I'm experiencing the dreaded storage top issue with my 04 Roadster. Storage lid stops while in the open top sequence (shortly after the fifth bow motor has retracted the convertible top. The storage lid opens perfectly each time to begin the close top sequence (in which the convertible top is stowed and is in the process of being put back up). According to the Nissan service manual, the problem is occurring during OP6. Sometimes the lid works as it should. Other times it does not. It's an intermittent problem.

Rule outs:
1. Storage lid acutators (the 2 motors that drive the storage lid up and then down): If it was a motor issue, then the lid should theoretically hang up in both the open and close sequence. Mine has never experienced any type of problem when beginning the close sequence in which the storage lid is the first step in the sequence. And anyway, I just had both motors rebuilt and it's still happening.
2. Any mechanical issue such as not enough grease, mechanism binding, etc. This is ruled out for the same reason as number 1.
3. Temperature, etc. This does not appear to effect the problem as it remains intermittent in all conditions. (I live in central Florida).

Observations
1. When disconnecting the battery for about 5 minutes or more, then reconnecting it and then starting the sequence, the storage lid operates properly. No issues at all. I've tried this during a cold sequence in which the vehicle has sat overnight, and when I've just completed a top up-top down sequence. Works perfectly each time after disconnect/reconnect of battery.
2. The issue tends to occur less frequently if the top up/top down sequence has been recently completed (ie, within the 5-30 minutes), although this is not 100%. It just seems to happen LESS frequently, but not always.

Speculations

1. Year of vehicle: I'm wondering if this issue occurs with greater frequency with earlier (03-06) than later cars. I would be interested to hear from other owners to find the year of their storage-lid issue cars.
2. Fifth-bow full open detection module: Since this module operates just before the storage lid opens at the start of the top being put down sequence, could this be the culprit? This module does not come into play at all when the top is stowed and the storage lid opens at the beginning of the "putting the top back up cause it's gonna rain" cycle.
3. Roof full open detection switch for the same reasons as above.
4. Soft top control unit: this unit is located in the trunk between the two storage lid acutators (motors). This could be an issue for two reasons:
a. The battery disconnect/connect method may be resetting the module so it works properly, although temporarily.
b. Nissan made a change in the part number at some point, indicating a change was made in the module, possibly to address the issue in later vehicles. (Again, knowing the years of vehicles with this issue would be helpful). The two part numbers are 285C1 CE400 and 285C1 CF400.

Would love to hear from others experiencing this issue!

Steve

 

8/9/2020: Update

Top has worked perfectly for five consecutive cycles since last battery disconnect/connect. I've been waiting a day or two between each cycle (doing one complete top down/top up cycle) to simulate real driving conditions. During that time I have re-greased the gears on the storage lid acutators (motors) and have greased the two storage lid latches (accessible when storage lid is straight up).

One latch (driver side) showed evidence of grease while the passenger side had none visible.

I also noticed the striker attached to the storage lid on the driver's side had some of the protective coating worn off on the bottom, sort of looked like is was chipped off while the passenger side was almost perfect (no chipping at all on the hook).

I wonder if this is a clue.

Could the driver's side striker be engaging a bit too deeply into the latch, causing the finish to be chipped, and possibly triggering a fault in the soft top module to stop current to the storage lid acutators? Or could it be it required a bit more force to open the latch because that latch needed grease (even though that side showed evidence of prior greasing) or the striker was seated too deeply? Hmmm.

I was thinking of putting a thin coat of paint of the bottom of the chipped hook, letting it dry completely, then seeing if it chips off after a few cycles....

Anyway, that's the rabbit hole I'm in right now!

~Steve

 

Hey just bought a 06 same problem what did you find for a solution? man I am so bummed have not gotten to drive with top down yet.
Thanks Stu

 

Did you figure out your convertible top issue. I have the storage lid issue also.

 

I have a dreaded storage lid issue as well. What was the fix for your problem? Thank you.