Top wouldn't raise so before I ordered a rebuilt motor ($850) I removed unit and mounting frame (4bolts and 1 nut back center depressed). Resevoir was empty, I mean empty. Replaced with appropriate fluid (found on this site ), cost about $20, and bled system by alt lowering/raising until fluid level constant. Between two lines on the reservoir. Replaced mounting frame by tilting top in first and raising it as high as possible the moving bottom into position. Replaced four bolts but gave up on last nut. Top raises and lowers quickly.

 

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I can't think of a valid reason for the reservoir to be empty. Possibly a replacement pump that was never filled. Otherwise I think you will have trouble eventually (probably sooner than later). I do see a used pump on ebay for less than $300. You might keep an eye on that.

 

May have a small leak in hoses but no evidence yet. Will monitor motor/reservoir for leaks and level. Most probably will need to replace hoses in future but that will depend on many factors.

 

when you had the pump out - did you notice if the hoses were flaking (black outer coating coming off)?? If so, then these are the old hoses and would recommend replacing.

leaks will be evident in the form of the green shower (latch hose) or puddles under passenger rear tire (hoses at pump) or midpoint of car (ram hose connections)

when my hoses failed - I ordered upgraded hoses from Cabriolet Hydraulics out of Bradenton Fl. Others have had great success with TopHydraulics. Top Hydraulics will also rebuild rams/pump/latch if needed

 

Unless you see evidence of oil all over your tower that the unit sits on I would say your leak is not at the pump. Now that the roof is operating properly check in 3 places. The first is at the header latch, look at the lights above the mirror and see if you see evidence of green oil then check the forward wheel well of your rear tires. If you see a moist area chances are you have a leaking ram or hose.

 

Black cover is flaking. No puddling evident yet. Thanks for the great information!