I have a 2007 clk 350 cab.

The convertible top opens with no issues. When I try to close it, it stops once the front locks in. The two parts in the back stay open. I'm attaching a picture so you guys can see when it stops.
I can close it manually but the cluster keeps saying top in operation, and the Windows end up not fully closing.

Any suggestions would help.

Asnwered over on benzworld, too:

I believe the problem will be the microswitch on the top of the windshield. It won't lower the rear windows until it recognizes that the front edge is locked in place.

Here are the WS docs for all the switches:

Benzbits: W209 Soft Top Info

You want to check this one:

http://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/lo...t%20switch.pdf

I'm reviving this thread because this picture correctly identifies the problem i am having. My top closes and then the hard lid sticks in this upright position. You can hear the motor "humming" as if it is putting down the lid but no dice. I was able to manually push down on the lid to get it to close and once down the rear window went into place nicely and I received a "top closed" on the MFD. So I am looking for help. The link above that Rodney posted shoots me an error. Troubleshooting tips? Specifics to look for? I did recently have the windshield replaced but doubt that is a source of concern. I appreciate any direction and advice. I'm also off to Benzworld to research. Thanks all.

Sorry - sometimes the links get "truncated" by MBWorld. Here's the whole page of links:

http://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/list.php

I just had a similar problem with my 2009 CLK 350 which I have owned since it was new. I was getting the message that the trunk partition was not closed. I don't think I have ever moved the partition, as I only use the car around town and never carry any luggage in it ( 16,000 miles on the car). After checking the partition out, I found a small micro switch on the port side (drivers side) that SHOULD be activated when the partition is fully closed. The partition was closed, but for some reason it was not activating the switch. Solution? A small piece of duct tape wrapped around the switch to keep it activated. I would not recommend this if you frequently move the partition, but since I had never moved it, no harm no foul. Good luck

You need to replace the hydraulic struts on the partition. This is a common failure. I bought a pair of these:

http://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/2...624-V3733.aspx

this is good timing as this was just diagnosed by a shop to be the very same part needed for the very same reason. they look very affordable; are they easy enough to install?

Are those the same on my 05 CLK500? I have a pair of vice grips holding the partition against the switch for now.

Thanks,

It's the same part for all W209 cabriolets (I guess that would be "A209"). As for install, I find it easier to do if you open the top and stop it when the rear cover and rear window are both vertical. You will need a helper or something to hold the rear glass up as it will drop once the system realizes you have stopped operating the hydraulic pump. These struts just snap onto little ball joints. There is a spring steel clip around the end head of the strut that you release by inserting a small flat head screwdriver into the slot and pry on it. Pry just enough to release its pressure so you can pull it loose from the ball joint. The new ones just snap in place.

Sorry, I just realized that there appears to be two issues being discussed here. These struts are for the partition in the trunk, right?

The original discussion was failure to close likely due to a faulty micro switch on the windshield, but then it was revived with discussion about the partition in the trunk. The Lift-O-Mat struts on the partition get weak and fail to hold it against its switch.

I figured, just wanted to be sure.

Thanks!

Thanks for your help Rodney! I was able to climb inside the trunk with the top up and it looks like I can actually access and replace the struts this way. You see anything wrong with that?

If you can fit int he CLK's trunk, then go for it. Me, not so much.

I changed mine with the top partly open, took 15 minutes and works perfectly.

Now if I could just get the car to stay running.

Photos:

Great pics, Jim!

Help. I took the soft top down(open) of an 05 CLK 500 to thoroughly clean the interior. There was something strange/different in the opening process, However; it opened without any delays or interruptions. While cleaning, i wiped the inside tunnel/channel of the trunk where they're struts that are connected to the lid(trunk). Upon closing, the top wouldn't latch to the front windshield and the rear windshield and compartment cover were in the upright position, similar to this pic posted. After inspecting the rear compartment. I noticed that where i was wiping, there are now two broken plastic arms/clips that are attach to the rear cover hinges. i will post pics of those broken parts tomorrow. After another attempt in opening and closing, the top to retracted to the open position. I then pressed on the rear cover to close at 98%. Now, there's no function/noise when i engage the control switch(open/close) and there's a malfunction error(top in operation)in the cluster. I want to believe that i broke those clips while wiping in that area of the trunk. After viewing numerous threads here, i came accross this item #s84/22(see attached pdf)that looks like the broken part. Please, help me correct this issue.
Respectfully Arjuna

The plastic arms in the hinges are just used to lock them in place to hold the lid up when servicing the hydraulic cylinders. They have no function during normal use, but they can get in the way of the hinge operation and make popping noises. If that's an issue, you can just break the plastic arms off.

In your case, I suspect (and this is just a guess) that you might have dislodges this limit switch:

http://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/co...t%20switch.pdf

Here's a diagnostic aid I created that might be of help:

http://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/W2...gnosticAid.pdf

My Obeisances to you, for you'er a kind soul and a demigod in your profession. Should i manually lift the rear compartment cover and look for the dislodge switch? Or do you have any suggested course of instruction to reverse my misdoings? Should i disregard opening the trunk with the key, since the compartment cover is slightly overlapping the trunk lid, or can or should i? Thanks

The soft top controller registers faults and stores codes. With a proper scan tool (Star Diagnosis or iCarsoft) you can read the codes and gain some insight into what's going on.

Hi, from the pics, does the switches appears to be dislodge? Can i manually close the compartment cover, as it is and can i pull the top out and manually closed the top back on? There's no function when open/close switch is engage. Have you ever seen or herd of this issue that i am experiencing? other than getting the vehicle scanned. any other ideas or suggestions?
Respectfully
Arjuna

I can't tell form the pics. And the only reason I made the guess about that limit switch was that you mentioned you had been cleaning that area. The "cover opened limit switch" that I posted a WIS doc for is known to break. It has a thin plastic clip holding it to the top of the cover strut that cracks, and it doesn't stay in position.

I would do a manual close:

http://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/ManualClose.wmv

Note that the video uses the newer W207 E-Class, but it's identical to the W209 CLK's system.

Thanks. I saw the video. However; should i press/manually to close the cover/compartment to get to the trunk? Then,i can do the manual close like in the video? Or not?
PS. I was able to lift the canvas cover out of its compartment onto the top of the car. I then lower and push the compartment cover into its place. I lowered the rear windshield onto the top of the compartment cover. Fearing that i might do damage i didn't want to press the rear windshield into its slot. I manually opened the trunk and saw that the fluid is below the mini mark. Should i continue with the steps from video to completely closed the top? Can anyone who can assist call me 856-312-6347 please. i am in fear and frustrated. thank you

Well, you really need to open the pump valve and release the two locks on the left and right before manually operating the lid. Since you can't get to these now, I would lift the soft top out of the trunk and get it to the windshield, then lift the rear window up so you can gain access to the trunk through the open cover. You'll probably need to use something to keep the glass propped open as it will try to drop down under ist own weight. This should work even with the valve and locks closed because the system releases pressure after sitting for a few minutes. Once you release the valve and locks, then you can continue the manual close by lowering the lid. I will warn you that the hydraulic struts on the lid can be very stiff and difficult to operate manually. It;s best to have a helper and both of you to supply firm, even, steady pressure on the lid to close it.