Where to add / top off conv fluid

**Hedghog** · 07-30-2008, 02:25 AM

My top is going slow and I read some posts suggesting to top-off the hydralic fluid... Where is this filler cap ? I have only found some related hydralic pump on the left side in the trunck but not actuallythe place to fill / check fluid...???

Car is a 2001 TA.

**JohnnyBs98WS6Rag** · 07-30-2008, 03:24 AM

Originally Posted by Hedghog

My top is going slow and I read some posts suggesting to top-off the hydralic fluid... Where is this filler cap ? I have only found some related hydralic pump on the left side in the trunck but not actuallythe place to fill / check fluid...???

Car is a 2001 TA.

That pump you found on the driver's side well in the trunk has a resevoir that has 2 marks on it, HI/LO levels for the fluid. The cap on the top of the resevoir is where you fill it w/ fluid. GM initially recommended Dextron III/IV trans fluid, but now recommends mineral oil (found in a pharmacy under laxitives).

**Hedghog** · 07-30-2008, 06:49 AM

OK but do I have to have the top eighter down or up for it to be a correct reading on the Hi- Lo-marks?

**JohnnyBs98WS6Rag** · 07-31-2008, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by Hedghog

OK but do I have to have the top eighter down or up for it to be a correct reading on the Hi- Lo-marks?

I don't think it matters, because the top cylinders work both ways via the pump motor, thus they stay full of fluid (on both sides of the acting piston). If I had to pick, I'd say the UP position would be the correct one.

**Hedghog** · 07-31-2008, 09:17 PM

But my marks lowest on fluid container when top is up and shows full on the scale when the top is down.

**bigrondownhiller** · 08-01-2008, 12:56 PM

Sounds like it might be full then. Is it slow when the car is running?

**Hedghog** · 08-02-2008, 09:48 AM

Yes it is and I have greased it up.. But still just needs a little help be hand when I want to open the top..

**knoll5150** · 09-24-2008, 02:19 PM

Hey Johnny, thanks for the advice you posted. You don't realize it , but you saved me some major cash$$$
I had issues wth my top going up slow, and you'd be surprised how ignorant alot of mechanics and auto parts stores are is to how to help on convertible tops. I almost took my SS to a shop that "specialized" in 'verts and power sunroofs and the guy told me he was going to replace the whole mortor because it was on it's way out.
After reading your response, I figured what the hell and found where the pump was (very easy spot in the trunk) and did notice the fluid was low. Had a hell of a time finding WHAT goes in their (from the geniuses at the parts stores...) did finally find a dealership mechanic that said to use simple hydraulic fluid, and my top now goes up and dowm like it's new! Thank you!