I just finished a 4 month mini-restoration on my car and as luck would have it my convertible top stopped working after my first test drive.

I checked the wiring and everything is working but the pump. Is there anything I can check or fix inside the pump motor?

I tried taping it with a hammer but want to try every option before spending $240 on a new one.
Thanks,
John

Does it try to run? If not try straight wiring 12 volts to it and see if it works. If not then it could be the brushes , stator, wiring, switch, circuit breaker, or any number of things. If it is running but not moving it could be low on fluid, broken line, etc. You just need to eliminate what it isn't. Rick's sells a rebuild kit that has all of the seals you will need. It is really easy to do. Mine did the same thing and it had several things worn out. If you can give me more info I can try to help you diagnose the problem. Brett

I checked all of the wiring, switch, and breaker. I will check for 12v at the pump but my test light showed power to the pump when the switch was hit. My ground is solid as well.

When I hit the switch the pump does not make a sound.

I will tinker with it some more before buying another one. The one I have is an aftermarket pump. It is the one where the mount bracket does not fit in the stock mounting holes. I wanted to change it out for a stock location mounted pump but as luck would have it, I need it when I run out of budget.

It could be your winding. Can you check it or have someone check it for you?

I checked all of the wiring, switch, and breaker. I will check for 12v at the pump but my test light showed power to the pump when the switch was hit. My ground is solid as well.

When I hit the switch the pump does not make a sound.

I will tinker with it some more before buying another one. The one I have is an aftermarket pump. It is the one where the mount bracket does not fit in the stock mounting holes. I wanted to change it out for a stock location mounted pump but as luck would have it, I need it when I run out of budget.

John,

I have two good original GM pumps laying around and if you'd like to use one for troubleshooting you can. You could hook up the electrical connections and see if it runs. At least that way you'd know if it's the pump or the breaker. E-mail me if you wanna try it and wanna drive to Fairfax to get it. :D

The "Body By Fisher" manual gives a lot of detailed information on how to rebuild these motors. You can buy a used original power top motor on Ebay all the time. I bought one used a number of years ago for about $35 or $40 & its worked great all this time. It looks exactly like the original too, compared to the aftermarket motors that cost $250.00 plus. If you open it up to rebuild it, it might just need a light sanding of the armature bushings. I did this to one back in the 80's & the motor ran great for years afterward.

Jrager,
I had the same problem, try my post http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55420

If this link doesn't work try searching for "power top still not working". I was able to get mine working, it still works to this day.

Getting the rear seat out is the hardest part, Good luck.

Jerry

Thanks for all the advice guys. I spent some time over the weekend trying to double and triple check everything before replacing the pump.

When I used my test light on the wires going to the pump it would light up when I hit the switch but when I connected the wires to the pump and hit the switch my test light would not light up.
I put a volt meter on the wires when they were disconnected and noticed I had 11v when I hit the switch.
I put my battery on a charger and ran a wire directly from the positive lead to the pump and the pump instantly turned on.

I have had weak batteries before but never one so weak that the pump would not work. I charged up the battery and everything seems fine for now.

I didn’t think it was the battery at first because the top would not work with the engine running. I may need to double check my alternator but at least I don’t have to replace the pump just yet.