motor into the boot. I'm just nervous to complete this job without the top motor actually working afterwards. But I guess you're right this is the first step.

 

[enuff_zed]

I'm in New York. I'm planning on replacing and relocating the top motor into the boot. I'm just nervous to complete this job without the top motor actually working afterwards. But I guess you're right this is the first step.

Oh that's easy. All I need is a plane ticket.
If the motor is still making a noise then it's fine. If it's not then it is pretty likely you can still revive it once you get it out.
The hydraulic pump that sits on top of it is more likely to be the culprit as they tend to fail in one direction first.
Does it motor back to the closed position ok?
The faintly good news is that it sounds like you're hitting a hydraulic lock. This implies at least that the fluid has not all leaked out of a pipe.
Do not try to force it as you could pressurise it enough to pop a pipe.
The bowden cables can seize though.
So Step 1 is get it out where you can see it.
Step 2, check the fluid level.
Step 3, unscrew the plastic bracket on the pump head that holds the bowden cable and its lever.
Under that you'll find a small brass plunger, protruding only a tiny bit. You should be able to push this in with your finger to operate the bypass, allowing hydraulic fluid to circulate freely and the roof to move manually. If the plunger is seized then spray some WD40 or similar onto it and work it in and out with a pair of pliers. It does only move 2-3mm so don't get too carried away.
If it all works properly then it may be a combination of a seized cable and a weak pump.
You will probably find it easier in that case to replace it all as one unit.
With it relocated to the boot (trunk) then it is not actually essential to reconnect the bowden cable anyway.

So get that far and report back.