Conv Top Problems

[AZ98CONV]

HELLO ALL,
I'M NEW TO THE BOARD, (AND TO MUSTANG OWNERSHIP). SO HELLO ALL AGAIN. LAST YEAR WE GOT A 98 CONVERTIBLE, 6 CYL. GREAT FUN, BUT RECENTLY THE TOP HAS BEEN ACTING UP. IT HAS TO BE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL WITH E-BRAKE ON TO GO UP OR DOWN. USUALLY IF IT WONT WORK I CAN WIGGLE THE SHIFTER AND GO BETWEEN "P" AND "N" AND AFTER A FEW TRIES IT WILL WORK. IS THERE A SWITCH ON THE SHIFTER OR TRANNY LIKE A NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH THAT MAY NEED CLEANING? ANYONE HAVE THIS PROB? ANY COMMON THINGS TO CHECK?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP, BYRON

[SNW BLUE BY YOU]

Your transmission has nothing to do with your convertible top.
Power flow from the top switch to the up and down relays is through the parking brake switch.
The parking brake switch is the applied ground for the indicator and relays, which when energized, will power the top motor.
The easy check for the switch is to verify the indicator is lighting in the instrument cluster.
If it is not, have the switch and related circuits tested.
If it is, and the top still malfunctions, have the remaining circuits tested.
The fact that rowing the gear selector will allow the top to opperate is purely coincidental.
Even though Ford tells you to have the trans in park or neutral[litigation] you can move the top with the vehicle moving, all the relays need is a ground from the parking brake switch and the indicator lamp to turn on.
Note: I did not say to do this, only that it can be done.
Hope this helps.

[AZ98CONV]

THANK YOU MUCH. NOW I KNOW WHERE TO START.....BYRON

[AZ98CONV]

sure nuff....pull up on the e-brake, no light. ...at least only have the time...now just gotta get in there to fix the switchy! thanks!