My convertible top started making groaning noises last year. I brought it to the dealer and they told me the oil had leaked out but the fittings seemed tight (my local independent service shop had already cleaned up all the spilled oil). They refilled the oil and charged me $700.

Barely drove it before putting away for the winter. Second time out this year top motor made groaning noise and would not stop trying to move the top. Top went all the way down and completed the cycle but the motor kept pushing. Same thing when putting top up. After trying to shut off and restart the electrical system I smelled something burning and pulled the fuse for the top.

Dealer told me that I needed to replace the entire motor assembly for $7800. I balked and they offered to credit me the $700 for last year. I bought a new replacement part from Astonmartinbits and the dealer installed it.

Now the top seems to be out of sequence and groans again. I have to push the open button several times when the process stops. Now it can't make it all the way to close no matter what I do.

Any ideas? I have bought a replacement motor for the old assembly and can reinstall it, but I'd hate to have the same thing happen all over again.

Any ideas? Thanks everyone for any help you can provide.

 

Check the FAQ. There are a few things in it pertaining to convertibles.

 

Thank you. I started there. Saw very interesting post about a control module, but I don't have any problems with electronics related to top operation.

 

Top motors don't just burn-up, and the fluid leak sounds like something is out. If it was ever forced up/down things bend. And then rams leak, pumps fail.

 

same thing happened to mine. It ended up being a leak in one of the tubes. They had to replace one of the tubes and it was all fine again. But if the motor is gone that would suck. Can you hear the motor work? I could hear mine.