GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Notice: Remove any items from the convertible top storage area before lowering the top. Even small items in the storage area can damage the top or other parts of the system.

Notice: Don't raise or lower the convertible top when temperature is below 20°F (-7°C). The cold can cause cracks and other damage to the top as it is being lowered or raised.

Notice: Don't raise or lower the convertible top while the vehicle is moving. The wind could damage the top. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before attempting to raise or lower the top. Always make sure that the top is latched before driving the vehicle.

Notice: To use an automatic car wash, you should ask the manager if the equipment could damage the top. If a car wash is to be used, it is recommended that a soft cloth car wash be used and the climate control system should be set to VENT and the fan speed set at its second highest speed. This will help to prevent the high pressure water from entering around the convertible top.

Notice: Do not lower the convertible top if damp or wet, possible water damage, water stains or mildew of the top cover material may result. Always dry off the top cover before you lower it.

Lowering the Convertible Top

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Shift the transaxle to one of the following positions:
  3. • The PARK (P) position for an automatic transaxle
    • The NEUTRAL (N) position for a manual transaxle
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  5. Lower the side door windows.
  6. Perform the following steps in order to disengage the latch pins from the front header latch receivers:
  7. 5.1. Press the lock button.
    5.2. Rotate the header latch handle down.
  8. Pull back on the header latch handle until the convertible top lowers completely.
  9. Release the handle after the convertible top lowers completely.

  10. Rotate the header latch handle up to the lock position.
  11. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

Installing the Convertible Top Boot

  1. Perform the following steps from inside of the vehicle:
  2. 1.1. Grasp the loop at the top of the rear seat back assembly.
    1.2. Pull the loop forward in order to disengage and fold the rear seat back down to the seat back's horizontal position.
  3. Open the rear compartment lid.
  4. Remove both boot side cover assemblies.
  5. Leave the rear compartment lid open.

  6. Perform the following steps in order to install the boot side cover assembly:
  7.         Important: Inspect the rear quarter trim panel for signs of scuffing at the point of entry for the boot side cover installation bezel. If signs are evident, install a loop tape covering over the bezel to prevent further damage.

    4.1. Insert the tab into the bezel at the top of the quarter trim panel.
    4.2. Place the boot rear flap in the rear deck lid opening.
    4.3. Verify that the eyelet aligns with the ball stud.
  8. Attach a snap at the upper rear of the quarter trim panel.
  9. Attach a snap at the upper rear of the quarter trim panel on the other side of the vehicle.
  10. Pull the boot center cover from behind the rear seat back.
  11. Place the boot center cover in position over the inner sides of the boot side covers and lowered top.
  12. Perform the following steps at the rear of the vehicle:
  13. 9.1. Place the boot center cover along the rear compartment lid opening.
    9.2. Attach the cover snap to the ball stud.
    9.3. Repeat the previous 2 steps for the other side of the vehicle.
  14. Close the rear compartment lid.
  15. Raise the rear seat back to the up and the latched position.
  16. Push the seat back in order to lock the seat back.

  17. Verify that the rear seat back does not trap the seat belts.

Removing the Convertible Top Boot

  1. Open the rear compartment lid.
  2. Perform the following steps from inside of the vehicle:
  3. 2.1. Grasp the loop at the top of the rear seat back assembly.
    2.2. Pull forward in order to fold the seat back down to the horizontal position.
  4. Pull the snap knob in order to disengage the boot center cover from the ball stud.
  5. Tuck the boot center cover behind the rear seat back.
  6. Verify that the center cover does not cover the rear seat back latch.
  7. Unsnap the boot side cover assembly at the top of the upper rear of the quarter trim panel.
  8. Lift the boot side cover eyelet from the ball stud.
  9. Raise the boot side cover up in order to unhook the retainer from the bezel at the top of the quarter trim panel.
  10. On the other side of the vehicle, raise the boot side cover up in order to unhook the retainer from the bezel at the top of the quarter trim panel.
  11. Store both of the boot side cover assemblies in the rear compartment.
  12. Close the rear compartment lid.
  13. Raise the rear seat back to the up and the latched positions.
  14. Push the seat back in order to lock the seat back into place.

