Howto: Cabriolet convertible top hydraulic system
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
i've got a huge problem.
kinda like yours, but ... more complex. my top and rollbar stopped working a week ago. so, i opened the trunk, set the top to manual, opened the roof lid, manually closed the top (looked like rain), closed the roof lid, closed the rear top part... and that's where all hell broke loose. i realised the manual and tools were in the trunk, which was closed.
now, the problem is that the top (rear part) isn't closed all the way, so the boot lid interlock is active, preventing me from opening the boot. but, i have to get into the boot to close the rear part of the top. also, at first i couldnt get the key all the way into the lock (the manual one), but jiggling and wd-40 did the job. now, after cca 3h more, my hands are sore, but i still cant turn the key in any direction, i cant close the top all the way (its locked in some midway position, levaing some 1-2inch distance between roof bootom, and roof lid, but it is locked by the top lock on the roof lid, also half way)
it's really a mess and i really need some instructions.
i called local mb, and they told me that they might have to disassamble the whole roof (but there must be another way, but they dont know of it // THEIR WORDS, SUXERS), and that would be about 2k $.
please, any advise would be most helpful.
as soon as possible too... thanks in advance
kinda like yours, but ... more complex. my top and rollbar stopped working a week ago. so, i opened the trunk, set the top to manual, opened the roof lid, manually closed the top (looked like rain), closed the roof lid, closed the rear top part... and that's where all hell broke loose. i realised the manual and tools were in the trunk, which was closed.
now, the problem is that the top (rear part) isn't closed all the way, so the boot lid interlock is active, preventing me from opening the boot. but, i have to get into the boot to close the rear part of the top. also, at first i couldnt get the key all the way into the lock (the manual one), but jiggling and wd-40 did the job. now, after cca 3h more, my hands are sore, but i still cant turn the key in any direction, i cant close the top all the way (its locked in some midway position, levaing some 1-2inch distance between roof bootom, and roof lid, but it is locked by the top lock on the roof lid, also half way)
it's really a mess and i really need some instructions.
i called local mb, and they told me that they might have to disassamble the whole roof (but there must be another way, but they dont know of it // THEIR WORDS, SUXERS), and that would be about 2k $.
please, any advise would be most helpful.
as soon as possible too... thanks in advance
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
02 clk 430 cabrio
thanks ... i tried taking the trunk apart and it was just too complicated so i gave up but now that u mentioned.. ill have to take the rear sits out and do it from there.... if anyone has pics how to take everything apart.. it would be alot easier ..
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2002 CLK430 CABRIO
My top issue
My issue is a little different and I wonder if it is a relay as well. My top started taking more than 1 try of hitting the button for it to open or close for the last 2 days. Once the process started there was no issue. Now when I unlatch the top the windows open but the top does not open. The roll bar button goes up and down fine and the everything is where it should be. I get the slow flashing light. Is this the relay? If it is how do I get to it?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: NORTHERN CA
2016 GLC 300 4MATIC (previously 2004 CLK CAB)
Convertible top fixed
I had similar problems with putting my convertible top down so I took the car in. Fortunately, the fix didn't cost me an arm and a leg as the seal at the rear cover was sticking so they cleaned the seal and now the top is working again.
The mechanic highly recommends putting the top up and down frequently even in the winter so that you don't have this issue.
The mechanic highly recommends putting the top up and down frequently even in the winter so that you don't have this issue.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
From: Conway, AR
2015 GL550
While trying to fix my top (I now suspect the trunk lock is the issue) the trunk is locked and the key, remote, or console release button won't open the trunk.
I've got the back seat out and the Bose Sub out so I can access the trunk through the sub hole. Is there a release button I can push inside the trunk to open it?
