How do you add fluid to the retractable top hydraulic reseervoir?

If the top of your 2013 Mini Cooper Roadster is not retracting, there could be a few possible reasons why. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check the hydraulic fluid level: The retractable roof on a Mini Cooper Roadster is powered by a hydraulic system that requires hydraulic fluid to function properly. Check the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir located in the trunk of the vehicle. If the fluid level is low, refill it to the recommended level and try to retract the roof again.
2. Check the fuse: The roof system may have a dedicated fuse that could have blown, preventing the roof from retracting. Check the owner's manual or the fuse box to locate the fuse for the roof system and replace it if necessary.
3. Check for obstructions: If there are any obstructions or debris on the roof, it may prevent it from retracting properly. Inspect the roof and the tracks for any debris and remove it carefully.
4. Reset the roof system: If the roof system has become out of sync or is stuck, resetting the system may help. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the roof system.
5. Seek professional help: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be a mechanical or electrical problem that requires professional help. Contact a certified mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair of the roof system.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you may be able to identify and resolve the issue with your Mini Cooper Roadster's retractable roof.

Without knowing what make, model or year I can offer only generic suggestions, the most common cause of this is that the hydraulic pump is low on fluid due to a leak.

Folding Top Fluid Addition
Caution: Refer to Eye Protection Caution in the Preface section.
Important:
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When servicing the hydraulic system do not allow the fluid level to drop below the minimum indicator line on the reservoir.

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Inspect the hydraulic fluid level with the vehicle parked on a level surface, the folding top in the closed position, and the stowage compartment lid open.

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When new, the power folding top hydraulic fluid is golden clear. As the system is cycled, it picks up the carbon black from the numerous O-ring seals used in the system. The carbon black acts like a dye and causes the fluid to darken considerably and take on a black appearance. This is a normal occurrence and no repair attempts should be performed, as replacement fluid will also darken.

Place a protective covering over the interior and the adjacent body panels. Locate the hydraulic pump in the folding top storage compartment area on the right side. Remove the rear quarter trim panel. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Right Side . Place a shop towel around the pump motor to control any hydraulic fluid spillage.
Important: Wait 5 minutes before separating the hydraulic cylinder lines at any connectors.
Remove the reservoir filler plug. Add fluid GM P/N 88901975 or (Canadian P/N 88901976) ONLY, add the fluid until the level is at the middle of the indicator line on the reservoir.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Install the reservoir filler plug.
Folding Top Deck Lid Access
In the event that the rear compartment lid is inhibited from conventionally opening due to a folding top symptom, displaying a TOP NOT SECURE message or that the folding top operation can not complete the opening or closing sequence as it is inhibited by the rear compartment latch being ajar, displaying a TOP INOP-TRUNK message, follow the steps below to determine the specific Tech 2 Special Function to gain access.
Important: Allow the system a minimum of three minutes to bleed down pressure after the last cycle.

1. Ignition On, engine OFF.
2. Press and hold the folding top control switch. Verify the TOP INOP-TRUNK message does not appear in the driver information center (DIC).
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If the specified message is displayed, perform the TOP INOP-TRUNK Access procedure.

3. Press and hold the folding top control switch. Verify the TOP NOT SECURED message does not appear in the DIC.

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If the specified message is displayed, perform the TOP NOT SECURED Access procedure

Your better off to take it to the dealer - Chevy ! no Pontiac any more !

More than likely the hydraulic pump has run low on fluid due to a hydraulic leak. Have a shop check that first. This system requires a special fluid.

there is a small master cylinder (similar to where you put brake fluid) you add fluid just as you would your brakes.

check hydraulic fluid level in the hydralic motor pump behind left side trim panel in the trunk.look on side or end of the motor pump assembly.look for screw type check plug. first place rags under the check plug to catch fluid spill unscrew the check plug fluid level should be 1/4 inch bottom of check plug hole if low you need add correct level fluid. then screw in check plug back in place.to bleed air out hydralic system you need helper to hold switch while you raise and lower the top slowly by hand raise and lower top several times to remove air out hydralic system. see if your convertible top will open and close all the way.

all hydraulic fluid is added when the operation piston is in the fully retracted position. IF the reservoir is around the hydraulic cylinder there will be a fill plug at one end Fill here until the fluid is just under the threads of the hole.. If there is a reservoir tank then fill to the point on the dip stick. or to the bottom of the filler filter plate.

don't have 93. here's 94

Motor Assembly, Convertible Top Removal and Installation
NOTE: The folding top hydraulic cylinder rods should be in the fully retracted position.
Use absorbent rags or a container to catch any hydraulic fluid that leaks out when removing the fittings.

