Ford Mustang Convertible Top Problems

jimbo85jimbo85 Member Posts: 1
edited December 2013 in Ford
2006 Mustang convertible top opened while i was driving. I was pretty sure both locks were engaged.. Anyone hear of anything like this?
jimbo
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Comments

  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    If the top opened while driving then, by definition, the locks were not properly engaged.

    I have one of these vehicles (and have had several other convertibles in the past). One must be VERY careful to lock the top down correctly as it's easy to think it's seated right when it is not.
  • timberlandtimberland Member Posts: 1
    Just bought 93 mustang lx convertible. My roof only opens about 6 inches and then stops. Is it a bad motor or something along those lines, any suggestions.
  • hansenjghansenjg Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 Mustang Convertible and my top comes up really slow all of the sudden. Is there a fluid that needs to be replaced or something to be maintained for the top?
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Yes, get to the dealer. The top system is hydraulic. Check the trunk for a pool of fluid.

    Mark.
  • hansenjghansenjg Member Posts: 2
    Great. Thanks. Is this something you can put fluid in yourself or do you need to go to a dealer to fill it up? If its just topping off a fluid it sounds like it might be easy.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    I just recall seeing a trunk full of hydro fluid on a car.

    Mark.
  • awesome_womanawesome_woman Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2005 conv. mustang. My doors, even though they "drop" a little to clear the roof, still catch the canvas. It actually wore down the corner of the passenger side and tore the top.
    When the air is on 'floor' it goes to defroster very strong. The dealer said it was normal, but now seeing how many people have this issue, I am thinking differently.
    The CD (shaker) does skip on some CDs I find it to be the ones that are burned.
    my driver side door handle doesn't go back all the way after I let it go.
    I have def. learned NOT to buy the first year of a new model. I hate to wait, but lesson learned. BTW A wise man learns from others mistakes. :confuse:
  • awesome_womanawesome_woman Member Posts: 2
    The window on my car drops about 1/8th of an inch to clear the convertable top. even though it does this, it catches the corner of the fabric. After a year of operations, it finally tore the corner of the material off. Am I the only one with this issue? I know it should still fall under factory warranty, but the dealership, OC WELCH in southern SC is trying not to replace it. What should I do?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Raise heck with them and/or find a new dealer. The window is adjustable and this is absolutely a warranty issue.
  • specialist2200specialist2200 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 ford convertible in the first year the top had torn and the seams were coming unglued. I now have an issue with the frame of the convertible being broken and the dealer (Miller Ford in NJ) telling me it is out of warranty. needless to say $5000.00 to get it replaced. Anyone else have comments or ideas on this? anything would be appreciated.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    If you are out of warranty, you are out of luck...not withstanding same, check with a convertible top repair person. I know there is one in Moorestown NJ off of the Marne Hwy, just don't remember the name. He is in the yellow pages.

    Mark
  • suzzsuzz Member Posts: 4
    I am looking at buying this car. Which model do you recommend and are there any disadvantages to this year? Should I wait for 2008? Thanks!!
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    The cloth top beats the vinyl in appearance, also it better hold up to the folding of opening and closing. Plus its a little more flexible and can better handle the shrinkage that starts at 40 degree weather and gets worse as it gets colder

    As for 2007, some improvements were made to the top to prevent the structure from causing wear in the material so its the best year yet. Also there are only 2 changes offered for 2008 HID head lamps as an option and "ambiant lighting" offered as an option.

