mikep51

I see lots of top issues and guess it is my turn. After having spent lots of time reading, I now need to ask for advice. I have a 2004 Roadster with the top almost down but stuck. With a finger, I can feel that it is captured, but cannot get it to release. When the Open/closed is activated, I can hear a noise that I suspect is an actuator, but there is no attempt by the motor to move.



I suspect the 5th bow motor (original) is done, but I cannot find a way to get to it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

4xelements

The 5th bow motor seems like it did its job (bringing the 5th bow down to be latched) no the 5th Bow Auto Closure Assembly (inside the Storage Lid) needs to bring it all the way closed.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fi...t_top_info.pdf

I know its a lot but scan through and see what you find useful. I've got a friend with a 05 having roof issues so feel free to hit me up with questions. Ive rebuilt the 5th bow and some other motors so far, also replaced the elastic straps.

Dontmocme

You can pop the plastic cover to get to the fifth bow motor
https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...th-photos.html

mikep51

Thanks for the link. It appears the photos have aged out and are no longer available. Can you please repost or send to me?

Much thanks.

Millenniumrx2

Mike,
were ypu able to find the picture to remove the 5th bow?
i need to remove and have it rebuilt.
thanks,

mikep51

I have searched but cannot find the pics. Re-posting would be much appreciated.

Millenniumrx2

I was not able to get a clear picture of ypur post, but have removed the 5 screws holding the motor down, but not able to remove the motor. Am i missing something?

Millenniumrx2

Mike shoot me a pm and i can forward what i got.

350z-UB

Hey Mike.

it sounds like you are having the exact same issue I am having, I've spent a year (no exaggeration) trying to work out why my roof wasn't working. I eventually worked out the it's the latch or actuator that's at fault and not the 5th bow motor. I bought another motor and the roof still had the same fault.

i go into detail about what's causing my issue in my post. Link below.

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/619410-350z-roadster-manual-5th-bow-latch-release.html#post10959139

​​​​im so close to fixing the roof but I just can't work out how to proceed, if and when I do fix it once and for all then I'll post my findings.

mikep51

It has been over a year with this issue, so time to put it to bed.

I pulled the 5th bow motor and it was working properly. I went thru every troubleshooting tip I could find, without any success.

I finally did what I hate to do and that is to take it to the dealer. They diagnosed it as the mechanism that sits under this lid. No choice at this point, so I did the unthinkable and told them to fix it. The repair was delayed as they ordered the wrong part and had to reorder it.

I expect it to be back this week, so I will post the results.

Mike

LA350ZCHICK

Does it work now?

Nana050617

My top problem is bringing my top back up. It comes up all the way but will not connect at the very end right behind the back window. It makes a bad grinding noise, you can have someone to push it into place but that's the only way to have it shut completely

MATT12EAGLES

Bump, did this fix your issue? Ran into the exact same problem after doing a robins cloth replacement. The tight new cloth raises my back about a half inch up, enough to make a car wash look like Niagara Falls coming through my back window.

350ZXLR

Nana, your issue is the one described in this thread. You're the first poster to clearly describe the grinding noise that I hear. It sounds to me like a plastic gear slipping and teeth grinding together.

I hope it's the latch as mentioned in the early posts here. Will check it out ASAP. I haven't tried using a second person's help, but pushing it myself and then retrying the switch doesn't help the 5th Bow drop completely down and seal on the storage compartment lid.

And speaking of clear descriptions...if you all can indulge a few words on, well, words...

When you're opening or closing the top, the 1st and 5th Bows and many linkage parts of the top go up and down, often in the opposite direction of the top in general. Since the rear "panel" of the roof (where the window glass is) goes up AND down each time you open or close the roof, we should probably use the terms 'Open' and 'Close' so everyone can understand the exact operation being discussed.

-Leland

kdrk1

I seem to be having a similar issue. When the top is down and inside the storage area and I hit the close button the tonneau doesn’t pop or spring open. Just a clicking sound. If I hit open and close multiple times I was able to get it to pop and it went up just fine. Now I’m scared to death of putting the top down as I’m afraid I could end up not being able to release the latch to work on it. We’re you successful! Was it your actuator release switch that was bad?