Bent something in my top
Bent something in my top I don't know what happened but I went to let my top down the other day and it would only go down so far then it stopped. The motor is still trying to pull it down but it is stuck. It actually looks like when you try to let it down with the cover in the way. I think that might be what happened in the first place. Any way I let it up and down but I don't see anything that looks out of place. This is my second convertible camaro and I have never had to do anything to my top. It is actually pretty sad. I have redone just about everything on this car but the top has me baffled. Anyone else have this problem so i don't feel like a complete idiot. haha Any help is appreciated, thanks.
Rockstar
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From: I'm on a boat! in Shreveport, La
I highly doubt that it is part of the frame, but if this was the first time it ever happened with no warning signs something could be bent, although i can't imagine how.
It's most likely that it's a problem with the hydraulic pump, simply turn it off and it should go down all the way(manually anyways). That's what mine did when it was running low on hydraulic fluid.
It's most likely that it's a problem with the hydraulic pump, simply turn it off and it should go down all the way(manually anyways). That's what mine did when it was running low on hydraulic fluid.
Yeah, what he said. Open the valve near the pump to allow you to move it manually. If it goes up/down OK w/ no binding, then the mechanism is probably OK and you might be low on fluid. Check the semi-clear resevoir on the pump, fluid level should be between the horz lines. If low, remove the cap and fill w/ mineral oil. Replace cap, cycle the top 2-3 times, and recheck level and add more fluid as required until all air is purged from the system. These pumps are notorious for leaking fluid (check behind your LR tire for drips).
Rockstar
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From: I'm on a boat! in Shreveport, La
There's a whole thread dedicated to maintaining your to to perfection in the convertible area. It's colored yellow. There are photo walkthroughs on the hydraulic pump too.
You really use mineral oil for yours? That seems like a much cheaper alternative to commercial hydraulic fluid. I might try mineral oil next time this happens to mine.
You really use mineral oil for yours? That seems like a much cheaper alternative to commercial hydraulic fluid. I might try mineral oil next time this happens to mine.
I've been told by numerous sources that GM changed their recommendation on the top fluid to "mineral oil" back in '01 I believe, however I've yet to see anything in writing from GM on it. None the less, I've been using mineral oil in mine (has a slow leak) for several years now w/ no problems. While it doesn't help the leak, it keeps the pump working. Cheaper and less work to keep it topped off and wipe up a few drips twice a year than to take everything apart to fix the leak.