    2008 also has 2 new colors, Dark Candy Apple Red in lieu of Redfire and Highland Green.

    mark.
    Mark
  • tlocktontlockton Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 convertible and have never had the top open while moving.
    My wife has a problem sometimes locking it .
    be sure it's locked properly and let me know if you have anymore proplems :)
  • 2fast4u22fast4u2 Member Posts: 1
    I also have a 2005 convertible with a broken frame. am having it repaired as I type. Hope it will not cost me $5000.00. The dealer said that it is a warrant item. How did yours turn out?
  • redstangmanredstangman Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know how tough it is to replace a top yourself? I have a 97 and the vinyl is starting to crack pretty bad along the fold lines. A local shop wants $700 to replace it. Where can I find a step-by-step on the procedure?
  • fury99fury99 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 1986 mustang lx, the hydraulic lines are old and brittle leaking, Does any body know of a free online or have a schematic for this system ? also where is the pump and reservoir located? I live in Hawaii and its a crime not being able to put the top down!
    Thanks
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The problem with doing it yourself is there is a significant amount of skill involved in getting it stretched to fit just right. I'd shop around for a few more quotes but leave it to the pros.
  • ponyluvponyluv Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 1995 convertible and was curious if this car came with a boot for the top originally? If so anyone know where one can be purchased? I looked on Ebay didn't see any.
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    I had an 88 that came with one and now a 2000 that also came with one. The 88 was a very simple all vinyl affair that folded up easily in th trunk while the 2000 came with a rigid boot that was a real pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to get on and to store in the car. I think I have had it on 3 or 4 times in the 8 summers I've owned the car.

    I would assume that your 95 came with the rigid boot which I haven't seen a lot. You might want to look into a Ford toneau cover which I bought when the car was new and like a lot. It covers the back seat and the down top and folds up nicely to put in the trunk.
  • redstangmanredstangman Member Posts: 3
    I'm curious where you got this info. I am looking for a new top for my '97, which has the stock sailcloth (vinyl) and is beginning to tear at the fold points. One of the sites I found sells both but said the wear is pretty much the same for either cloth or sailcloth tops. I'd like to check the site you got your info from because I like the cloth better too.
  • hallmarkchallmarkc Member Posts: 1
    The 1995 convertible came with a rigid semi-folding boot and a boot cover to keep it in the trunk. It took up the majority of the trunk and I have used mine maybe four times due to the difficulty of putting it on and making it stay in place properly. I just ordered a replacement top and window due to my car being vandalized.

    Anyone know of a good installer in San Antonio, Texas?
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    He told me that the cloth has better flexible strength. The vinyl suffers more from the opening and the closing and the folding.

    Mark.
  • aryzhovaryzhov Member Posts: 2
  • redstangmanredstangman Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the link! That's a great step-by-step and the pictures are very helpful!
  • bubba39bubba39 Member Posts: 3
    I love my mustang but the top only lasted 3 years and 6 months before the seal around the back glass came loose. Replaced the top yesterday our of warranty for $1560 with an after market Robbins top. Have talked to the service manager at the dealership where I purchased the car but so far just a comment that "first time I have seen this problem", "no call-back", "will call Ford and call you". Disappointed but still love to drive the car. The place that did the work said he has seen two others like this. One came from the dealership that never saw this before.
  • sargentrxsargentrx Member Posts: 4
    I have an '05 convertible and the metal parts of the top bent and bowed out making it impossible to raise or lower the top. I have 38K miles and the waranty is expired. I took it to an upholstery/top repair place and the guy looks at my car and pulls out a TSB from Ford dated Nov., 2005 addressing issues with tops on 05 and 06 convertibles. The repair guy says he has seen quite a few of these problems and I should "raise cane" with Ford. Ford is not budging. They say the car is out of warranty and I am out of luck. I look on here and see that I am not the only one with problems. I don't understand how Ford can sell a defective product and not replace the bad parts. I will not be buying any other Ford product in my future.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The fact that it's a known problem means nothing. Warranties have a time limit for a reason. If Ford was rolling in cash I'm sure they'd fix things like this but they can't afford to go above and beyond right now. If you think most other mfrs would fix it for free you're mistaken.
  • sargentrxsargentrx Member Posts: 4
    I saw about twelve other people on this website with the very same problem. When I took my car to the repair shop, the tech pulled out the TSB and said Ford should pay for this. If Ford is not rolling in cash, it is their own mismanagement. Lots of people buy Fords. I don't think that spending millions on Super Bowl advertisement is the way to spend your money if you are having to lay off employees. The fact that Ford sold a car with a known problem to me is enough for me to say that I think I will try another manufacturer. I have always bought American made cars by American owned companies because I think it it still the right thing to do. Selling a product with a known defect is not the right thing to do. Thanks for your comments but your principals are not honorable.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    This has nothing to do with principles (or principals). If you consider a TSB to be "selling a car with a known problem" then every single car mfr is guilty.

