Gentlemen,
Three thoughts come to mind.
Periodic lubrication of the various top mechanism pivot points is suggested by several sources (not specifically Nissan by the way), using white lithium grease and oil used sparingly. There are several YouTube videos on convertible top maintenance that show where and how to do the lubrication. Check them out and decide for yourself.
The factory service manual shows 249 pages for fixing top issues, but nowhere does it address exactly your problem. I'd suggest biting the bullet and have the dealership hookup their Nissan Consult (fancy laptop for diagnosis) to see if any codes come up to identify the issue.
Then decide from there which direction to go. Have the dealership fix it (be aware that so few roadsters exist that even fewer technicians will ever work on one for top problems, so there won't be many if any experts. Many will spend more time in the manual than working on the top.)
Or have a shop specializing in convertible top replacements work on it (will have much more experience than a Nissan tech most likely.)
And finally, an 8 year old top mechanism, just may need a tune up beyond lubrication of pivot points. Low hydraulic fluid? Air in the hydraulic system? A stretched tension cable (the one across the top of the glass on both sides)? Good Luck!
Gene
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