2007 convertible won't close all the way down
 

My new to me convertible will not secure all the way down Someone outside this forum said maybe the brace thing needs to be moved slightly one way or the other. I don't think so. I read elsewhere there is a motor that clamps down on this "hook" to secure it to body of car. I know it is not urgent as the car stays in the garage and does not get driven in rain. Nonetheless I need this fixed. Is there some sort of motor or mechanism I can access and repair myself i.e. if in fact it is a small motor I can pull, plug in and replace? Thank you for any help as you guys are the experts!. .

Where is exactly is it getting hung up and not closing all the way? Is it at the very end of the sequence when the U-shaped metal latch goes into hole in the tonneau/storage lid cover and the back of the top doesn't get pulled down flush?

EDIT: Assuming this is the issue you're describing, attached is a TSB which may resolve your issue. If not, it sounds like it may be the deck lid latch motor. I would start with the TSB first (since that's easiest with just some window regulator grease) and then look to the motor.

Also: check out this guy's fix:

It stops closing just like at the 3 minute mark of the video. Man I am not sure I want to cut open plastic. ARe there any videos of greasing the mechanism you speak of? Thanks.

For you, it's probably a situation where the rear of the top is not closing enough for the hook to catch the U-latch or the hook is not engaging to pull it down which may be the latch motor.

And no - you don't have to hack it apart like that guy did to do his spring fix. There are plastic covers and other trim pieces that you can remove to gain access. I've also attached the roof section of the FSM so you can see the diagrams and where everything is located.

You hit the nail on the head. It doesn't "close enough" to reach/engage the hook This means it cant be the spring clip. Does this mean it is some motor up top? I don't see how it can be a motor down low where the hooks connects and locks down, because the hook never gets there anyway. It must be some sort of motor that pushes the hook down? Man I appreciate your help this is pissing me off and it is a beautiful car with barely 70k on it. Thanks.

Ohhhh, I see. Even though the "5th bow motor" solution gets tossed around quite frequently, this may actually be your problem. The 5th bow is the rear most part of the roof mechanism. If the 5th bow is not getting pulled down far enough for the latch mechanism to get hooked and pulled down flush, it would seem to me that your issue is the 5th bow motor. Obviously, take this with a grain of salt, There are repair services to fix the 5th bow motor and also write-ups if you want to try and clean/replace the brushes. Again, this may not be your problem, but it seems fairly likely.

That seems to be it. 5th bow motor. Where the heck is that located and where can I buy this motor, if you know. Sorry for all the questions you prolly regret answering initially! .

Haha. No worries and no regrets.

There are several options out there. You can either attempt to DIY fix it, send your motor off to get rebuilt, or purchase a new/rebuilt unit.

This is the DIY 5th bow motor rebuild thread: https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...l#post11039572

And yes, I know the pictures are dead on the first post. Everything is posted with pictures in post #144 and #241.

Check out eBay for rebuilt 5th bow motors or rebuild services.

The location and how to remove the motor is contained in the DIY thread.

Again - this may not be your issue, but it sounds like it. Good luck!

I guess we shall see. It is a great car and this is not a real big deal as I wont drive it in rain or cold, so it doesnt matte rmuch if it wont close all the way. It wont affect driving, will it, with the 3 inch gap?