  15. Verify that the rear seat back does not trap the seat belts.

Raising the Convertible Top

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Shift the transaxle to one of the following positions:
  3. • The PARK (P) position for an automatic transaxle
    • The NEUTRAL (N) position for a manual transaxle
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  5. Lower the side door windows.
  6. Perform the following steps in order to engage the latch pins to the front header latch receivers:
  7. 5.1. Press the lock button.
    5.2. Rotate the header latch handle down.
    5.3. Push forward on the handle until the following conditions occur:
       • The top is fully raised.
       • The latch pins are engaged to the front header latch receivers.
    5.4. Release the handle.
  8. Rotate the header latch handle up to the lock position.
  9. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
  10. Pull back on the header latch handle until the convertible top lowers completely.
  11. Release the handle after the convertible top lowers completely.

  12. Rotate the header latch handle up to the lock position.
  13. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

Lowering the Convertible Top Manually

The top may be lowered manually if one of the following conditions occurs:

    • The vehicle loses power.
    • A condition prevents the convertible top from lowering electrically.

Only manually lower the convertible top in an emergency. Lowering the top manually requires two people.

Perform the following steps before manually lowering the convertible top:

    • Inspect the bypass switch in the trunk in order to verify that the bypass switch is in the NORMAL OPERATION position.
    • Perform the following steps if the switch is not in the NORMAL OPERATION position:
        1. Turn the switch to the NORMAL OPERATION position.
        2. Test the convertible top for proper operation.

Perform the following steps in order to manually lower the convertible top:

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Shift the transaxle to one of the following positions:
  3. • The PARK (P) position for an automatic transaxle
    • The NEUTRAL (N) position for a manual transaxle
  4. Open the rear compartment lid.
  5. Switch the topstack bypass switch to the EMERGENCY OVERRIDE position.
  6. The bypass switch is located at the upper left of the rear compartment, ahead of the rear compartment lid hinge.

  7. Perform the following steps in order to unlatch the convertible top:
  8. • Press the button.
    • Rotate the header latch handle down.

    Notice: Do not attempt to force the top down if it does not move freely. The top or its linkage could be damaged.

  9. Perform the following steps while on one side of the vehicle. Use a helper on the other side of the vehicle:
  10. 6.1. Grasp the outer corner of the NO. 1 bow.
    6.2. Use care while lowering the convertible top until the top is fully lowered into the topstack well.

    Do not force the convertible top if the top does not move freely. Refer to Power Folding Top Does Not Close .

  11. Close the rear compartment lid.
  12. Rotate the header latch handle up to the lock position.

Raising the Convertible Top Manually

The top may be raised manually if one of the following conditions occurs:

    • The vehicle loses power.
    • A condition prevents the convertible top from rising electrically.

Only manually raise the convertible top in an emergency. Raising the top manually requires two people. Lift both sides together in order to avoid twisting.

Perform the following steps before manually raising the convertible top:

    • Inspect the bypass switch in the trunk in order to verify that the bypass switch is in the NORMAL OPERATION position.
    • Perform the following steps if the switch is not in the NORMAL OPERATION position:
        1. Turn the switch to the NORMAL OPERATION position.
        2. Test the convertible top for proper operation.

If the power mechanism for the convertible top does not operate, perform the following steps in order to manually raise the convertible top:

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Shift the transaxle to one of the following positions:
  3. • The PARK (P) position for an automatic transaxle
    • The NEUTRAL (N) position for a manual transaxle
  4. Lower the latch handle.
  5. Open the rear compartment lid.
  6. Switch the topstack bypass switch to the EMERGENCY OVERRIDE position.
  7. The bypass switch is located at the upper left of the rear compartment, ahead of the rear compartment lid hinge.

  8. Remove the convertible top boot if the convertible top boot is installed. Refer to Removing the Convertible Top Boot.
  9. Lower the side door windows.
  10. Notice: Do not attempt to force the top up if it does not move freely. The top or its linkage could be damaged. Refer to Folding Top Diagnosis.

  11. Perform the following steps while on one side of the vehicle. Use a helper on the other side of the vehicle:
  12. 8.1. Grasp the outer corner of the NO. 1 bow.
    8.2. Lift the convertible top until the convertible top is fully raised to the windshield header.

    Do not force the convertible top if the top does not move freely. Refer to Power Folding Top Does Not Open .

  13. Rotate the header latch handle up in order to lock the convertible top to the windshield header.
  14. Close the rear compartment lid.