how do i know if the motor is bad in my celica gt convertible top? it runs.......but seems too weak to raise the top. it opens it a few inches, then stops. (i had to raise it by hand to close.. OMG... never again) and if so, where can i get a replacement that isn't ridiculously expensive? (like used) ebay has nothing.. thanks much, cait
You did not mention what year your Celica GT convertible is, but I believe that most were hydraulically operated. If yours is hydraulically operated, check the hydraulic fluid level. The hydraulic fluid reservoir should be located near the convertible motor.
Follow the sound of the electric pump motor, the fluid reservoir is integral to the end, or very close by and connected with a short hose.
Read the Owners Manual to confirm what fluid goes inside. It might be hydraulic jack oil or something special, but most likely it uses some variant of power hydraulic fluid, either "Power Steering Fluid" (clear) or Dexron ATF (purplish and a lot less expensive) should work. (The red dye in the ATF will make leaks easier to see. The hot ticket for leak finding is to add an ultraviolet dye to the oil, and use a blacklight to track the leaks.)
There may be a bleeding or procedural note in the manual. Barring any, you want to fill the reservoir to the 'FULL' mark with the top in the DOWN position, hydraulic cylinders fully retracted.
If you fill it in the 'UP' position and then lower the roof, the reservoir can overflow and make a huge mess. After filling you want to cycle the roof fully a few times and purge any remaining air bubbles, then check the fluid level again.
That ought to get you off in the right direction...
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