davidr6042

Hey Everyone! Newbie Alert! First time poster, so please be kind.

I've read everything I can find on this website about PPIs but have a couple of questions: I am looking at purchasing a 2001 CLK 430 with, believe it or not, 41,000 miles. It is in PRISTINE condition. Everything looks great. The only issues that I could find were the stardard pixelation of the temp gauge and an issue with the soft top and trunk. Here is where I need your help.

When we put the soft top down on the car it starts to go down and stops. The owner of the car says all you have to do is turn the key off and turn it back on and everything will work fine. And, he was exactly right. Once I turned the motor off and turned it back on the top went down perfectly. This is apparently the same issue he is having with the trunk. Any advice?

Thanks again for your help.

Serndipity

The duration of the actuation time of the solenoid valves, until the expected positions of the limit switches have been reached, is checked in order to monitor the movement sequence of the soft top for each movement stage.

If the required time is exceeded, the sequence is interrupted and the error is stored in power roof controller.

After ignition "OFF" and "ON", the sequence can be continued.

At this time, there is a issue in the power roof system and unless diagnosed / repaired, eventually turning the ignition switch "OFF and ON" will not work.

davidr6042

Thank you for the quick reply! Is there any idea what might be causing this or do I have to take it in and have an "error code" read?

davidr6042

Sorry, also forgot, the same issue is happening with the trunk. Do you think there is there a connection between these problems?

Serndipity

Review the enclosed documents.

After manually releasing the locking handle, does the front bow raise about 8" and stay is that position, which should open the roof's driver and passenger frame joints as shown in the picture?

If so, the hydraulics will begin opening the roof. At what stage of roof operation, does the power roof stop?

The lamp in the power roof operating switch indicates system status and basic fault diagnostics. Depending on whether the switch is being pressed or not, are any potential faults being signaled?

Serndipity

Whenever.the lamp in the center console's trunk release switch is lit, the trunk is unlocked. The trunk can be unlocked with the console trunk release switch, the fob or manual key. When the trunk is locked, the lamp will turn off.

By design, to prevent a collision between the soft top compartment cover and trunk lids, if the power roof controller thinks the trunk is unlocked, the power roof will not operate.

Does the lamp in the console release remain lit when the truck is closed?

davidr6042

Does the front bow raise about 8" and stay is that position? Answer: Yes
At what stage of roof operation, does the power roof stop? Stage 1. It might move an inch or so and stops. I turn the car off and back on and everything functions normally. There appears to be NO problem with closing the top.

davidr6042

As for your last question about "operating switch and system status", the light stays on the entire time I'm holding the switch up.

Serndipity

David....after unlocking front bow, which should open up both of the roof's side frame joints, all the windows should lower (if previously closed) in stage 2.

You didn't comment on the switch lamp diagnostics, or if the trunk is electrically locked, however I believe the problem is at stage 3, or after.

The first thing that comes to mind is that there is not enough hydraulic system pressure when initially attempting to open the roof. To keep the pump motor from burning out, a watch-dog timer will shut off the pump. When you perform the ignition off and back on procedure, the timer is reset and the continued pump operation builds up enough system pressure to open the roof.

There's an inspection port in the carpet liner in the trunk, where you can check the fluid level in the pump's reservoir. If it's low, the system has a hydraulic leak.

While numerous owners have been able to successfully and inexpensively DIY troubleshoot and repair their power roofs, we're not trying to repair the problem, which if done at a dealership would be $$$$$.

At this time, you should consider having a dealership provide you with a written list of the stored MB STAR diagnostic fault codes and repair estimate. A dealer would most like charge a labor cost of around one hours time for that service.

It appears that you have found an otherwise pristine A208 and if otherwise satisfied with the vehicle's condition, could use this information as a bargaining chip.

Serndipity

OK....good, because that indicates normal operation.

However, having to reset the hydraulic pump timer is not normal and a prelude to a developing fault.

I would definitely check the fluid level in the pump's reservoir.

davidr6042

Thank you so much for all of the replies! Two last questions:

1. Do you think there is any correlation between this and the trunk having the same problem, i.e. won't open, then turn car off and on, trunk then opens.
2. He is asking $6500 for the car. Good price?

Thanks again.

Serndipity