Roadster Top problems - Nissan Corporate wants you to call in and open case

hjkarten

After 2 weeks of sitting in the shop while awaiting delivery of new bungees and also the plastic door seals, I was informed that the repairs were completed.
The service manager at Nissan Mossy dealer on Claremont Mesa in San Diego told me that one of the other service shops of the San Diego dealership had previously replaced the bungees, but installed them incorrectly.
The top now operates much more smoothly, and the tonneau cover no longer hangs up on the canvas. The bungees pull the roof cleanly forward and the metal cover no longer makes a loud clunking noise when opening and closing. Still not a slick quiet process, but much better.
I did notice that they had cut part of the cloth on both sides, where the bungee attaches. I plan to take it back to further question them about the long term consequences of that. One of the service managers, Manny, seemed particularly knowledgable about the problems with the top. He said that this should deal with the problem. He offered some guidelines to preserve the top:
1) Hand wash the car, never use the automatic machines with the big roller brushes.
2) Best to store the car in a garage whenever possible. Preferable to do that with the top up.
3) Exercise the top (open and close it) at least once a week.
Although he did not suggest a service interval on the bungees, it would be advisable to have them checked on a regular basis - e.g., when doing routine oil changes. Don't hesitate to spend the extra money to replace the bungees when they start to show signs of excess sagging.
He insisted that this should fix the problem and prevent bending and breaking of the 5th bow.
I have 2016 that was purchased a month ago as a pre-certified used can (24,000 miles). The work on the top was done as a warranty repair.
Let's hope this solves the top problem!!!
It is a nice little car, and I hope that it gives me no further problems with the top.
Harvey

Spoiler

HJK,

Nice right up. Hope this stays repaired for you. I have a similar problem in my ‘15. The top bumps when I am putting it down. I hate to say I don’t trust any dealerships as most do not know what they are doing sometimes with these roadster tops

I guess it’s time for a road trip to San Diego

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HillcrestTop

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread and trying to help with getting my top fixed. After being unsuccessful, due to having a salvage title, have decided to sell it.

Hasta La Vista Baby

snuffcity

For those in the central Texas area I just had my bungie's replaced at Southwest Nissan in Weatherford TX. Only had it back for a day, but seems to be working well. I had contacted three other dealers somewhat local to me and they either would not work on it or said they had no experience with top repairs..

hjkarten

Follow up on the roof problems with my 370z roadster.
Within a week of the repair and replacement of the bungees and weatherproofing seals, the convertible alarm light turned on even with the top fully open and closed. The Service Manager checked it out and informed me that I could continue to use the top despite the service light as it was due to a defective switch, not likely to cause any problems. They also wanted to completely replace the canvas top as well as the defective switch, and they would call me when the parts arrived. A month later the parts arrived. THe car was in the shop for more than 7 weeks, awaiting various other parts needed for the repair. Fortunately, when I was informed that it was finally ready, and I went to pick it, I tested the function while still at the repair shop. The top totally jammed on the second trial, and was locked in the half open position. I obviously could not use the car. They are once again working to fix the top. All told, I have had the car for slightly more than 4 months. It has been in the shop for at least 3 full months. The Shop Manager suggested that the best course of action would be to completely replace the whole top mechanism. This is a job that normally costs about $18,000! The company Field Rep would not approve this warranty repair, and would only approve additional local adjustments.
Two days later, the Nissan Company headquarters contacted me with an offer to repurchase the car under the California Lemon Law Buyback.
I am considering returning it with some regret, as I really like the way the car drives, and when the top is down, it is really a hoot on a lovely sunny day. It is a perfect California car. It fills a particular niche in the market. Not as hot as a Boxster, but also not as expensive. More comfortable on even medium length trips than the Miata, and much easier to get in and out of the driver's seat than the Miata. A bit more 'kick' than my previous BMW Z4.
The problems with the top have been recurrent, and the likely reason the company terminated manufacture of the roadster. Too bad, as it is a sweet car.
The problem is with the top. The Service Manager was superb, very honorable in dealing with me, and made every effort to try to make it work. I recommend him very highly.
Harvey

10MPlayer

You need a new Corvette.

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About my name: I occasionally play a Conn 10M Tenor Saxophone - so 10MPlayer

Spoiler

Take the money

TJM370ZR

Take the money and run..........it was the best car related decision I have ever made!!