Convertible tops needs help going up

[terrywolk]

We have a 2003 New Beetle. The top opens fine, but over time it has needed more and more help closing. Closing the top has become a two perosn job - one on the switch and one next to the car helping the top up the arc! The electric motors sound like they are working. Where is the hydraulic resevoir to check fluid level.

[pencilneck]

The pump is behind a plastic panel in the boot, more or less just below the left tail light.

Getting those plastic panels out of the boot is... fun.

[KNEWBUG]

There is a rubber gromet on the left rear side in front of tail light, if you remove it you can see the fluid level of the pump

[rsaludaga11]

There are some manually operated convertible top out there. Its rare, but they do exist. The power windows for all 4 windows is still standard equipment if i recall correctly. The power top OTOH, was in package 1 with a few other goodies.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by rsaludaga11

There are some manually operated convertible top out there. Its rare, but they do exist. The power windows for all 4 windows is still standard equipment if i recall correctly. The power top OTOH, was in package 1 with a few other goodies.

Here's how the manual/power vert tops shake down:
'03, 04, 05 GL, manual, power n/a
'03 GLS and GLX, power std.
'04 GLS, power std. GLX model NLA
'05 GLS, power std.
'06, '07, manual std, power optional, either as individual option or as part of Pkgs.
'08 S, manual, power n/a
'08 SL, power std
'09, S and SL designations gone, manual top gone, power std.
'10, power std.

And yes, power windows have always been standard on all models convertible (req'd for drop down feature when opening door).

To the OPer, if you find the fluid level correct, and if not, you have a leak, btw), then this would be indicative of an hydraulic pump aging and weakening. Pump is having trouble developing enough pressure to "push" the top up, more work than "pulling" the top down. With a Bentley, this should be an experienced DIYer do-able.

MORAV