    When you buy a car (or toaster or any other appliance) you pay for a warranty (either implicitly or explicitly). Every car made will have something break at some point. The only question is whether it's covered by the warranty or not.

    You could certainly get lifetime coverage for all problems. That would only add a few thousand dollars to the price of every new car.

    Would it be nice for Ford to step up and cover these things? Absolutely. Does it make them bad for not doing it? Absolutely not. Would other mfrs cover such a repair right now? Highly doubtful.
  • sargentrxsargentrx Member Posts: 4
    The TSB was dated November '05 and I bought my car in December '05. I should have been informed that there was a problem with the tops. I don't think that you would want to be sold a pacemaker with known problems. The repairs will cost 1/10 th of the price of the car new and 1/3 of the value of the car now. That is a significant defect. You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I know that I will never buy another Ford product. I have bought Ford products for myself and my family for over twenty years and regardless of what you say, I do not think that other car companies sell cars with known problems. I am not talking about a windsheild wiper blade or something that is expected to wear out. I am talking about the top of the car. I am talking about $2000.00 to repair a problem that Ford knew about. I would not be so upset if I were one unlucky individual who happened to get a bad part or installation but there are a lot of us who are having the same problem. I have bought two Ford products for my mother, one for my sister and three for myself in the last twenty years. I have been over all satisfied and never complained about making normal repairs on these vehicles. The TSB, dated Nov. 23, 2005, reads some 2005/2006 Mustang Convertibles may require a repair of the convertible top. Why would a company keep selling cars with known problems with the roof of the car? Not something minor, the roof!

    Would it be nice for me to overlook this oversight and keep purchasing Ford products? Absulutely. Does it make me bad for buying from another manufacturer? Absolutely not. Would you feel the same if the roof of your car was sold to you with known defects? Highly doubtful.
  • ltomlinsonltomlinson Member Posts: 9
    do not buy a ford at all... have a new 08 the thing is a piece of junk ... DONT DO IT YOU WILL BE SORRY........ :lemon:
  • ltomlinsonltomlinson Member Posts: 9
    does not suprise me i have a new 08 convt. water has been coming thru the door for 1 yr 4 months ... they just keep putting you off and there favorite words are that is what it is supposed to do or can not dupicate... i am with you i will never buy another ford product again and i will tell everyone that ask not to buy one either ... :lemon:
  • ssstangssstang Member Posts: 1
    Hey Saregentrx

