Putting top down

[yrbamje]

My wife has another problem with her 05 vehicle. Every time she lowers the top, the dang thing stics part way down (up?). She has to push it with her hand for the top to retract all the way. I hadn't had the problem until yesterday.
And it seems to be getting worse. It doesn't stick coming bac up.
I assume it's the motor, but if so, why not both directions?
Thanks in advance.
Jim

[George]

Jim:
First I have heard of this. Since it's an '05 I'd get it into the dealership ASAP. Sounds like +one motors working different than the other.
Also, the value of getting a written service order is, that your complaint is formally registered. Please keep us appraised.

[yrbamje]

George,
We have the extended warranty, and only 32K miles, so we are in good shape there.
However, I am going to take it in and see what they say.
I do want it "all wrote down".
I'll keep all posted.
Jim

[George]

Jim:
I did some research from other TBird owners and don't get scared but here are their written comments:
Twice lately my top has stuck while lowering. It is in a nearly vertical position when it happens. I gave it a little push back and it continued down all the way. Today it happened and I kept pushing the switch and it finally "popped" and folded down. My top has always been a little "jerky" going down, but never failed me. I just figured the "jerkiness" was just a quirk or even something errant in the design (as much as we like our 'Birds we know they have faults) The top raises okay. My car-with 17K miles
Another guy:
A friend had a problem with the top not going down on her '02 bird. Had to have the motor replaced after warranty. $700 plus. The dealership and Ford Motor Co. agreed that the motor should not have gone out. She was refunded over $500

[George]

Jim:
Glad you have the extended warranty. Here are some more comments from others:

This morning I was visiting friends at a top shop & they told me I had just missed a Bird with a messed up top frame. One of the problem was jerky top. They adjusted the top frame on the passenger side.

Jim, good luck and keep us posted

[yrbamje]

As usual, there is always someone out there that has had similiar experiences.
I'll see what the problem is when I take it to the dealer.
I had thought that there might be a kink in the top somewhere, say like a strut bent or something. However, a quick look didn't tell me anything.
Gotta go to FORD. Which is really alright. The FORD dealer's service department has been really good about taking care of us.
I'll stay in touch.
Jim