Initial Info:

• Top was strong and working flawlessly prior to work / actions listed below
• Installing sound deadening material behind back seat and in truck.
  • Gutted trunk (spare tire, carpet, plastic that surrounds the spare, etc)
  • I removed back seat (bottom and back)
  • installed sound deadening material under back set and reinstalled seats

Prior to starting work in trunk I wanted to watch the top operate so I could see clearances during action to identify if there would be any possible interference points with the sound deadening material.

I started opening the top and stopped in the middle of the action to look at clearances. I went back and "inched" it a little further and got out to look again.

After this the passenger side flipper stopped working half way through it's extension. I tried to cycle between open and close to see if I could get it to move one way or the other. Everything stopped working at this point.

Trunk flipped back with PS Flipper 1/2 way extended:


Also, the Rear Deck was flat horizontal at the bottom of the trunk.


Out of frustration and desperation I tried manually pushing the Flipper forward or back. In doing this, it moved a little toward the trunk lid with a couple of audible "clicks." I tried the open/close again and thankfully both flippers went back to the closed position and the trunk closed. I looks like the Rear Deck also came up, but doesn't look to be quite in the right place...not sure.

At this point I counted my blessings (it was raining) and left everything alone.

I disconnected the NEG terminal of the battery to "Hard Reset" and hopefully get rid of any fault codes preventing operation. Leaving it that way overnight. Not sure if I have the ***** to try operating the top again.

THE BIGGEST ISSUE: I am doing all this work because we have a 2 week vacation coming up in just 2 weeks. We are driving this car to Monterey, CA and are really looking forward to using the convertible during this time. BAD: Top doesn't work and we need to take or rent another car for the trip. VERY BAD: Top looks like it is working, we take the car, and it breaks in Monterey during vacation. Stranding us, costing a fortune to fix, and ruining a MUCH needed vacation.

I have read the link about fixing the Worm Drive and plastic gear in the Flipper mechanism. It sound like this might be what happened. Was this because of my stopping in the middle of the operation and/or "inching" forward?

Looking for any thoughts, suggestions, and insights from the experts on this subject.

Thank you!

 

Dont know if there's only one problem...maybe you send a clip of top in action....but, for sure you have a broken flap gear. I assume your G's is a 2012 or newer?.

Gears can be replace relatively easy for the other symptomes, perhaps it's nothing to worry!?

if you need gears, send me an email : guy.menard305@videotron.ca

 

That doesn't look good. That parcel shelf may have some broken parts as it should never be in the horizontal position in the bottom of the trunk. Guy is correct you will need a set of flipper gears. Luckily he has that process documented very well. As far as getting the top fixed before your trip to Monterey, i would not plan on it until you can get the top to fully cycle several times in a row without issue. The only way I found to fix these issues was to purchase a Consult3+ package with a VI and the software which will let you fix any issue with the top.

 

And this doesn't appear to include "software!!' I am assuming I can have the dealership perform this service for a "nominal" fee? Could be a good opportunity for someone who has one of these to set up a rental process for the community. I know I would pay $200 - 300 plus shipping for a week to diagnose and fix my top. I know this would come with headaches also. Just.....WOW!!

 

Thanks Guy. I am going to test things out today and see where we are. Yes, iIt is a 2013. Does this make it easier? If I decide I need these gears, is overnight or express shipping an option? Looks like these are all metal, so should prevent this from happening again, correct?

 

Car year dose'nt realy matters, they change gear design fo 2012 but...still ever broke. The only difference is how flaps react when gear break. On models before 2012, the flap fall down and seems free, instead of 2012 and newer, the gear break in half and the flap stuck in middle course. With metal gears, you'll never bother again and, no chance to compromise your hydraulic pump cause flaps motors are electric.

when you found all your troubles, if you need gears, let me know! I'm out of stock for now but, have some in production within 2 weeks. And yes, i can ship priority with Puro or Fedex.

 

DANG IT!! So it sounds like no chance / option of fixing this before my vacation. Taking this car was a HUGE part of the plan / enjoyment for this trip. Seriously devastated!

 

Sorry about you vacation trip!

i put a rush at my supplier but, have no control on production.

I know it's not a consolation but, just let you know you're not the only one...it's one of the most common problem on Infiniti verts. I have many clients already waiting for they'res.

If you want to reserve a pair, just send me an email and i'll keep one for you.

 

Update: I reconnected the NEG terminal this morning and pushed really hard to get my ***** to drop. They did. I had my wife sit in the car and activate the switch while I stood outside on the passenger side ready to "spot" the limp flipper. As the flipper extended, just very lightly rested my hand on it while it extended.....I extended just fine on it's own and ALL functionality of the top worked flawlessly! We went for a topless ride to lunch and then back home. We repeated the above
"spotting methodology" and I didn't even touch the flipper, it (and everything) worked perfectly!

If it were anyone else, I would say they must be living right....but I know better in this case.

Going to do a few more cycles over the next few days and see how it does. That said, If the flipper were to freeze 1/2 way during the trip, I feel I could manually force it back and close the roof (then leave it closed) and not get stranded. Maybe just wishful thinking?

Anyway, I already emailed Guy for the next set of metal gears to fix this the way Infinity should have in the first place.

Now back to sound deadening the trunk and trying to adjust the rear deck and/or fill the huge gap.

Thanks to everyone for your help. I will keep you posted if anything changes and when I get Guy's gears installed.

 

Hi Guy. Did you get my email? I asked to reserve a set of R/L gears for me, the costs, shipping, payment method, etc. Please let me know if you did not get my email. scott.turnbull@msn.com. Thanks!

 

Email just sent.

 

If there is anything I learned from owning and modifying multiple cars - never perform work, outside of maintenance, close to a trip / vacation / extended drive. Something will Always go wrong!

Good luck and hope everything works out.

 

Funny.....yet painful. And SO true!!