    I have just experienced the same problem with my 05 Mustang. Ford is giving me the same crap they told you. They even have the nerve to insinuate that I must have done something to it and said this just doesn't happen unless someone deliberately damages the roof. I have a witness that was beside me when the top went down and there was no problem. The problem occured 20 mins later when I tried to put the roof back up. What's worse is Ford is telling me to get my insurance to pay for it - basically do some insurance fraud! I bought the Extended Warranty and can't believe a part worth $8000 is not covered in a warranty - this is more than the cost of replacing the engine and transmission together...how can it not be included in a warranty??? Needless to say I am completely frustrated with Ford and regret having gone down the path of buying a North American car for the first time in my life. I've bought new and really used Hondas all my life and never, ever experienced any issues with these cars. North American car companies deserve to go out of business - they sell defective products and don't stand by them!!!! Were you able to get resolution somehow?
  • skyspyskyspy Member Posts: 3
    Unfortunately, my post mentioning a class-action against Ford was deleted. It was an honest mistake...I meant it more as a comment of criticism than a solicitation. But what's done is done. In any event, I've written to Mulally and the rest of the directors at Ford telling them that I'll take my complaint (on behalf of others with the same problem) to the Attorney General and the FTC if they don't help with repairs. As with at least one other poster on this message board, TSBs were issued on my convertible top indicating these problems before I even took delivery of my car and I should have been told about it. My "PremiumCARE" extended warranty is in force, yet they're still refusing to repair it. Ford states that the warranty will give you "Peace of Mind" with "No Surprises" and covers over "500+ Key Components." How can they tell me that the mechanical system which makes a convertible top go up and down aren't "Key Components" for that model car?! If they hold to that, then the sale of that warranty is deceptive and fraudulent.
  • sargentrxsargentrx Member Posts: 4
    I agree completely. I just cannot believe that a company like Ford can sell products knowing that there is a problem. Please keep me posted on your progress. I think that you are doing the right thing. Someone should shine a light on the fraud.
  • floodedcarfloodedcar Member Posts: 2
    I am calling Connecticut dealer about flooding within my 2006 Ford Convertable in the am. From the things I am reading it appears I have my work cut out for me. I have extended bumper to bumper but I wonder about the damage to insides of panels and as I plan on insisting on new interior carpeting I wonder how long it will stay dry after (hopeful) new interior is in. I also have a spastic turn signal but wonder about parts not showing water damage yet. I will swish my way to dealer and pray for the best but as for Ford I am fed up. One of my last cars was a Ford Eddie Bower but it was running firestone tires and it endowed three times. Thank God for sun roof as I ejected from this window or I would not be here today. When I was in hospital with 10 broken ribs and punchered lung, Ford rep took tires to be looked at. You wouldn't believe it, they vanished. I'll keep you posted as to the service I recieve.
    Carol in Ct.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,186
    thanks for the very funny post.
    when was the last time in rained in connecticut?
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • floodedcarfloodedcar Member Posts: 2
    As a matter of fact we had rain two times last week. Glad you enjoyed :)
  • partsmanpartsman Member Posts: 16
    I also have a 93 and it sticks at 6" but I've always gave it a little help and it finished fine - also on coming back up I cushion it at the last 6" or it will slam into top of windshield ,there has to be an adjustment but I don't know what to adjust .
  • mobygreatwhitemobygreatwhite Member Posts: 4
    I pretty sure you are wrong while being pretty sure. Properly engaged locks dont just open, and improperly engaged locks are a driver issue.
  • mobygreatwhitemobygreatwhite Member Posts: 4
    The window drop feature is wonderful. I have had four 80's and 90's convertibles and the trade-off of secure, positive, quiet sealing vrs. seal wear is part of the game. This is a great enhancement IF you let it work.

    I always pop the door handle and let the window do its business for a moment or two before pushing the door out to exit. If you don't wait, the feature does NO good on the opening motion (as I like to power out of a normal hardtop door - it took some practice , patience plus extensive re-training of passengers :).

    Sorry to rock anyone, but the joy of opening the top and watching the sky absolutely comes at a cost compared to a steel top sedan. I for one do not understand cars with roofs anymore.
  • mobygreatwhitemobygreatwhite Member Posts: 4
    wonder what TSB you saw ?

    Of the 40-odd TSB for the '05 (listed here on Edmunds) none seem to mention a top bow distortion / breakage problem (leakage via cowl / A pillar leakage). Sorry you got troubles but coming from a repeat offender convertible owner (Toyota, Porsche and Ford) also as a multiple DIY installer of rag tops, my advice is A) pay attention (listen, watch) to how the top works. That is a pretty big sail up there and just a little unintentional or unknowing abuse could really tweak it. Don't ignore any suspicious problems as the metal can deform, fatigue and fail, or B) drive hard tops for less worry.

