CLK
 

Hi,
:thankyou:

top closes but won't open
 

I recently acquired a 2002 clk320. The dealer salesman opened and closed the top twice using the correct procedure as shown in the owners manual. When I got it home I found that I have to physically push the top up past the first hinge to allow it to move. The hydralic motor is running but the top just won't quite go up by itself without a little help. When I close the top everything works fine but the top slams down on the windshield. Any ideas from anyone?

Your roof's tension cables are broken.

You can buy a new pair for around $200, which can be DIY installed.

Soft top won't open
 

The soft top on these cars need to be unlocked then manually lifted aprox 12 inches before it will retract into the trunk

I agree it is the tension cables, the slamming down of the top is a major clue. When you unlock the top you need to push up and the cables should hold the top in place (about 6") and then you should pull the top lever glowing red to complete the opening process. Close process is reversed and the tension cables stop the top from slamming on the windshield.

So you made this post, then somebody else posted details about their top problem and got several responses that make sense.