For 1990-2009 cars

# Info - Folding Top Hydraulic System

Subject: | Folding Top Hydraulic System

Models: | 1994-2000 Chevrolet Camaro

| 1994-2000 Pontiac Firebird

This bulletin provides information regarding adding fluid to the folding top hydraulic system as well as bleeding this system.

#### Adding Fluid to Folding Top

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Lower the folding top.
3. Remove the left side trim panel from the rear compartment.
4. Place a shop towel around the pump/motor in order to control oil spillage.
5. Remove the reservoir filler plug.
6. Add DEXRON® III Automatic Transmission Fluid (U.S. P/N 12378470, Canadian P/N 10952622) until the level is between the upper and the lower reservoir indicator lines.
7. Install the reservoir filler plug.
8. Cycle the folding top up and down several times.
9. Inspect the fluid when the top is in the down position and add fluid if necessary.
10. Install the left side trim panel to the rear compartment.

#### Folding Top (Bleeding System)

Notice: When servicing the hydraulic system, follow these precautions:

• | Leave the folding top raised but unlatched from the windshield header. This will keep the cylinder rods extended and minimize fluid leakage.

• | Do not allow the oil to drop below the lower indicator line on the reservoir or pump damage will occur.

• | In order to avoid pump damage during the bleeding procedure, verify that the cylinder rod does not touch any body components or the folding top when extending.

1. Open the rear compartment lid and remove the trim from the left and right side.
2. Remove the left and the right side interior trim panels in order to gain access to the cylinders.
3. Remove the cylinders from the outer arms (1).
4. Remove the cylinders from the main pivot brackets (2).
5. Position the cylinder so that the cylinder rods (3) will not touch any components or the folding top when fully extended.
6. Remove the reservoir filler plug.
7. Remove the one pink hose (4) from the pump motor and place the hose in the reservoir opening.

Important: Seal the fitting to prevent air from entering the system. Use a rubber plug such as a snug fitting vacuum fitting cap. Seal the open pump fitting.

8. Remove one pink hose (4) from the pump motor and place the hose at the reservoir opening.
9. Push and hold the up button on the convertible top switch. After the cylinders are fully extended, continue to press the switch until the hose being bled is free of air bubbles.
10. Install the pink hose (4) and tighten.

Tighten
Tighten the hose to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

11. If the fluid level is low, add DEXRON® III Automatic Transmission Fluid (U.S. P/N 12378470, Canadian P/N 10952622) to the reservoir.
12. Repeat the bleed procedure for the other cylinder.
13. Install the reservoir filler plug.
14. Install the interior trim panel to the rear compartment.
15. Rotate the pump bypass valve fully clockwise (1/4 turn) to the open position.
16. Install the cylinder to the outer arm.
17. Install the cylinder to the main pivot bracket.
18. Rotate the pump bypass valve fully counter clockwise (1/4 turn) to the open position.
19. Install the cylinders to the outer arms.
20. Install the cylinders to the main pivot brackets.
21. Install the right and the left interior trim panels.
22. Rotate the pump bypass valve fully counter clockwise (1/4 turn) to the closed position.
23. Cycle the folding top up and down several times in order to verify the hydraulic system operation.
24. Install the right and the left trim panels to the rear compartment.

### Parts Information

Part Number | Description
--- | ---
U.S. 12378470 Canadian 10952622 | DEXRON® III

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

### Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time
--- | --- | ---
B3450 | Hydralic Bleed, Folding Top | 0.5 hr