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2010 370Z Roof Fault


R3DD3V1L

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Hi guys, I have a 2010 370z Cabriolet. 

 

The roof has failed, local garage can't fix it and specialists want an arm and a leg - really isn't worth spending that much on. So I'm hoping one of you amazing people might have a solution! 

 

The roof seems to want to go, the back body coloured panel lifts as it should, the cloth roof partially lifts but gets half way and then it just seems to forget what it's supposed to be doing. The motor can still be heard working but no parts of the roof are moving. The roof can then be "pushed" away manually, so nothing is jammed, it just won't do it of its own accord. 

 

I went away for a couple of weeks and when I returned, the battery was flat. Shortly after that, the roof failed. Someone suggested the two could be related, so I bought a trickle charger and gave the battery a good charge, it now shows full. Unfortunately, this didn't remedy the fault. 

 

I'm going to try and disconnect the battery tonight and see if that 'clears it's head', it's almost like the roof system is confused and doesn't know which bit to do next! I know that probably sounds stupid but it's the best way I can describe it. 

 

Oh, one more thing. When the roof is half open, looking at the hydraulic pumps within the cloth roof, there is a kind of white residue. Strangely, around the same time the roof failed, a mysterious white residue patch appeared on the drivers seat. I'm wondering if something may have leaked? The local garage said they'd change the hydraulic fluid, but theyve just said now that there is no fluid, it's a motor and cable system. So I'm at a loss. 

 

Any help MASSIVELY appreciated!! 

 

P.s anyone wanna buy a 370z cab?! 🤦🏻‍♂️😭

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It could be many things giving you this issue and there is a set step by step procedure to follow in providing an informed diagnoses, but before we go there I can confirm that there are no hydraulics on the roof operation.

 

The first thing to do is to make sure that you have a FULLY CHARGED GOOD BATTERY. If in doubt just buy a proper new battery.

 

The engine must be running when you operate the roof.

 

The ambient temperature must be above +6 degrees C, but I advise above +10degrees C.

 

Run the car with the heater on full hot for 30 minutes to warm up the fabric if temp is your issue.

 

The roofs do tend to get a bit sticky if not used for a while so keep the mechanisms well greased.

 

Sometimes the roof requires a little push/pull just to get it going again, but do not force it.

 

If any of the above is not your issue, let me know and I will send over the factory technical manual for the roof operation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8 hours ago, ZMANALEX said:

It could be many things giving you this issue and there is a set step by step procedure to follow in providing an informed diagnoses, but before we go there I can confirm that there are no hydraulics on the roof operation.

 

The first thing to do is to make sure that you have a FULLY CHARGED GOOD BATTERY. If in doubt just buy a proper new battery.

 

The engine must be running when you operate the roof.

 

The ambient temperature must be above +6 degrees C, but I advise above +10degrees C.

 

Run the car with the heater on full hot for 30 minutes to warm up the fabric if temp is your issue.

 

The roofs do tend to get a bit sticky if not used for a while so keep the mechanisms well greased.

 

Sometimes the roof requires a little push/pull just to get it going again, but do not force it.

 

If any of the above is not your issue, let me know and I will send over the factory technical manual for the roof operation.

 

Thanks @ZMANALEX@Zmanalex you're a star! 

 

I'm pretty sure the battery is good but I'll change it anyway to be on the safe side. The problems do seem to have started since the battery went flat, the car needed jump starting and since then it hasn't worked. So fingers crossed its battery related. I've always operated roof with engine on. 

 

Hadn't thought about temps, I'll give that a try too! Not sure I can afford the fuel bill leaving the engine running for 30 mins though, I'll give Shell a call first and have them have a tanker on standby. 

 

If there's any way you could send that manual over anyway, I'd really appreciate it! Could be handy to have knocking about! 

 

Thanks again, much appreciated! I'll let you know how I get on. 

 

Joel

 

8 hours ago, ZMANALEX said:

 

 

 

 

 

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Hi @ZMANALEX

 

Not sure if you got my PM. I've just been to Halfords, they've tested the current battery and said it's fine, showing good voltage. So unfortunately it's not that. Just really strange that the roof has been fine, and then fails at the same point the battery dies and needs jumping.

 

Anyway, if you have that manual, or any other suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Really don't know where to go from here to be honest other than giving a roof specialist thousands which I can't afford to do.

 

Cheers,

 

Joel

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19 hours ago, ZMANALEX said:

How did you get on with all the other previous suggestions that I provided you with?

The first thing to do is to make sure that you have a FULLY CHARGED GOOD BATTERY. If in doubt just buy a proper new battery. - Battery has been tested and confirmed fine

 

The engine must be running when you operate the roof. - Engine is always on

 

The ambient temperature must be above +6 degrees C, but I advise above +10degrees C.  - Ran heater for 30 mins to ensure temp was good

 

Run the car with the heater on full hot for 30 minutes to warm up the fabric if temp is your issue.  - Ran heater for 30 mins to ensure temp was good

 

The roofs do tend to get a bit sticky if not used for a while so keep the mechanisms well greased. - Roof moves freely and sometimes opens fully under it's own steam, therefore I believe mechanism is well greased.

 

Sometimes the roof requires a little push/pull just to get it going again, but do not force it. - I have tried 'helping it along' however to no avail.

 

If any of the above is not your issue, let me know and I will send over the factory technical manual for the roof operation.

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If you want to have an better understanding of how the roof works there are some very good videos on tophydraulics.com They explain how the system works and how to diy trouble shoot as well. The company can also supply replacement hydraulic cylinders and hoses if you have an issue. The only negative side is they are based in the USA. 
Look on the DIY section for videos. 
 

There is also a company based in Chester called Hoodtech who can resolve softtop problems. 

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  • 7 months later...
9 hours ago, AndersFTM said:

@Alfie370Z hi, have you used hoodtech's services previously? I'm starting to have have a couple of issues with the roof on the 370 so looking for recommendations as to where I can go for someone to have a look at it for me, thanks in advance! 

I’ve not personally had experience using them but was recommended by someone who had an intermittent wiring issue resolved by them. 

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On 17/05/2022 at 23:55, Alfie370Z said:

I’ve not personally had experience using them but was recommended by someone who had an intermittent wiring issue resolved by them. 

@Alfie370Z thank you, I've been in touch with hoodtech and looking to arrange for them to have a look over it for me 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi all, just a quick update if anyone was interested. I dropped it off at Hoodtech today, Charlie there had a quick look before I Ieft and said the bungee straps were definitely an issue and would need replacing. I've left it there for a week so he's also going to check for any other issues. He also suggested some type of upgrade kit which would reduce the chance of the frame cracking in the future (although mine didn't specifically need that yet but it would give peace of mind for the future) I'll be in touch with him again next week so I can keep this thread updated 👍

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