1999 2g Eclipse Spyder Convertible Top Electric Motor Removal And Inspection

I have a crazy bad noise coming from the drivers side convertible top drive mechanism. I decided to pull the motor out and check the shear pin to be sure that the noise was not the drive gear spinning on the drive shaft. It was not. I'm now under the impression that the noise is the motor itself. Since I was going to all the trouble I went ahead and shot video of the process to use as a sort of "How To".

[@cruzsanchez5515]

my motors work but when i connect them its like there is not current to the motors and the black box that send the corrent just makes a click sound but the motors wont move at all....

[@mmodtomic7119]

Have you checked the switch in the trunk (Behind trim panel, left side of trunk)?

[@cruzsanchez5515]

i just did it and it was on manual mode now it works good thank you very much 👍👍👍

[@mmodtomic7119]

Awesome! I'm glad you've got it fixed. I hope you are in a place where you can drive with the top down! I am currently awaiting warmer weather to even get my Spyder out of the drive way.

[@ourcarproject3059]

M Modtomic oh Lord thank you I though I broke something even tho I have a 3g

[@pedrofrancisco4844]

​@mmodtomic7119 do you have a Pic where is located?

[@reedbrewer]

My top won't go down I hear the motors working and the driver side starts to come down. But the passenger side seems froze, it won't allow the top to go down. Maybe the motor is seized? I tried flipping the switch to take the top down manually but it's the same thing. Stuck in place while the other side wants to move. Any thoughts?

[@mmodtomic7119]

You CAN'T raise or lower the top with the switch in the trunk flipped? You might have a bad gearbox on the offending motor. Something is jammed somewhere. Maybe your framework is bent. I've heard of a particular"rib" that is easily mangled on our tops but never experienced it. Pull your headliner out and take a look comparing left to right.

[@ultrablue2]

Great video, it was a lot of help fixing my convertible top motor. I have a question- what size pin did you use to replace the one that broke, and where did you get it?

[@mmodtomic7119]

Hi ultrablue2. Sorry for the late reply. I just now saw your comment. I actually didn't need to replace the pin. I was just showing where it is in the video. I've heard of others replacing it with a piece of wire from a clothes hanger. I imagine you could get a proper replacement pin at a True Value Hardware Store or similar.

[@srpdrums]

Hello! Thanks for this video! I have one problem tho. I put my new motors in, but now the top won't move at all. I hear the motors running, but no top movement:0 what have I done wrong?

[@mmodtomic7119]

Hi Seth. Did you inspect the Shear Pins before installing the motors? Also, why did you need to replace your motors? If you had to replace them because the shear pins broke or the motors were inoperable, there may just be too much resistance caused by a binding top mechanism, which might have broken your new motor's shear pins as soon as you tried to operate your top. If your shear pins are present and not broken, all I can think of off hand and not seeing your car would be stripped gears.

[@ibxlegendx]

is the little sprocket on the motor suppose to move freely? One side works and the passenger didn't. I connected the motor back without installing it and I don't hear or feel anything. The pin seems like its in there but when I try to spin the small sprocket. it wont spin, just wiggle a bit.

[@mmodtomic7119]

The sprocket should not move freely. Sounds like your pin is fine. I would suggest swapping the motors left for right to see if maybe you have a short circuit on one side before the motor's connector.

[@andrewolin5850]

it's sounds like something is rolling around in my trunk/covertable area but when I put my top back (electric motor still pulls is back) the sound goes away what could that be

[@mmodtomic7119]

My best guess is tat there IS something rolling around in your trunk and you just can't hear it when you put your top back because of the wind noise. Pull your back seat out and look around back there.

[@kareno8634]

Well you got to the part i Need info on. Hope your car's not still apart, mine is. =\ Sheered pin i believe. Now Finding one. ~ peace

[@mmodtomic7119]

Hi Karen O, I've heard that the shear pin can be replaced with a short piece of clothes hanger wire. After fixing this noisy motor, the only issues I've had for the past 3 years and 40,000 miles is a failed alternator, a frozen right rear brake caliper, inner tie rods and a bad radiator cap. Not too shabby for a 160,000 mile Eclipse!

[@kareno8634]

M Modtomic > lol "Only" may have you beat, and Yes, now that you mention it, I think my right rear caliper is [an] issue too. 3 times I've asked to check brake after they had trouble replacing it. -"nothing" they said. (read, suppose to 'overhaul' or something) 160,000 SUPER! Scirocco has (tho dude's insurance Never would fix!) 198,000! Loved that car more than this one. [still here] - yeah, a car - Mine's up there too. they keep cruising, I ride. THANKS for idea! FYI - Bucket Handle wire may be stronger. NEVER Use Hanger Wire for brakes, as friend did! =O oops - do over. You've done Good! ~ Cheers!

[@Realaton]

when I press the button it make a sound but it doesn't move.

[@PRRKSTR]

Is the 2001 Spyder Eclipse model similar in disassembly ?, or would there be a big difference? if so, would there be a site anyone would know of where I can get a few tips. . .thanks in advance

[@mmodtomic7119]

Sorry, I don't have access to an '01 Spyder. You could probably find some info on one of the 3G Eclipse message boards.

[@micheleramaeker6281]

help please. if you see this message. my top started to go down and got stuck, i like an idiot turned the knob to manual and shut the hydraulic cover - now the back window wont seal and the buttons do not work. how do i get the back panel open to turn the knob?

[@mmodtomic7119]

Hi Michele. I'm not entirely sure about what you are asking. "how do i get the back panel open to turn the knob?" Are you asking about a way to raise the rear side window? I can only assume that is the back window that is failing to seal. If so, I'm afraid I won't be much help. I've never messed with the window regulators (so far, knock on wood!).