How to Replace a Convertible Top Motor in a 2000 Mustang GT

A failed convertible top motor can leave the top inoperable. However, the convertible top motor is easily accessed and, more importantly, able to be changed by most novice mechanics. Almost all novice mechanics can change the top motor in under a hour, saving on a repair bill from a professional mechanic or service center.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Standard screwdriver
• Small pry bar
• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Detach the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

2. Pull up on the front of the rear seat cushion and lift up on the seat cushion retaining tabs with a standard screwdriver, then pull the cushion away from the seat.

3. Unscrew the retaining bolts at the lower edge of the seat back with a socket wrench, then lift up on the edge of the seat back and remove it.

4. Pull the plastic trim away from the sides of the interior, just to the sides of the rear seat. The panels are held in place be plastic retainers. Place a small pry bar behind the panels and pry them away from the body of the car.

5. Unsnap the top folding compartment trim cloth and remove it.

6. Remove the two top motor hoses from the clips. Use a standard screwdriver to dislodge the hoses from the clips.

7. Remove the two relays from the top motor plate. Use a standard screwdriver to unclip the two relays from the top motor plate.

8. Unplug the electrical connector from the top motor wiring.

9. Unscrew the retaining screws holding the two folding cylinder rods in place with a Phillips screwdriver.

10. Unscrew the top motor bracket nuts with a socket wrench that attach the motor to the top control link brackets.

11. Unscrew the bolts holding the top motor and plate in place, then remove the top motor and plate from the vehicle.

12. Place the replacement top motor and plate against the body and install the mounting bolts with a socket wrench.

13. Attach the top control link brackets to the motor and install the retaining nuts with a socket wrench.

14. Install the retaining screws holding the two folding cylinder rods in place with a Phillips screwdriver.

15. Plug in the electrical connector to the top motor wiring.

16. Attach the two relays to the top motor plate, using the two clips on the top motor plate.

17. Attach the two motor top hoses to the retaining clips. Open the clips with a standard screwdriver and slip the hoses into the clips.

18. Place the top folding motor compartment trim cloth over the top motor and snap it into place.

19. Push the plastic trim toward the sides of the body to engage the retaining clips, attaching the panel to the side of the body.

20. Push the seat back against the rear edge of the body and install the retaining bolts at the lower edge of the seat back with a socket wrench.

21. Push the seat cushion onto the top of the seat back to engage the retaining clip.

22. Attach the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

References

• "Haynes Repair Manual: Ford Mustang 1994 thru 2004"; John H. Haynes and Robert Maddox; 2007