Spyder 1997 Eclipse Spyder top problem going up and down

[97SpydermanGST]

Hi, I have a problem with my eclipse top going up and down. I go to put the top down, and when I do this it just clicks. I know these cars top motors are known for going bad, but when I was checking them to see I found that there was a black box behind the seat that just clicks. I suspect this black box it bad because when I test power from the switch into it it is getting strong signal, but when I test power coming out of it the signal starts off real weak and dies off within a second. I was wondering if anyone knew what this box was called so i could check on getting another one. Thanks you all for the help in advance. -Matt

The part number on the box is MR169991A

 

[wret]

I call it "the black box." It probably has a more technical name like convertible top control module but I've never known anyone have one go bad. The typical reasons for problems for the top not going up and down are: the top control swith is set to manual, and the pins in the motor gears are sheared. The motors themselves are not known to burn out.

 

[97SpydermanGST]

Well I switched the switch to auto. The motors work I jumped them to make sure. So now I am thinking that the manual/auto switch is bad. Does anyone know anyway to bypass the switch. Thanks for the quick response also. Thanks alot

I also noticed that there is a ground wire that is cut. I is on the bottom bolt that holds the "black box" on. I dont see any open wires that it came from, is there any idea where this goes to or anything. thanks

 

[97SpydermanGST]

Any other idea's?

 

[saechao04]

Can you hear the motors working at all? On mine sometimes "the black box" just clicks also, so i take out my keys and put it back in until it works. It is a pain in the rear! They have weak control arms too, both mine snapped off at one point =(

 

[97SpydermanGST]

Yeah that is what my black box does. So i wanted to see if the motors are bad and they aren't. They powered both ways. So i dont know what is the problem. What exactly did you do again? Thanks for the reply also

 

[Semprini]

Just today the arm (piece from motor to top frame) on the passenger side snapped. It is easy to find a replacement?

 

[saechao04]

Don't get the oem ones, theres a guy on ebay that sells both of them for $125 shipped. very sturdy. Here's a link eBay Motors: MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CONVERTIBLE TOP REPAIR KIT 1996-99 (item 150283749852 end time Aug-18-08 12:25:04 PDT)

Took me probably 3 hours by myself to do it.

 

[egotalon]

I recently purchased and installed the one from ebay for $125. Kinda expensive, but they are well made. If you have a Spyder you should probably invest in them.