SHILOW

I would try to push back on the 5th bow during the open sequence. There are two elasctic bands that pull it into the proper position as the top begins to fold. These bands loose elasticity very quickly. If the 5th bow is not in the proper position the top will not fold all the way. I beleive that over time this puts an extra strain on the system of motors. Everytime I open my top, I press the top button with my left hand. Then as the top pops up into the vertical position I push back on the 5th bow to assist the elastic bands. This process has worked for me the last 3 years. I live in Houston so my top is down everyday almost year round.

Dr Bob

Joe I am having top problems also and am afraid it may the 5th bow motor Who did you take it to in Athens for the replacement? I work in Suwanee and it sounds better than getting reamed by the dealer

F34RL355

thats the elastic issue get it fuxed under TSB

dvsone

edited for misquote.

dvsone

I had to let the top seat in the back a few times with a little help (friends giving a little bit of downforce) and then put the locking latch in. If you latch then let the top try to lock into the back you might not have enough slack. I hope that is worded clear enough. lol If that's not helping check the defroster rods. GL!

SHILOW

I think he is saying, let the top latch in the back before you latch it in the front. I have the Robbins top and it was very tight when I first installed it. The top will stretch over time but at first I had to let the top go through its procedure, and then latch the it in the front.

dvsone

Correct!

kristenk

I had the same prob n out of warranty. nissan was good enough to replace the motor.

kristenk

I was first told hydraulic fluid was leaking, seals were bad. Then I find out it's the motor to convertible. the top is 3 1/2 yrs old! top was replaced at 3 yrs because tearing at bow. ur picture looks EXACTLY like mine did!! I've had nothing but problems since i got this car brand new!! Mine is a 2005 n had to file Lemon law n won!!

kristenk

I just wrote a quote n didn't go through. That looks EXACTLY like when i tried to put my top down! I was told seals were bad and leaking hydraulic fluid. Here it was the motor and its only 3 1/2 yrs old, second top first one replaced at 3yrs, tearing at bow!!!

Bill_350Zzzz

I have the same problem. Just picked up the elastic band kit today for 32.00.
I'll replace and report back with the results.

Bill_350Zzzz

Problem fixed. It took about 2 hours to replace the elastic bands. The originals that came with the car were pretty much shot. I got the car in April of this year and the top problem started soon after.

FWIW and I'm just trying to help anyone else with the top not opening all the way, replace the elastic bands first.

Good Luck.

sluggoZ

iTrader: (129)

Where did you buy the elastic band kit?

mestisoZ

iTrader: (5)

Mine is doing the same thing =( im going to try to reset the Auto/Cancel switch on the back of the passanger seat.. Hopefull ill be lucky with an easy fix as well.

Bill_350Zzzz

Bought the bands from my local Nissan Dealer. You may be able to find them cheaper else where... but $32.00 wasn't a big deal to me.

sluggoZ

iTrader: (129)

ROKMC

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Sir. I also have same problem with my top but not serious yet.
I guess one time per week that happens (daily driver).
want to replace it.

Does anyone have a gray top?
I'm using the Raggxxxx cleaner/protectant to maintain.
On my gray top, there are some black smoke(?), and I cound't remove
even using the cleaner. After raining couple days ago, it got worse.
Looks dirty. If anyone knows how to clean this, please let me know.

BlueBullet

OK, so like everyone else, I am having problems with my top. Many thanks to BlueBadge and Domrvt for their great posts. I rebuilt my 5th bow motor, and know it works because I jumped it off to my battery.

However, the top still does not work. After checking what I could, I think the 5th bow half latch switch isn't working. I was hoping someone could help me figure out how to get to it. I know it is under the lid, inside that plastic cover. However, I am not sure how to get the cover off (I did get the little access panel off). It appears you have to take the entire lid off. But it also appears that the plastic is sealed to the underside of the lid with an adhesive. Is this correct, or will the plastic cover simply come off once all the lid bolts/nuts are off?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

bluebadge

This was the exact position mine started to get stuck in, if you give it a nudge it will fold all the way in, eventually it will seize completely, after I applied my fix it worked fine.

https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...th-photos.html

It should take about 30 mins to check the brushes of the 5th bow, I would really recommend checking these as a first priority!

BB

sluggoZ

iTrader: (129)

I would try Adams Carpet & Uphoistery Cleaner.