I just hit a raise manhole with the under side of my car. The hydraulic converter ( I think, the first 1/2 of the muffler) disconnected from the rest of the muffler. It seems that the pipe is fine just that the connection let go. I'd like to fix the problem myself temporarily until Tuesday. I'd like to diagnose the problem myself to make sure the pipe is not damaged itself. What should i look for and how should/need to fix it.

Yes, but if you do not disconnect the pistons, you will have to push very hard because you will be forcing the hydraulic fluid back through the pump. Behind the rear side windows there is a hydraulic piston on both sides. They look like shock absorbers (See pic.). At the top is a rod that is bolted to the folding mechanism. Unbolt the rod and push it back down into the piston on both sides. You now have a manual top. FYI, this works for most convertibles.

You have a hydraulic fluid pressure problem Most likely a filter getting plugged up. Have it changed before you do serious damage.

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.

your cat is plugged remove it and replace with straight pipe or replace cat

To remove the struts on a Mystique, Loosen the lug nuts on both front tires. With a hydraulic jack, raise the vehicle on one side, then place a jack stand under the vehicle and adjust it to the proper height for the vehicle to rest on. Repeat this step for the opposite side.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECU Chip Tuning Tool

It is a hydraulic pump that applies pressure to the 2 hydraulic pistons to raise & lower the top. So, check for something obstructing movement first.

The convertible top:

• is motor-driven.
• requires parking brake engaged to complete circuit for operation.
• is equipped with a back window glass (42006) . The back window glass is permanently attached to the folding top back window curtain (52500) and cannot be opened.

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VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical

• Damaged fluid reservoir.
• Damaged folding top hydraulic cylinders .
• Damaged folding top motor upper and lower hose .
• Damaged convertible top regulator.
• Parking brake not engaged.

• Open power distribution box circuit breaker CONV TOP (30A), fuse junction panel Fuse 1 (15A).
• Circuitry open/shorted.
• Damaged convertible top switch.
• Damaged raise/lower relay .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .

• Convertible Top Does Not Raise/Lower

• Open circuit breaker or fuse.
• Circuitry open/shorted.
• Damaged folding top switch.
• Damaged raise/lower relay .
• Damaged folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .
• Parking brake not engaged.

Catalytic Converter Removal & Installation 2.2L Engine To Remove:
Catalytic converter 2.2L engine

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
3. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe flange mounting nuts from the catalytic converter.
4. Remove the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts from the muffler.
5. Remove the catalytic converter from the muffler.
6. Remove the catalytic converter from the rear hanger bracket insulator.
7. Remove the catalytic converter.
8. Remove the (HO2S) from the catalytic converter.

To Install:

1. Install the (HO2S) to the catalytic converter.
2. Install a new gasket and the catalytic converter to the muffler.
3. Install catalytic converter to the catalytic converter hanger.
4. Install the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts to the muffler flange.
   • Tighten to 26 ft lbs (35 Nm).
5. Install the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts to the exhaust manifold pipe flange.
   • Tighten to 26 ft lbs (35 Nm).
6. Connect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
7. Lower the vehicle.

------ Catalytic Converter Removal & Installation 4.3L Engine To Remove:

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Raise and support the transmission.
3. Remove the transmission support
4. Disconnect the left and right pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
5. Disconnect the post-converter (HO2S) connector. Muffler flange and gasket
   
   
6. Remove the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts from the muffler.
7. Remove the catalytic converter from the muffler.
8. Remove the exhaust manifold flange mounting nuts from the catalytic converter. Catalytic converter 4.3L engine
   
   
9. Remove the catalytic converter from the support bracket insulator.
10. Remove the catalytic converter and gaskets.
11. Remove the heated oxygen sensor.

To Install:

1. Install the heated oxygen sensors as needed.
2. Install a new gasket and the Install the catalytic converter to the support bracket insulator.
3. Install the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold flange. Install the mounting nuts.
   • Tighten to 39 ft lbs (53 Nm).
4. Using a new flange gasket, install the catalytic converter to the muffler. Install the mounting nuts.
   • Tighten to 30 ft lbs (40 Nm).
5. Connect the left and right pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connectors.
6. Connect the post-converter (HO2S) electrical connector.
7. Install the transmission support.
8. Lower the transmission.
9. Lower the vehicle.

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It looks like you can cut them and replace them with new bolts and nuts.

Hello, to change the O2 sensor follow this steps:

1. Set the parking brake if the engine has been run recently, let it cool for a few hours before you start.

2. Raise the vehicle with a hydraulic jack and place the jack stand under your trackers frame to supports its weight. Lower the hydraulic jack and set it aside.

3. Craw under the engine on the right hand side(drivers side) near the driver's door. Locate the catalytic converter, which is mounted in-line with the exhaust pipe.

4. Locate the oxygen sensor which is mounted in the exhaust pipe near the rear of the catalytic converter.

5. Remove the wiring harness connector from the oxygen sensor by squeezing in the connector tab with your finger while simultaneously pulling the connector from the sensor.

6. Remove the sensor from the exhaust pipe by turning it out with an adjustable wrench in a counter clockwise direction.

Thanks

Need to raise the car and get under it.
Bank 2 would be the passenger side, and sensor 1 would be the pre-catalyst sensor (closer to the engine).
The O2 sensors read te amount of oxygen before and after the Catalyst (catalytic converter). The Cat is between the engine and the muffler. The sensors are on both sides of the Cat in the exhaust pipe. there is a special socket that makes removal easy. Most are 7/8 or 22mm.
Use some thread sealer on the new one.
Pretty easy job.
Good Luck!

they are runon hydraulics you may have a leak in the hose but yes u can disconnect the motor and raise and lower it maunally