66tbird with convertible top

[gtflwmstr]

having trouble diagnosing my convertible top. the deck lid will open but then nothing at all. no noise from the pump or relays. trying to understand the operation of this top but cannot find any good information on how it is supposed to operate. car has sat for over ten years and worked then but now the top will not go down. any help on trouble shooting would be greatly appreciated

[phjohnso]

There is so much to know about how the top works that it is complex and simple all at the same time. Once the deck lid opens it hits a limit switch which powers a relay the raises the flipper lid which hits a cylndrical limit switch which transfers power to the top extraction then closes the trunk lid and screw locks it down. It's awesome when it works. You can make jumper wire (10 gauge with aligator clips) and you can exercise each circuit until you find the problem. There is a 50 amp circuit breaker that keeps the power flowing. make sure all the connections are clean and you keep the batery charged while you test things because this cycle puts a tremendous strain on the electrical system and the battery,

Good luck....

[gtflwmstr]

I can make the whole thing work if I apply power to the top solenoid and the top still will move just not when u use theswitch.

[redbird1]

One little point of advice for you,and everyone who may want to use jumper wires to test something electrical, especially when by passing a switch, or relay to see if the switch or wiring is defective.
The first thing we all think to do is, make sure the battery is charged.
I have found a better way to test all electrical components, that does not rely on the battery at all as the source for power.
If you have a battery charger (one of those handy little units you can pick up at any auto parts store), plug it in to the house, or garage wall plug.
Take the alligator clips on the charger and connect them to the unit you are checking.
If the unit you are testing has no wires, but has a female connector, you can use a jumper wire to fit in the hole, and connect the other end to the alligator clips on the charger.
I have used this method many times for testing window, and top motors.
This way, the battery in the vehicle is not being used at all, and you can still perform all the test you need too.
If the unit itself is faulty, you will know right away.
Bob.

[boaterbob]

Do you mean you are jumping the relay or solenoid ? I would think your switch is good sonce it works for one function. If you don't have the top manual for the top, you need it. Make sure your relays are grounded good. Could be upper back panel limit switch out of adjustment,Bad connection somewhere' relays behind the deck cylinders.

[gtflwmstr]

sorry i did mean that i was jumping the relay with a power probe which is like a test light that u can also apply power or ground with. i pulled the rear seat backs so i could reach the relay easier and not get trapped in the trunk by the top. i suppose one way of checking the limiters would be to have two people hold them in while i operate the switch?

[boaterbob]

You can't check the limit switches like that. That will only show you if they may be out of adjustment, Not if the contacts are bad in the relay or limit switch. You can unplug them and move actuaters and check continuity with your meter or use your test lamp with them pluged in. You have to order the top manual from one of the suppliers so you can follow the electrical flow.

[Harley Eaton]

I say you have to have the shop manual or top repair manual and follow the trouble shooting procedure. Apparently you are not following the correct procedure........
The shop manual makes it sooo easy..

[gtflwmstr]

ok was playing with connection at the relays suddenly top and trunk are worrking correctly. assuming my problem isnt actually fixed it does seem more likely that either i have a relay sticking or poor connections thru the factory wiring. have any of yall tried installing one of the tbird relay conversion kits that thunderbird ranch sells? at 600.00 its cheaper than replacing all the solenoids just for piece of mind. also as a nother note i've been trying to find the dimensions of the 390fe motor to figure out what kind of engine swap i can do to this old bird

[Harley Eaton]

Please understand that installing the high priced kit you refer to does NOT replace the solenoids. It will only replace the relays.

[gtflwmstr]

im assuming the solenoids are the 3 fuel filter looking cylinders on the pump lines that each have one wire coming off of them. money isnt a problem just curious as to wether its worth the change. i am going to order the top manual today as well as a new gas tank and miscelaneos items. as well as a shop manual becuase mitchell on demand has been extremely vague especially when it comes to the operation of the top