1. Remove motor and pump assembly as outlined.

1. Loosen each folding top motor upper and lower hose fitting on the sides of the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit (533A00) .

1. Remove the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .

1. Remove each of the service folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit plugs one at a time and attach the tee fitting to the replacement folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit . NOTE: Make sure that the o-ring is installed in the bottom of each folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit port before attaching the hose tee fitting.
   

1. Connect the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit unit to a 12-volt power source and cycle the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit in and out several times to purge the air from the folding top motor upper and lower hoses (53390) . Some noise squeal may be noticed due to the air. CAUTION: Do not overfill or the reservoir seal could be blown out.
   

1. Carefully remove the rubber fill plug from the back and the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be at the bottom of the filler hole. If necessary, add Synthetic Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic transmission fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent.

1. Replace the fill plug with a new fill plug.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

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Section 01-17: Convertible 1994 Mustang. Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Lift Cylinder, Power Top Removal and Installation
NOTE: The cylinder rods should be in the fully-retracted position.

1. Remove pump and motor as outlined.

1. Remove the upper and lower hose fitting from the folding top hydraulic cylinder (50600) . Use absorbent rags or a container to catch any hydraulic fluid that leaks out when removing the fittings.

1. Remove each of the service cylinder plugs one at a time and attach the hose fittings. NOTE: Be sure each fitting is installed in the correct position on the folding top hydraulic cylinder .
   NOTE: Make sure that the tetra seal is installed in the bottom of each of the folding top hydraulic cylinder ports before attaching the upper and lower hose fittings.
   

1. Connect the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit (533A00) to a 12-volt power source and cycle the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit in and out several times to purge the air from the hoses. Some noise squeal may be noticed due to the air.

1. Carefully remove the rubber fill plug from the back and the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be at the bottom of the filler hole. If necessary, add Synthetic Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic transmission fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent.

1. Replace the fill plug with a new fill plug.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

underneath the trunk liner by the spare is usually where the pump and relay are located. The reservoirs are generally in the r side of trunk. These vehicles are very compact and they have a space saver spare that has an air pump to inflate tire. Remove those items and look in owners manual for reservoir and fluid specs.. Try starting your car and raising the top all the way on. You also may have not retracted your cargo cover in trunk or the microswitch on the side has fallen off giving faulty input to the module. Even though the pump is running the fluid isn't being dispursed to the proper r.a.m.s for 1 of 2 reasons. either you have a bad or loose microswitch. Or a cable is broken or loose not closing or opening up a microwitch and the module is in "limp home mode" it is the default of the system designed so no one or no thing gets hurt. If none of these things help you the top can be raised or lowered manually. your owner's manual tells you how to do this. Then you will need to get the car scanned for codes to properly diagnose the problem. Good luck

here's some info

Symptom Chart Condition Possible Source Action

• Folding Top Does Not Raise and/or Lower

• Blown fuse(s).
• Circuitry open/shorted.
• Damaged folding top switch.
• Damaged raise/lower relay .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .
• Parking brake not engaged.

• Go to Pinpoint Test A.

• Top Hesitates and/or Comes Up Uneven

• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .
• Damaged folding top motor upper and lower hose .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic cylinder .
• Damaged folding top linkage.

• Go to Pinpoint Test B.

• Top Does Not Raise or Does Not Go All the Way Up

• Damaged folding top linkage.
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .

• Go to Pinpoint Test C.

• Hydraulic System

• Damaged fluid reservoir.
• Damaged folding top hydraulic cylinder .
• Damaged folding top motor upper and lower hose .

• Go to Pinpoint Test D.

Lift Cylinder, Power Top Removal and Installation
NOTE: The cylinder rods should be in the fully-retracted position.

1. Remove pump and motor as outlined.

1. Remove the upper and lower hose fitting from the folding top hydraulic cylinder (50600) . Use absorbent rags or a container to catch any hydraulic fluid that leaks out when removing the fittings.

1. Remove each of the service cylinder plugs one at a time and attach the hose fittings. NOTE: Be sure each fitting is installed in the correct position on the folding top hydraulic cylinder .
   NOTE: Make sure that the tetra seal is installed in the bottom of each of the folding top hydraulic cylinder ports before attaching the upper and lower hose fittings.
   

1. Connect the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit (533A00) to a 12-volt power source and cycle the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit in and out several times to purge the air from the hoses. Some noise squeal may be noticed due to the air.

1. Carefully remove the rubber fill plug from the back and the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be at the bottom of the filler hole. If necessary, add Synthetic Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic transmission fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent.

1. Replace the fill plug with a new fill plug.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

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