370z roof won't move warning light on

dsmarks2002

Glad to hear they could correct the issue so easily. My dealership was not, and has also concluded the issue is with the wiring harness. They attempted to fix the harness but after a few open and closes same issue resulted. They're now saying I need a new roof because the harness isn't available as a separate part. I've been contact with Nissan over this since the car has less that 30k miles but it out warranty, best I can get it Nissan to pay 50% of the 7K repair price.

KenB

Sorry to hear that. So ... it makes me wonder just what this part is?

dsmarks2002

Got the car back, they did install the part mentioned above, though that part is not a complete harness. They found one or more sections of the harness that had chaffed, worn through the insulation and were shorting out and throwing a fault. The repaired those breaks in the harness, re-taped everything out of they way and replaced a couple of other suspect parts. The tech opened and closed 6-7 times successfully. Now I'm at a tipping point, not sure how long the fix will last before it happens again, it cost me about $450 to fix this time, and I'm sure if it happens again they'll be less likely to want to fix it, and will want to install the 7k replacement top.

Seems crazy that they can't install an entirely new, and hopefully improved harness and have to install a 7k part, the rest of the mechanical, hydraulics, etc are fine, so I'd just be throwing them away, or they'd scavenge mine for parts to fix others.

So do I sell/trade or see how long it lasts......?

SouthArk370Z

As long as they have the wiring out of the way of the mechanical parts, you should be OK. I'd check it several times a year to make sure nothing has shifted.

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KenB

The tech that repaired mine used standard electrical tape. I was able to add a layer of self 'vulcanizing' tape for extra protection while keeping the area flexible. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'll try to capture a few pics of the area and post later.

dsmarks2002

Would greatly appreciate the pics and may try to do the same with mine.

Much thanks

NickD

Yes please post pics of the wires that were rubbing so we can proactively protect ours!

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KenB

As promised. here are a few pics of the repaired area. Unfortunately I was not able to capture the wires before they were taped. The problem area is circled in red, followed by a closer view.

I am also noticing that the hydraulic lines that go into the harness clamp are looking a bit worse for wear as well. I don't know if this routing has been modified on models after 2010. It would be good to compare with newer models.

Attached Images

	370Z chafed wire area.jpg (131.9 KB, 233 views)
	370Z chafed wire with tape fix.jpg (139.9 KB, 205 views)
	370Z hydraulic line harness clamp.jpg (120.0 KB, 200 views)

SouthArk370Z

Thanks for posting the pics.

I like to use spiral wrap* instead of electrical tape for applications like this. It provides more protection and has none of the mess that the tape's adhesive becomes after a short time. YMMV

*not a recommendation, just the first example I found.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

KenB

Thanks ... agreed. If the wire cores are not exposed then this should do the job. I would probably still fusion tape the end edge of the wrap to prevent a new wear problem.

In my case I needed to recover (insulate) exposed (frayed) wires. A self vulcanizing (amalgamating or fusion) silicon tape gives a good weather resistance flexible seal without the mess of electrical tape. I am afraid to add anything else as this might make the wire bundle too stiff.

dsmarks2002

My issues went from bad to worse, got it back with the wiring harness repaired, top opened fine, first close and I have a puddle of fluid in the back. Back in the shop and they say it'll cost 6k to repair. Think I'll get them to get the top locked, take it to and independent repair shop and see if I can get it fixed cheaper, then it's getting sold. Too bad, I loved the car up until now.

LennyK

Nice information - hope to prevent my wires from fraying with extra wrap

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dsmarks2002

For those looking to proactively prevent top problem these guys sell anything you need to tackle line replacement and pump rebuilds. They sell better than stock replacement parts.

Rebuild/Upgrade Service for 2009+ Nissan 350z Convertible Hydraulic Components - Top Hydraulics, Inc

catching Zs

Thanks to all for sharing this wealth of information about the convertible top issue. I am also experiencing an intermittent problem with the my 2010 top partially opening or partially closing. It takes multiple attempts to open but fewer attempts to close. I recognize the symptoms in the posts here. It is time to "raise the roof" and take a tour to look for chaffed wires. Thanks for the pictures, detailed descriptions of dealings with dealerships, and the alternative parts source if replacements are needed. Good stuff all y'all!

dsmarks2002

Sounds like wiring to me, good luck in your search and repair, hope you get it knocked out.