beltwaybob

I have a problem(s) that might be related. The convertible top will not go down. Plus, the big ol' rear seat head-rests won't go down - retract - either. It's a W208 CLK430
Any ideas? TIA, Bob

Critter

Check the trunk for something touching the pouch that the top drops into. Push the pouch towards the seat then pull it back towards you. Put a case of pop up near the back seat in the trunk and the top would not go down. Maybe your trouble.

GatorMB

Has the car been in an accident or airborne recently? Both head rest or only 1?

Gator

beltwaybob

It is both head rests. No accidents or anything. I had never seen those head rests up before. I seem to remember that a couple months ago I had put the top down and when I got home I put it up and didn't pay much attention but when I drove the car the next day, the haead rests were up (Can't see jack out the back) and then later I wasn't able to put the top down. When I move the top button either direction, I can hear motors running but nothing happens. I'm not sure, but I think it won't even put the windows down. I'm aware of the pouch thing and I've retracted the pouch and pulled it back out again (a couple times) but no help. Bob

GatorMB

Sounds like the SRS system might be at fault or the top control module has a problem as well.
The headrest's must be down and the trunk closed for the top to operate properly. The SRS system will deploy the headrest in event of wheel sensors and stability control sensors not reporting within an x amount of time.
With the car sitting still and running the rollbar switches should retract the headrest. Double check all fuses. Confirm the soft-top pump actuates with the roll bar switch.
The only way I know of to reset an accident report to SRS is from the dealer.
last case scenario is reset the car by disconnecting the battery. Research before doing though. It requires some people input.

Cheers, Gator

beltwaybob

Wow, thanks, Gator. There may have been a false SRS fault along about then. There was a false ABS fault about that time. So I wonder how big a deal it is to disconnect the battery. I had the car to a shop for another problem a year or so ago and I'm pretty sure they disconnected the battery because they asked me what the radio code was. I might just pull the battery and see. What could go wrong? It is usually necessary to change the battery every 4 years or so anyway. Bob

rbr115

There is a way to reset the rear headrests using the switch, it is in the owners manual, mine used to do it once a week on a certain bumpy section of road by my office. Try the first

beltwaybob

The only owners manual I have is one I downloaded. The guy I bought the car from said people steal them and sell them on ebay. Those people are scum. So anyway, the manual I have shows a different head rest switch. Makes me wonder if everything works the same as the manual says. And it keeps talking about the roll bar. Does mine have a roll bar?

bobbyjo9

The headrests are your rollbar. If they were auto deployed, reset is simply hold the dashboard up button for a few seconds till you hear a "click". That is the mechanism re engaging. If everything is working correctly, you should now be able to lower the headrests allowing top operation.

beltwaybob

Here we go. (did you see the you tube?) The button on the dash that I think is headrest only has one direction from resting. So first I mashed that button a few dozen times and then someone said to hold it for 8 seconds so I did and I held it for 30 seconds. Nada. So I unlatched the top and held the top down button for quite a long time and finally the headrests went down and then the top started to go down. I hope this wasn't stupid, but I was in a hurry at the moment and put the top back up. I'll try putting the top all the way down tomorrow and post the result. At least now I can see out the back. fer cryin in the sink. Bob And thank all you guys for helping !

joetwa

Rear headrest button looks like this