One side of the convertible hood is getting stuck

REDSKULL322

MEMBER
2012 FORD MUSTANG
3.7L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
99,000 MILES

My convertible hood has difficulty when I try to close it. Specifically, when I hit the button, the driver side of the hood operates normally, but the passenger side seems to hit the side of panels and get stuck, so the hood starts to twist on its way up. The problem has gotten worse- today I tried closing, and a screw just snapped and flew out of nowhere after I twisted the hood too much.

The solution I found was to have someone press the button while I manually pushed the passenger side up. The hood then closed completely, and I definitely will not be opening it again until I get it fixed.

I have absolutely no experience with convertible hoods of any kind. Any idea what might be going on? Will refilling hydraulic fluid solve the problem (seems to be a common solution)?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

You are saying the convertible hood, but I assume you mean the convertible top? Meaning the roof of the vehicle, correct?

So, if this is the case then the most common cause of this is the frame is bent.

There are many things that can cause the frame to bend but the fact is if it is not moving evenly and getting stuck on one side then that is because it is not square any longer.

Basically, these are two separate scissor mechanisms that are joined together by the cross braces. So, when they are not moving together then something is bent.

What I would suggest is to operate the top and inspect the side of the frame that is getting stuck and compare it to the other side in each position looking for something that is not the same.

Each side is going to look identical, so you are looking for something in the scissor portion that doesn't look aligned properly.

I am attaching the picture below that will help with pointing out what I am talking about.

Let me know what you find. Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)