Chrysler Repair: convertible top hydraulics: LeBaron

Question
Hi. My 1990 Le baron Hi line convertible has run pretty well for 4 years since your help to repair it. Now my roof is sluggish so I wanted to add hydraulic fluid. I climbed in the back seat, removed the covered area, easy find on the motor. Don't expect a problem adding fluid. However, my first diagnosis was a clear line that had separated on the back of the seat area. I thought,no vacuum for fluid. However, everytime I move the flap the line is attached to it seems to pop loose. Either it isn't a hydraulic line, or I need to secure it before I top off the fluid maybe. It looks like the clear flexible lines hydraulics use, but could it be a drain hose of some kind for the rear window? I didn't want to take the seat out, because I would have to put the top down, and I don't know if it would go back up, just in case it's the motor I need to replace.  So do you think it would be safe to glue it permanently. Why would anyone want a fluid line that comes apart at the connector in a delicate area of upholstery? It must have been a secure fit at one time. What's your opinion?

Answer
Hi Mary,
I haven't looked at the convertible hydraulic lines so don't have direct knowledge. However, there is described in the manual to be a water drain line from the sling well (perhaps one on each side) that is supposed to go a hole in floor pan. Could that be what you are looking at?
As to the convertible top mechanism, the hydraulic lines that power the cylinders that move the top up or down are connected to the motor/pump assembly and I would believe those would be mechanically well-connected. There are two lines from that assembly to each of the hydraulic cylinders (one cylinder and two lines on each side) so inspect those lines where they connect to the cylinders and to the pump assembly. If those are patent and tight then probably you just need to add dexron fluid to the reservoir after checking for obvious signs of leaking fluid.
That is my best suggestion.
Roland