SL/R230: Roof won’t close
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 28
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2003 SL599
Roof won’t close
Been working on this thing for about a month and have gotten a great deal of help from member Mike. Most of the issues have been resolved but the newest issue is that when closing the roof the truck opens and that’s it. Pump is running but that’s it. Reservoir is full. Flaps are identified as open and roll bar is in the up position and will not go down. What am I missing
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
If the trunk opens, you should have the roll bar lock pawls raised, pressure on the rod side of the roll bar cylinder, and the piston side of the roll bar cylinder open to the return (roll bar should lower). Possible problems: 1) roll bar cylinder has a bad piston seal and cannot build enough pressure to overcome the roll bar deployment spring. 2) roll bar cylinder is detached from the mechanism (emergency deployment) 3) lock pawls are not actually being raised. 4) pump not making adequate pressure on line 100. Line 100 does have its own pressure valve, so it could be an issue that would only affect line 100.
I'm assuming that it does nothing if you just try to lower the roll bar. I would start by holding the bar raise button. If it has become disconnected, commanding it to raise should reengage it. If that doesn't work, have someone hold the lowering button while you try to push the bar down. This should release the pawls so that the bar can be pushed down. If the bar is still locked, you have a problem with the pawls and need to remove the side panels and have a look.
I'm assuming that it does nothing if you just try to lower the roll bar. I would start by holding the bar raise button. If it has become disconnected, commanding it to raise should reengage it. If that doesn't work, have someone hold the lowering button while you try to push the bar down. This should release the pawls so that the bar can be pushed down. If the bar is still locked, you have a problem with the pawls and need to remove the side panels and have a look.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 28
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2003 SL599
Thank you. I will try that tonight. It popped up when I replaced the roof control module. So I put the old unit back in. The top however will not raise up from the trunk. Trunk lid opens. Pump runs but nothing happens
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: A bit north of Toronto Canada
2004 SL500
Odd I saw this thread as just yesterday the vario roof on my 04 started acting up.
Basically, the top will fully retract into the trunk and flaps fold out etc, just as it always has and should. When putting the roof back up, the trunk flips open, flaps back, roof goes all the way up but the trunk does not close. It stays open. When I reverse the process to put the top down again, everything just works fine. I guess I could consider myself lucky as it doesnt stop mid way :-)
Anyway, I have the Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid pdf doc, and will be trying the roof out again later tonight to pay more attention to the dash messages, and listening for the pump.
I'm fairly handy (just only finished with the ABC Strutts, Valves etc) but don't have xentry or DAS (I have WIS) so hard to look up codes if needed, so I am hoping I can get some support here with diagnosis. Once diagnosed, changing or swapping out parts shouldn't be a problem.
I'll read this thread and others looking for details, and can post up here what I discover tonight in hopes someone can assist with diagnosis
Thanks in advance
Basically, the top will fully retract into the trunk and flaps fold out etc, just as it always has and should. When putting the roof back up, the trunk flips open, flaps back, roof goes all the way up but the trunk does not close. It stays open. When I reverse the process to put the top down again, everything just works fine. I guess I could consider myself lucky as it doesnt stop mid way :-)
Anyway, I have the Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid pdf doc, and will be trying the roof out again later tonight to pay more attention to the dash messages, and listening for the pump.
I'm fairly handy (just only finished with the ABC Strutts, Valves etc) but don't have xentry or DAS (I have WIS) so hard to look up codes if needed, so I am hoping I can get some support here with diagnosis. Once diagnosed, changing or swapping out parts shouldn't be a problem.
I'll read this thread and others looking for details, and can post up here what I discover tonight in hopes someone can assist with diagnosis
Thanks in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,340
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Stephen, most likely one of your flap closed prox switches is not being made. That will leave the trunk open after the roof is closed, flaps will appear closed, but are not seen as closed by the RVC.
After your flaps close, push on each flap. They should be tight against the trunk and should not push in when you push on them. If one moves a bit and you hear a click, that is the prox switch being made. You might be able to adjust flap travel to get it working for awhile, but the problem is probably slip in the rack and pinion gearing that deploys the flaps. MB and aftermarket sources make a stronger cover plate for the rack which prevents deflection and slip. If you have the originals, you should replace them. It could be a bad switch, but the gearing causes way more issues than the switch.
After your flaps close, push on each flap. They should be tight against the trunk and should not push in when you push on them. If one moves a bit and you hear a click, that is the prox switch being made. You might be able to adjust flap travel to get it working for awhile, but the problem is probably slip in the rack and pinion gearing that deploys the flaps. MB and aftermarket sources make a stronger cover plate for the rack which prevents deflection and slip. If you have the originals, you should replace them. It could be a bad switch, but the gearing causes way more issues than the switch.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: A bit north of Toronto Canada
2004 SL500
Wow, thanks Mike. you are amazing.
