Deck lid not opening or closing

[EmanuelJ]

Hello! I'm a first time owner and dealing with a 1964 Convertible thunderbird top which worked for about a month but no longer works properly. I've read everything I can find but my limited knowledge is getting in the way. From what I can tell my deck lid does unlock when pressing the top switch on the console, I then get a clunking which sounds like I need to adjust the "Deck Closed Limit Switch" - tried this didn't work. I can open the Deck lid using a jumper wire. if I use the jumper wire to raise the Deck Lid 6" and then plug the limit switch back in - I can then use the the top switch (console) and the deck lid will to continue to open along with then lowering the top. The process will stop working again at the point when the deck lid should drop. Any tips would be appreciated.

[jtschug]

With a volunteer, have someone pressing the button on the dash to open the deck. Then go to the front passenger side corner of the deck lid. After the deck unlocks, lift up on that corner and see if the deck starts to raise. If that works, adjust the deck closed limit switch down a little bit.

[EmanuelJ]

I've tried adjusting the deck closed limit switch and nothing changes. does the deck closed limit switch control when the deck lid goes down after raising or lowering the top?

[jtschug]

When did you try to adjust the deck closed limit switch and which direction did you adjust it in? Did you adjust it before or after the malfunction started?

Does the switch move smoothly? If not, maybe squirt a little light oil on the plunger shaft and cycle it a few times by hand until it moves smoothly. Look for any broken wires on the switch or around the switch. You can also use a multimeter to test the deck limit switch to confirm it is working right. If it is, move on to the deck open relay and confirm it closes when the control pin is energized.

[EmanuelJ]

The adjustment I made was to the Deck Closed Limit Switch, after my issues started. I made the adjustment by moving the switch down. the switch plunger seems to operate smoothly. I did re solder a wire to the switch with came off after handling it. Even though I have multi meter I have not tested the switch yet. I have very limited knowledge when it comes to electrical. I was under the impression that my deck limit switch was ok because it works when I use a jumper wire. How would I go about - check deck open relay and confirm it closes when the control pin is energized.
I appreciate you taking the time to help out, Thank you

[jtschug]

Set up your multimeter to read ohms. You will need to use the shop manual to know which pin is the input and which pin is the deck raise output. When the plunger is down the ohms should be off scale high. When the plunger is up they should be near zero

[EmanuelJ]

After looking at the schematics in the shop manual I can see why the Deck closed limit switch should be checked. I'll give it a try as soon as I can get a helping hand. Thanks for all the help. This has been a great crash course in trouble shooting a faulty top.

[EmanuelJ]

Figured out my problem. on the side of the Deck Open Relay there was a small tab which connects to the metal case - the connection here had come loose. Just need to re-solder it. After looking at all the relay switches I notice this issue had been dealt with before.

[Awesome '66]

I just figured out why I had the same problem, but with a different cause.
Maybe some of you can get some use from this. When the trunk was closed, didn't matter if the top was up or down, the trunk lid would not open up. Luckily, a previous owner had wired a bypass switch. It got worse where the trunk lid would only close to somewhere between 5 - 30 degrees. I found that when the trunk was closed or closing, the flip lid limit switch would open up due to gravity pulling the lid away from the switch when the lid was at a more horizontal position. I adjusted the switch when the lid was open only 8-10". Works fine.... for now.

[Jim Wulf]

I just figured out why I had the same problem, but with a different cause.
Maybe some of you can get some use from this. When the trunk was closed, didn't matter if the top was up or down, the trunk lid would not open up. Luckily, a previous owner had wired a bypass switch. It got worse where the trunk lid would only close to somewhere between 5 - 30 degrees. I found that when the trunk was closed or closing, the flip lid limit switch would open up due to gravity pulling the lid away from the switch when the lid was at a more horizontal position. I adjusted the switch when the lid was open only 8-10". Works fine.... for now.

A drooping flip lid is a common problem and you're completely correct when you state: "Works fine.... for now." The gears in the flip lid gear box become worn over time from the constant bouncing experienced as the car is driven down the road and at some point you may run out of switch adjustment. If the lid can be pulled up tight against the two rubber bumpers, it will keep the bouncing condition to a minimum, and prevent the possible eventual breakage of the gearbox housing. The best thing to do now is rebuild the gearbox now and eliminate the problem. It's not difficult and the flat gear and pinion gear are both readily available. An ounce of prevention...blah, blah, blah.

[jtschug]

A good time to share some excellent new videos from Nick on how to rebuild the flip lid transmission:

https://youtu.be/wRryrZrMWuc?si=lZbvxKMHQrD7X9t7

https://youtu.be/6rgcuT-TQLA?si=jQiZ4KtMdtN_gecI