2003 Mustang convertible

If the top of slow to raise, it might be a motor problem

I would lubricate the joints....use WD 40

My 2001 GT had the slow raising top problem. It is fixed now and goes up and down in about 9 seconds and 'bangs' the windshield header. I think ATF oil in the system has slowly leaked down in 10+ years. I did this: 1. With the top up pull the fabric top compartment 'bag' off of the dozen or so round top nuts at the rear base of the top glass. This allows access to the motor without removing the rear seat. 2. Unclip the plastic tubing in three places to allow the tubes to be free. 3. pull up on the motor thus freeing the four rubber feet below the motor which hold the motor to the bracket. 4. Tip the motor up to about 45 degrees to see the one-fourth inch diameter rubber plug in the driver's side end of the motor. 5. pull the plug out with your fingers - don't use a tool and don't damage the plug. 6. I used an oil can having a ten inch long flexible spout. remove the oil, wash with gasoline and fill with Mercon V. 7. Pump in as much Mercon (ATF) as you can while holding the pump up as much as you can. Mine took about 20 pumps. 8. Replace the plug. It does not want to go in. I used Dawn dishwashing liquid to lube it - better than oil. I also used a bamboo skewer from my wife's drawer about the size of the hole in the plug. Round it off at the blunt end to avoid damaging the plug. Push the plug in with the skewer - it will actually be pulling the lower end of the plug. 9. Soap up the four mounting feet and push the pump back into the bracket. 10. Reclip the plastic tubing. 11. Replace the top compartment 'bag'. You may need Dawn again. 12. Cycle the top up and down a few times