juanl1999

I have a 2004 Roadster. I went to close my soft top. The very last step in the closing process, where the rear window gets latched and fully seated to the trunk doesn't work so I'm left with a half inch gap across the back window. Seems like the motor or mechanism to fully pull the rear latch down and fully seat the rear window is malfunctioning. It looks like it tries to pull it down and then quits. Anyone else have or seen posted similar issues?

Juan L.

Spider Monkey

Get one of your bros to stand back there and give it a little push?? That's the first thing I would try.

juanl1999

Thanks man. That's the first thing I tried too but no luck.

F34RL355

your 5th bow motor is going :/

juanl1999

Would you happen to know how much that part costs? I mean the 1 inch gap doesn't really affect anything other than its bugging me. I appreciate it.

Jennifer 2

Juan, there two different functions that could be at the root of your problem. The 5th bow motor folds and unfolds the rear panel (the one with the rear window in it) of the roof. This motor works through quite a lot of linkage and sliders that should be lubed every few years to keep from getting sticky, or alternately the motor might be getting lazy.

The second item that might be causing this is the linkage from the auto lock motor (housed in the hatch lid) being out of place. This is the latch built into the hatch lid that reaches up and pulls the back of the top down tight. There is a technical service bulletin on this from Nissan. It’s a very simple and quick repair that doesn’t require any new parts.

If you google Nissan Service Bulletin NTB03-122 it has information on few problems relevant to this operation of the power top. Check a few sources for this bulletin to get one with all the detailed pictures of the service procedure.

I also have a 2004 roadster and lubing all the power top mechanisms (there are a lot of them) every three years has kept the top operating very smoothly.

Phreakdout

iTrader: (32)

You rock Jennifer! One of the best responses I've seen in a long time. Makes sense.

brianberes

iTrader: (1)

Jennifer I was told by my dealership that there is no lubing of the top mechanics. What do you lube it with and exactly what and where do you lube? Is there any pics of what should be lubed periodically?
Thanks.
Brian

juanl1999

Jennifer, thanks for the info. This is the best response I’ve found to the problem although unfortunately it didn’t fix it. And yes I was referring to “the latch built into the hatch lid that reaches up and pulls the back of the top down tight.” I did what the service bulletin said however it didn’t work. It seems like the motor in the hatch lid has lost its strength. I took off the pin to the cable just to see if it would move and it does so I at least know it kind of works but unfortunately it does not close down the top tight. I moved the mechanism with my hand and it moves very smoothly so I don’t think I will add anymore grease to the mechanism.

Brian, here is the link that I found for the service bulletin Jennifer told me about. It’s very detailed and even shows pics of what to grease and what kind of grease to use.

http://www.myzroadster.com/Files/tsb.../NTB03-122.pdf

Brian, I hope this answers your question. If the link doesn't work let me know and I'll e-mail it to you.

Juan L.

F34RL355

the dealer should know where to lube it thay have lubed mine in the past, nice post jen lets hope its not the 5th bow cause that gets pricey

Blooster

iTrader: (1)

And thanks for that link, Juan. I'd been looking for lube points too.

SHILOW

I had this problem last year and it wasn't any of the motors. My problem was with the elastic bands that pull the middle bow as the top folds. If that bow isn't in the correct position as the top folds it will not compress enough to close all the way. The first thing I would try is pushing down on the middle bow once the top is begining to fold.

juanl1999

SHILOW,

I hope I don't sound dumb but which one is the middle bow??? Once you did this did it fix the problem or did you have to do it every time you closed the top?

Thanks, I really appreciate the help.

Juan L.

SHILOW

I had to do this everytime until the elastic bands were replaced. The bow I am refering to is located directly above your head when seated in the car. You will notice 2 elastic bands located on both the driver and passenger sides. These bands connect it to another bow and pulls it into the proper position durring the fold. Over time (a short time IMHO) the elasticity wears. In some cases the motor can overcome this and complete the process. But, I think that is what causes the motor to go bad and the holes in the top near the back window.

sluggo

iTrader: (3)

I ordered one yesterday. ~$1200.00

juanl1999

Thanks Shilo,

I looked at the straps and they seem in fairly good condition plus I tried moving the bar when I was closing the top but it didn't really move at all. I don't think its the straps. The motor built into the hatch lid that reaches up and pulls the top completely close just sounds like it keeps getting stuck. Maybe I'll take it in one of these days so I can get some sort of answer from Nissan.

Thanks everyone.

Juan L.

charlie_rdstr_Z

iTrader: (2)

Anything new? Mine is acting up...

juanl1999

Same issue. Just got used to it and I haven't gotten a clear answer on what the issue is. People say they have taken it to the dealer and that they've gotten it fixed but aren't specific on what was the problem.

charlie_rdstr_Z

iTrader: (2)

I don't believe there is a common problem, other than the 5th bow.

juanl1999

Well like I said other people have had the issue, gotten it fixed but it's never clear what was the root of the problem. Not having it close isn't a big deal but if I can fix it on the cheap then all the better.