    I worked on a 67 stang, a 06 vinyl Stang top and have a 07 in cloth. I think the modern structure is pretty d@mn good, but if I start hearing slow/straining motors or see hang-ups, I am going to use it at my own peril until it's figured out.

    I can't understand cars with roofs anymore, BUT (big but) the joy they provide also demands a little more heed than a steel top buggy. To me the trade is worth my hat blowing off.
  • azlsazls Member Posts: 4
    My '98 top motor whines and is very slow particularly when closing the lid. No evidence of leaks. If a hydraulic system can it be filled?
  • peter931peter931 Member Posts: 13
    I am looking to replace my worn out converible top with a 1 piece Hardtop on my 95 Mustang GT, where can I find a One Peice Hardtop?
    If you know of where I can find this please let me know, My name is Dan.
    [email protected] (813) 748-8515
  • lizaslizas Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 convertible Mustang. I went on vacation and was on my way home. Got into town and was sitting at a stop light, decided to put the top down and heard a pop, put the top up and there was no window...just jagged edges.

    Has anyone had this happen? They say I am 4 months out of the warranty and my insurance wants me to pay 833.00 of the 1700.00 to have it repaired.

    I am not sure where to go with this.

    thanks

    Liza
  • dkuzeedkuzee Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 Mustang GT conv. with only 14,000 miles , left the top down for two weeks and when I put it back up there was a L shaped tear on the right side and two puncture marks on the left side. Anybody have any ideas what happened!
    Dave
  • jgkjrjgkjr Member Posts: 1
    This is my experience with my top: I have had trouble with my 05 Ford Mustang convertible GT for 4 years. (My dealership sends you to a top shop to repair convertible issues)First the top had to be replaced because the frame punched several holes in it. I tried to explain that the tops frame made a popping noise while lowering and something in the frame was bent or broken. They insisted in just replacing the top and 4 months later happened again. Replaced top and after me screaming and yelling someone discovered the cylinder was leaking on the right side. They replaced cylinder and top but only parts of the side frame. Since they covered this under warranty they only replaced parts on a limited basis. Guess what, last week I was putting top up and the right side didn't move while the left side was halfway up by the time I realized it. Had to pull right side up by hand in order to get top closed. I took car to top shop again (has been in business 40 years)so he could tell dealership what parts he needed. This time they have to replace left side frame. This is the first time I talked to the top shop (dealership handled the previous problems)He told me that the car had been hit in the right rear where the frame for top folders down and the car had been repainted on the left side. Called Ford and I'm suppose to confront service mgr. and have them submit cost to Ford so they can make a decision to cover damage since the car is now out of warranty. Waiting for parts to be delivered. I'll update
  • tc86tc86 Member Posts: 1
    I'm in the same boat. I have an 06' convertible and the top has an "L" shaped cut and a gash on each side, above and behind the rear seat windows. I know I'm not alone because I've seen 2 other cars same make and model in the parking lot of the local Publix store with the same cuts. It seems as if the frame for the top is punching holes in it while retracted. The newer models don't seem to have this problem as far as I've seen, but don't hold me to that.
    I've looked around and been unable to find any recalls or info on this problem. Of course, the local dealership is giving me the run-around that it is out of warranty and regular wear-and-tear. Even though it stays the garage, get's washed bi-weekly, and has less than 50k on it.
  • irtnogirtnog Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 Mustang convertible (bought new) which I love, all except for the leaking top. I had it into the shop 5 times in 2009 and FINALLY, on the fifth time Ford allowed the dealership to replace the top! When there was a heavy rain, I would get 1-2 inches of rain in the passenger side. The water would be sloshing around in the floor!!! The back seat had to be replaced along with the carpeting. Now exactly two years later, I sloshed back to the dealership with the same problem. It appears that Ford knows there is a problem, but doesn't give a damn. I GIVE UP! Told the dealership to find me a hardtop and I will invoke the Ohio lemon law to get rid of this nightmare. I love the Mustang but never again will I get a convertible!!! :lemon:
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