Body - Convertible Top Operation/Service Information
Classification:BT03-022b
Reference:
NTB03-071b
Date:
February 2, 2004
2004 350Z ROADSTER; SOFT TOP INFORMATION
This bulletin amends NTB03-071. This version updates the Service Information and removes the Parts and Claims informtion. Please discard all paper copies of the earlier versions.
APPLIED VEHICLE:
2004 350Z (Z33) Roadster
SERVICE INFORMATION
With the introduction of the new 350Z Roadster (Soft Top):
^ Nissan has introduced the first motorized Soft Top on the Z.
^ For any customer concerns or complaints with the Soft Top, please refer to the information in this bulletin, ASIST, and the Service Manual (ESM) before performing any service or repairs.
^ This bulletin contains information on:
a. Basic Soft Top operation.
b. Soft Top repair/service: Do's and Don'ts
c. Wind noise and water leak diagnosis.
BASIC SOFT TOP OPERATION
NOTE:
An "open" top is folded down. A "Closed" top is up and latched.
^ The Soft Top operation is completely automatic, except for the latch at the top of the windshield.
^ The various movements required during the Top's automatic operation are controlled by the Soft Top Control Unit.
^ To open/close the Top, after it is unlatched at the windshield:
a. The foot brake must be applied (brake light switch must be ON).
b. Start the engine, keep it running to prevent low voltage during Soft Top operation.
c. Vehicle speed must be less than 2-1/2 mph.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be completely stopped, with the transmission in park or neutral when operating the Soft Top.
d. Press and hold the Soft Top open/close switch until the Soft Top has fully opened/closed and the warning light goes OFF.
^ During the Soft Top open/close (down/up) operation, the passenger seat back will tilt (move) a small amount (about 6 degrees). If you need to cancel this tilt movement (such as when a child restraint is installed in the passenger seat), move the seat tilt cancel switch located on the back of the seat to the "cancel" position.
Precautions
^ Make sure the rear window defogger switch is OFF when the Top is open (down). If it is ON, the heat from the defroster grid could damage the Soft Top material.
^ Do not operate the Top when the ambient temperature is below 32 degrees F, this could damage the Soft Top material.
^ Make sure the Soft Top is clean and dry before it is opened (moved to the down position).
^ The Soft Top may be damaged if a high pressure or automatic car wash is used.
^ Do Not use strong soap or chemicals to clean or wash the Soft Top. Follow the care and cleaning instructions in the Owner's Manual.
^ If glass cleaner gets on the Soft Top, wash it off immediately with clean water.
^ The vehicle Owner's Manual and the Service Manual (ESM) include information for closing the Top manually if there is a malfunction.
^ Please read all of the Soft Top information in these manuals to become more familiar with its operation and function.
SOFT TOP REPAIR/SERVICE: DO'S and DON'TS
If needed, refer to NTB03-116 for Soft Top replacement instructions.
IMPORTANT:
When performing any service or replacement of the Soft Top,
^ Do not "disturb" (loosen or remove) the bolts shown in Figure 3.
^ These bolts secure the Soft Top mounting brackets (left, right, front and rear) to the vehicle body.
^ Do not "disturb" (move or change) the adjustment of the Soft Top locating sockets shown in Figure 4.
^ The Soft Top mounting brackets and locating sockets shown in Figures 3 and 4 are very "precisely" (accurately) adjusted at the factory to ensure proper Soft Top fit and function.
^ Any change to this adjustment may cause poor fit, resulting in possible water leaks and wind noise.
^ If loosened or removed, these items will require the services of a body shop to accurately readjust them.
Other Soft Top Repairs:
^ Before performing any service/repair of the Soft Top, make sure to:
a. Confirm the customer's complaint (make sure you know exactly what the customer's concern is).
b. Make sure the concern/complaint is really a malfunction. Compare the customer's complaint to a known-good vehicle.
^ Squeak, rattle, water leaks, and/or wind noise incidents should be repaired using the suggested diagnostic and repair methods found in the Service Manual (ESM), this bulletin, and other TSB's available in ASIST.
a. These repairs are expected to require only the addition of anti-rattle tape, foam (EPT) seal (and other identified materials in the Service Manual).
b. They should not require the replacement or adjustment of Soft Top mechanical components.
WIND NOISE
The following conditions do not mean there is a malfunction or defect:
^ Wind noise that is heard from the entire Soft Top. The source or location of the noise is not identified; no specific source is found.
^ A small wind noise that you must place your ear very close before you hear it.
^ Noise from other vehicles that are driving close by.
^ Wind or "Turbulence" noise that occurs when the Soft Top is open (down).
Wind noise that should be repaired:
^ Whistle noises.
^ Any wind or air leak noise for which a specific location or source area can be identified without having to put your ear right up to it.
WATER LEAKS
^ No repair is necessary when water leaks occur only when using an automatic car wash or high-pressure water spray.
Remember: High pressure or automatic car wash may damage the top.
Testing for possible incident water leaks.
^ Use a water hose that has an inner diameter of approximately 1/2 inch.
^ Adjust the water pressure enough to flow out the end of the hose a distance of about 27 inches with the hose 39 inches above the ground (see Figure 5).
^ Hold the hose approximately 4 inches from the vehicle and run water back and forth across the Soft Top and the suspected leak area.
^ Move the hose slowly (approximately 4 inches per second). Moving the hose faster or shaking the hose may cause higher water pressure to be applied to the sealing areas.
^ Do Not use your finger or other method to spray water from the end of the hose.
^ While running water across the Top, water should not flow/drip into the "cabin" (interior) from any cracks or gaps around the edges of the Soft Top.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If water "accumulates" (gathers) at the inside edge of the side window glass, and then a small amount (couple of drops) trickle down the inside of the glass:
This is judged to be OK; no repair is needed.