How to Replace a 2000 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Top Motor

The convertible top motor extends and retracts the convertible top. When engaged, the top motor retracts or extends in cylinder rods, which move the frame rails supporting the convertible top. Over time, the top motor on a 2000 Ford Mustang can wear and eventually may stop operating completely. Rather than visiting a dealership or service center for the repair, almost all vehicle owners can replace the replace the convertible top motor themselves, saving on a repair bill.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Phillips screwdriver
• Towel
• Thread locker
• Mercon multi-purpose automatic transmission fluid

Instructions

1. Remove the interior quarter trim panels. Pull them away from the body to pull the retaining clips on the rear of the interior trim panel from the body.

2. Remove the rear seat cushion mounting bolts, located just below the front edge of the cushion, with a socket wrench. Pull the rear seat cushion from the interior.

3. Remove the rear seat back mounting bolts, located in the lower edge of the seat, with a socket wrench. Pull the rear seat cushion from the interior.

4. Unlatch the convertible top.

5. Unscrew the retaining screw holding the electrical connectors in place on models with the Mach stereo system with a Phillips screwdriver. Unplug the electrical connectors for the stereo system.

6. Unscrew the two cylinder rod mounting bolts with a wrench, then lower the two lift cylinders.

7. Remove the cylinder retaining nuts with a wrench, then remove the lift cylinders from the top motor.

8. Pull the hydraulic lines from the two retaining clips on the body.

9. Unplug the electrical connector to the top motor.

10. Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the plate and top motor assembly to the vehicle with a socket wrench.

11. Place a towel beneath the two hydraulic line fittings to catch any fluid that may spill when removing the lines. Unscrew the lines from the motor with a wrench, them remove the top motor from the interior.

12. Place the top motor and plate assembly into position against the body. Place thread locker on the threads of the hydraulic line fittings, then screw in the hydraulic lines to the top motor using a wrench. Install the top motor and plate assembly mounting bolts with a socket wrench.

13. Plug in the electrical connector to the top motor.

14. Remove the fluid check plug on the top motor and fill the top motor with Mercon multi-purpose automatic transmission fluid up to the bottom of the check plug hole. Replace the check plug. Fully extend and retract the top motor. Repeat this process two more times to properly bleed the system.

15. Insert the hydraulic lines into the two retaining clips on the body.

16. Attach the lift cylinders into the top motor and screw in the cylinder retaining nuts with a wrench.

17. Install the two cylinder rod mounting bolts with a wrench.

18. Plug in the electrical connectors for the stereo system on models equipped with the Mach stereo system. Install the screws holding the connectors in place with a Phillips screwdriver.

19. Place the rear seat back against the body. Install the two mounting bolts on the lower edge of the seat with a socket wrench.

20. Place the rear seat cushion on the rear floor of the interior. Install the two mounting bolts on the lower edge of the seat cushion with a socket wrench.

21. Push the quarter trim panels against the sides of the body along the rear seat. Engage the retainers on the back of the panels with the body to hold the panels in place.

References

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