Infinity dealer just told me I needed a new "parcel shelf motor", at $2700 part + install labor.

I found where I can buy it online for (only) $1900 shipped. Not sure if they will install my part though.

Questions:
1) Has anyone dealt with this? What is the best thing to do?

2) Can the top be "manually operated"? I saw a hint to this somewhere, but can't find the procedure. I could easily install the part myself, but without plugging into the computer and overriding the safety switches, etc, there's no way to cycle the top up or down.

Help, Please!

 

I wonder if you could get the motor rebuilt locally? Of course, that won't the overall situation. Good luck!

 

Just looked at the factory service manual sticky (RF.PDF) and it looks like you have to disconnect the battery to clear the error codes. Then you only have to open enough to gain access to the truck area where the motor is located. But dear god is that roof is crazy complex; designed by Karmann who has designed most of convertible tops for car companies.

 

I have dealt with this same issue this year. I was way too scared to throw a couple grand on a refurbished or used motor for the top. Dealer will cost about 4K and warranty all the parts for a year. I looked for every backdoor way to save money and in the end dealer makes the most sense. Unless you can really find someone that knows every single aspect of this top. Autocutter said it right, this thing is crazy complex.

Don't go blow 2K trying to save 1K and then have to take it to the dealer to fix it the right way. Just my two cents for ya!

 

Have to agree about the dealership doing the work because once the work is completed, the system has to relearn how to open/close. It would be all to easy for things to go horribly wrong given the insane complexity of the roof.