It seems that some customers are NOT instructed in the proper operation of the top. Ford sent this bulletin to its dealers this morning describing the proper operation of the top.

The convertible top latching mechanism on the 2005 Mustang is significantly different from what has been used in the past. Some convertible top latch handles have broken due to excessive force applied when closing the top.
Convertible owners may have difficulty in latching the top, or risk breaking the lever, if they are not aware of the unique operating characteristics of the new latch design. It is critical that you communicate to customers the proper way to raise and lower the convertible top. The correct instructions are below.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOWERING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP
1) Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and leave the engine running to avoid draining the battery. Engage the parking brake. (Note: The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle is traveling less than 1.8MPH (3km/h).)
2) Check the top stowage compartment behind the rear seat to make sure it is empty, then check the top outer surface to make sure it is dry and free of leaves and debris.
3) Unclamp the top from the windshield header by pulling each latch handle down, then rotating them toward the back of the vehicle until they are in the full open position and clear the header.
IMPORTANT!! The latch handles must be pulled downwards fully to allow the latch to fully rotate into the open position.
4) If the top has not been lowered for some time, gently push the front edge of the top up to make sure it is not sticking to the header. If it is sticking, this will usually free it.
5) The convertible top switch is located in the overhead console. Push and hold the switch until the windows are down and the top is fully lowered and stowed.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RAISING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP
1) Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and leave the engine running to avoid draining the battery. Engage the parking brake. (Note: The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle is traveling less than 1.8MPH (3km/h).)
2) Open the Driver and Passenger side latch handles by pulling them down, then rotating them toward the back of the vehicle until they are in the full open position.
3) Push and hold the convertible top switch until the windows lower completely (if up) and the top unfolds and moves forward toward the windshield header.
4) Continue to hold the convertible top switch to raise the top until it has reached the fully closed position, flush with the header.
5) The two pins under the forward top edge should align themselves in the matching header holes when latching the top. If they do not, use the center grip located above the rearview mirror to pull the top down and the pins into position. DO NOT apply excessive force on the latch handles to bring pins into position, as this may cause them to break.
6) Secure the Driver side latch first, followed by Passenger side. Pull down on the latch handles, then rotate them forward into the windshield header until they reach the full forward position. Flip to latch handles up to final position so that they are flush with the windshield header.
IMPORTANT!! The latch handles must be pulled downwards fully to allow the latch to fully rotate into the closed position

Hope this helps!

 

I can so see it now. The prep guys are going to have no clue and break the latched on my vert before I even get it.

 

Thanks for the info Ed!!

 

I don't understand the directions for raising the top - step 2 is to open and rotate the latch handles?????

what the heck are they talking about - those handles are buried in the stowage compartment.

You just push the button till the top is up against the windshield, then close with the handles. The handles are in the same open position they were in when you opened the top in the first place.

 

I was at a dealership looking at the handles. I have found if you leave the handles in the open position they can kinda stick in to the folded top and indent it. Not a big deal, so I learned quickly to return the latches to the locked position when the top is on the way to the storage compartment in the back. Perhaps this is what they mean, for freaks like me :P?

Nathan

 

Good info! Just another reason why this is the best site on the net. I know people has ?'s about the top operating with the car off. From the sound of this info, it confirms that it will operate with the car off.

 

Well, if that's the correct procedure, then they're missing a key step in the "lowering the top" section. Either way it seems like these directions don't quite add up.

 

I always close my latches after releasing the top to put it down.