I'd take it back to the dealer and let them look at it. I have a 2002 convertible and it's very easy to use. The grinding sound that you hear may be something binding, which will damage the motor and hydralics in no time.
Sooo... just completed the first 1000 miles in my new convertible. >
> Overall, I love it, but I have a couple of questions.
>
> Putting the top up is funky at best... first, at the end of the travel
> there is an unpleasant noise from the motor, that I can only describe
> as a grinding noise. Probably normal, but not attractive... sounds like
> a food blender grinding ice cubes.
>
> Secondly, I have to grab the passenger side of the top and swing like a
> 225# gorilla to drag the thing down to where I can latch it. The
> driver's side seems easier.
>
> Finally, it seems that putting the top down the retaining hooks don't
> spring back like they used to the first few times, so again, I have to
> pull down hard and sometimes grab the hooks to pull them back.
>
> Perhaps the whole top mechanics loosen up with time, or perhaps I have
> a maladjusted top?
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Oh, and I tossed the stupid boot in a closet where it will stay until I
> sell the car. Getting it to fit and stay on isn't worth the hassle > IMHO.