Procedures

Folding Top Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution:
Always put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in N (Neutral) and set the park brake before raising or lowering the convertible top. If you raise or lower the convertible top while the vehicle is in motion, you could damage the top or the top mechanism.

Caution:
Do not lower the top in cold weather. If you lower the convertible top on the vehicle in cold weather (0°C (32°F) or lower), you may damage convertible top components.

Caution:
Always verify that no objects are in the storage area before lowering the convertible top. Lowering the convertible top when there are objects in the storage area could damage it or break the glass rear window.

Caution:
Dry off the convertible top before lowering it. Lowering the convertible top if it is damp, wet, or dirty can cause stains, mildew, and damage to the inside of the vehicle.

1. Apply a double layer of masking tape around the lower rear roof perimeter of all the painted surfaces prior to the removal.

2. Key On - Engine Off.

3. Place all the windows in the full down position.

4. Lower the folding top.

5. Key Off.

6. Remove both quarter upper trim panel. Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe) Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe)Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible) Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible).

7. Remove the right quarter trim panel. Refer to Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe) Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe)Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible) Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible).

Note: The rear seat back and quarter trim Must be out of the vehicle at this point to access the wire harness.

8. Disconnect the rear window defogger harness located on the right side of vehicle near the folding top pivot bracket. With the right quarter trim panel off, access the rear window defogger harness plug.

9. Place the folding top in the half way open position.

10. Remove the high mount stop lamp. Refer to High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Coupe) High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Coupe)High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (ZL1) High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (ZL1)High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Convertible) High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Convertible).

11. Remove the quarter panel upper rear moldings. Refer to Quarter Panel Upper Rear Molding Replacement .





Note: When removing the folding stowage compartment bracket (2), the nut and washer (1) must be marked prior to the removal, this will allow the folding top bracket to realign when reinstalling.

12. Remove the folding top stowage compartment bracket nut and washer (1) and bracket (2).

13. Disconnect the upper seal of the outer quarter drain panel from the pinchweld flange.

14. Roll the upper seal on the outer quarter drain panel inward and down so that it will not catch on the ends of the screws for the compartment bracket when removing.

15. Raise the quarter window to the full up position.





Note: Ensure that the grommets remains in place for the rear drain tubes which are located in the gutter of the rear compartment. The front drain tubes do not have grommets and are seated through a hole located in each upper quarter panel 2.

16. Disconnect both water drain tube ends from the rear compartment gutter (1) and from the quarter panels (2), left and right side.

17. Lower the quarter windows to the full down position.




18. With the folding top in a halfway open position, this will allow access to the left and right rear side bolts 1 of the pivot bracket 2.





Note: Do this with an assistant, Do not disconnect the hydraulic cylinder from the lower bracket. Pull back enough to release the clip (2) from the ball stud, Do Not remove the clip.

19. Release the hydraulic cylinder clips (2) and disconnect them from the top of the ball stud (1) on the left and right side.

20. Lower the folding top into the stowage area.

21. Key On - Engine Off lower the hydraulic cylinder to the full down position Key Off.




22. Remove the folding top pivot bracket front bolt (1).





Note: Use Care when lifting the folding top quarter drain panel from the stowage compartment so that it will not catch the stud ends of the bracket.

23. With an assistant remove the folding top frame assembly (1) from the vehicle.




24. Place the folding top on a clean and dry surface with the top side (1) down and in the full open position.

Installation Procedure





Note: Ensure that the number 5 bow weatherstrip and the folding top quarter outer drain panel is attached well to the number 5 bow retainer before installing.

1. With an assistant, place the folding top frame assembly (1) in the stowage compartment as follows:

1. When installing the folding top frame assembly it must be installed all the way to the right side of the stowage compartment as it is lowered.

2. Slide the folding top frame assembly to the left side (Driver Side).

3. Lower the left side (Driver Side) of the folding top frame assembly onto the pivot bracket studs.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

2. Install the folding top pivot bracket front bolts (1) to bracket (2), tighten to 24 Nm (18 lb ft).

3. Key On - Engine Off, raise the hydraulic cylinder to engage the ball stud.




4. Connect the hydraulic cylinder to the ball stud, ensure that the clips (2) to the hydraulic cylinder (1), left and right side are locked in place.

5. Key On - Engine Off, place the folding top frame in the half open position.




6. Install the folding top pivot bracket Rear bolts (1) to bracket (2), tighten to 24 Nm (18 lb ft).

7. Key On - Engine Off, raise both quarter windows to the full up position.




8. Connect the quarter outer drain panel tubes (1) through the rear compartment gutter grommets on the left and right side.

9. Install the quarter panel drain tubes (2) through the quarter panel on the left and right side.

10. Lower the quarter windows to the full down position.

11. Raise the quarter outer drain panel seal and install to the pinchweld flange.




12. Inspection is needed to ensure that the bag material is not bunching in the corners, which may create an interference with the folding top #5 bow during cycling. Two examples of the water management bag (1) interfering with the #5 bow (2) travel.

13. Failure to assure proper clearance of the folding top to the water management bag could result in damage to the #5 bow and/or brackets, Do the following steps to ensure proper installation:

14. Manually open the trunk using the cylinder located in the left quarter trim panel and the ignition key.




15. Finesse the fit of the water management bag by reaching inside the trunk and pulling any excess material downward on both sides.
Inspect both side corners of the water management bag for excess bunching. If the bag pleats are able to be pulled inboard covering the outboard stud on the stowage compartment bracket (as shown circled in the graphic above), the excess material will need to be repositioned
following the steps below:




16. Gather together several of the excess pleats/folds of bag material.




17. Push the pleats toward the trunk, then pull the pleats and bag material taut, and position the folds next to the outboard bracket stud.




18. Install the stowage compartment bracket to studs.





Note: The nuts and washers (1) Must be reinstalled to the marked location on the stowage compartment bracket (2), refer to step 12 of the removal in this procedure.

19. Install the stowage compartment bracket, capturing the folds beneath the bracket (2) then the bracket nuts and washers (1).
22 Nm (16 lb ft)




20. The repositioned water management bag should look like the view shown above. The bag should be positioned completely outboard the #5 bow seal (1), and should have no interference with the bow/seal during top cycling.

21. Install the quarter panel upper rear moldings. Refer to Quarter Panel Upper Rear Molding Replacement .

22. Install the high mount stop lamp. Refer to High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Coupe) High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Coupe)High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (ZL1) High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (ZL1)High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Convertible) High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement (Convertible).

23. Connect the rear window defogger harness located on the right side of vehicle. The right quarter trim panel off, access the rear window defogger harness plug.

24. Install the right quarter trim panel. Refer to Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe) Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe)Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible) Quarter Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible).

25. Install upper quarter panel trim panels. Refer to Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe) Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Coupe)Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible) Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement (Convertible).

26. Remove the double layer of masking tape from around the lower rear roof opening perimeter.

27. Place the folding top in the lock position, check for appearance and fit.

28. Inspect the front edge of the folding top to windshield upper frame for a good seal.

29. Water test the vehicle to ensure a proper water tight seal.