I've got the back seat out and the Bose Sub out so I can access the trunk through the sub hole. Is there a release button I can push inside the trunk to open it?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: NORTHERN CA
2016 GLC 300 4MATIC (previously 2004 CLK CAB)
Trunk becomes locked when you can't be the top down
If I recall correctly, the trick to opening the trunk is to to manually unlock it using your key. Your key should have a grey sliding piece on the top of it. Slide the grey piece and then you can pull on the metal key. Try using the metail key to open the trunk.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1999 clk 320 cabrio
top on my 99 clk320 has stopped going up or down - i read these threads, and wonder if someone can tell me how to check the fuses and the relay
i don't even know where they are and i fear taking my baby into the dealership - i am going for service tomorrow and hoping it's just fluid - easy, right? tia
i don't even know where they are and i fear taking my baby into the dealership - i am going for service tomorrow and hoping it's just fluid - easy, right? tia
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
clk 55 cab
clk 55 top making noise
my top is making a buzzing noise...past cpl times and today i tried to put the top down and it made the noise and needed"assistance" with my hand for it to lift the top to fold it into the trunk....arhhhhhhh whats happening??? can anyone help and is it ready to explode?
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1999 clk 320 cabrio
99 clk 320 cabrio non-op
i took the car into the indy repair shop today, and they told me they checked all the easy things, so they think it is the pump - a couple hours labor, but apparently the pump with its attached motor runs around $3K!!
of course, they cannot be sure if it is the pump, but they do need 2 hours to access it
i am devastated
of course, they cannot be sure if it is the pump, but they do need 2 hours to access it
i am devastated
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1999 clk 320 cabrio
99 clk 320 cabrio non-op
the roll bars were stuck in the up position from the other day, so when i got in my car today i tried pressing the rollbar button and they went down with out any noise
i tried the top - and it went down! i so enjoyed driving the car again today ~
when i got home, i went to put the top up, and nothing happened
i turned off the car and restarted then tried again - the top went up
i am guessing it's the relay
i tried the top - and it went down! i so enjoyed driving the car again today ~
when i got home, i went to put the top up, and nothing happened
i turned off the car and restarted then tried again - the top went up
i am guessing it's the relay
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1999 clk 320 cabrio
99 clk 320 cabrio non-op
i went to the indy shop near me, and the service guy got the roll bars up and they stuck, would not go down
i agreed to have him hook the car up to the mbz computer, and basically the codes say something was wrong with the top, duh - also, do not be pressing that roll bar button more than 8 seconds
i decided, thanks to the posts in this forum, and a little prayer, that it was a relay switch, since the top had recently gone up and down, although sporadically - i was not up for replacing the $3000 pump and motor
so i told the mechanic to replace the switch - as noted upstream, it's an inexpensive part - $40 at the shop, but the labor is killer to take the whole trunk apart to access it
my hunch paid off, it was the relay switch, and the top is operable once again, for slightly less than $400
thanks to all for the great input
i agreed to have him hook the car up to the mbz computer, and basically the codes say something was wrong with the top, duh - also, do not be pressing that roll bar button more than 8 seconds
i decided, thanks to the posts in this forum, and a little prayer, that it was a relay switch, since the top had recently gone up and down, although sporadically - i was not up for replacing the $3000 pump and motor
so i told the mechanic to replace the switch - as noted upstream, it's an inexpensive part - $40 at the shop, but the labor is killer to take the whole trunk apart to access it
my hunch paid off, it was the relay switch, and the top is operable once again, for slightly less than $400
thanks to all for the great input
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
02 clk 430 cabrio
well so i made things worse..... how ? well my top had stopped working on me awhile back so last wknd i tried to open it manually and i did..... but then i didnt know how lock the latch down.... and if i did... how would i unlock it again with the top in the way?..... so anyways i closed it back up (manually) and then the trunk closed on me by accident and not locking properly so now i have the trunk not opening with the top not fully locked on the back..... so what do i do? take the back seats out? will there be away i can reach that green button ? some one please help!!!!!!!!!
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
CLK 320 Cabriolet
Hello.. I recently purchased a 99 CLK 320 Cab... However, the user's manual is Japanese... Does anyone have the procedure on how to lower the convertible top manually?? My top won't complete the sequence and only opens up halfway... Thanks in advance!