I went to the garage and checked out the flaps in more detail. The left is a bit loose, but closer to being fully up against the trunk lid. The right was hanging down about 4 inches, but tight. I carefully pushed up on the flap, and it did 'snap/click' higher up to the deck lid, and after, the trunk did close fully. I tried the sequence again, same result. needed to snap the flap up again and all was good. Subsequently I tried 6 more times, and no issues, the flap snapped up to where it was supposed to be by itself.
So, I'm glad at least this is figured out, but if its starting to act up, I should look into getting the parts as you suggested. Is there a part number for those you might happen to have ? (or an image you can share)
Again, thanks so much for the support !
-Stephen
I went to the garage and checked out the flaps in more detail. The left is a bit loose, but closer to being fully up against the trunk lid. The right was hanging down about 4 inches, but tight. I carefully pushed up on the flap, and it did 'snap/click' higher up to the deck lid, and after, the trunk did close fully. I tried the sequence again, same result. needed to snap the flap up again and all was good. Subsequently I tried 6 more times, and no issues, the flap snapped up to where it was supposed to be by itself.
So, I'm glad at least this is figured out, but if its starting to act up, I should look into getting the parts as you suggested. Is there a part number for those you might happen to have ? (or an image you can share)
Again, thanks so much for the support !
-Stephen
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,340
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Revised support plates are 2307500111. They list for $60 for the Mercedes kit (both sides and hardware). URO also makes a kit that you can get for about $35 shipped from Rock Auto.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 258
Likes: 34
From: Gluckstadt, MS
2003 R230
Odd I saw this thread as just yesterday the vario roof on my 04 started acting up.
Basically, the top will fully retract into the trunk and flaps fold out etc, just as it always has and should. When putting the roof back up, the trunk flips open, flaps back, roof goes all the way up but the trunk does not close. It stays open. When I reverse the process to put the top down again, everything just works fine. I guess I could consider myself lucky as it doesnt stop mid way :-)
Anyway, I have the Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid pdf doc, and will be trying the roof out again later tonight to pay more attention to the dash messages, and listening for the pump.
I'm fairly handy (just only finished with the ABC Strutts, Valves etc) but don't have xentry or DAS (I have WIS) so hard to look up codes if needed, so I am hoping I can get some support here with diagnosis. Once diagnosed, changing or swapping out parts shouldn't be a problem.
I'll read this thread and others looking for details, and can post up here what I discover tonight in hopes someone can assist with diagnosis
Thanks in advance
Basically, the top will fully retract into the trunk and flaps fold out etc, just as it always has and should. When putting the roof back up, the trunk flips open, flaps back, roof goes all the way up but the trunk does not close. It stays open. When I reverse the process to put the top down again, everything just works fine. I guess I could consider myself lucky as it doesnt stop mid way :-)
Anyway, I have the Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid pdf doc, and will be trying the roof out again later tonight to pay more attention to the dash messages, and listening for the pump.
I'm fairly handy (just only finished with the ABC Strutts, Valves etc) but don't have xentry or DAS (I have WIS) so hard to look up codes if needed, so I am hoping I can get some support here with diagnosis. Once diagnosed, changing or swapping out parts shouldn't be a problem.
I'll read this thread and others looking for details, and can post up here what I discover tonight in hopes someone can assist with diagnosis
Thanks in advance
same issue with my 03.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 258
Likes: 34
From: Gluckstadt, MS
2003 R230
Stephen, most likely one of your flap closed prox switches is not being made. That will leave the trunk open after the roof is closed, flaps will appear closed, but are not seen as closed by the RVC.
After your flaps close, push on each flap. They should be tight against the trunk and should not push in when you push on them. If one moves a bit and you hear a click, that is the prox switch being made. You might be able to adjust flap travel to get it working for awhile, but the problem is probably slip in the rack and pinion gearing that deploys the flaps. MB and aftermarket sources make a stronger cover plate for the rack which prevents deflection and slip. If you have the originals, you should replace them. It could be a bad switch, but the gearing causes way more issues than the switch.
After your flaps close, push on each flap. They should be tight against the trunk and should not push in when you push on them. If one moves a bit and you hear a click, that is the prox switch being made. You might be able to adjust flap travel to get it working for awhile, but the problem is probably slip in the rack and pinion gearing that deploys the flaps. MB and aftermarket sources make a stronger cover plate for the rack which prevents deflection and slip. If you have the originals, you should replace them. It could be a bad switch, but the gearing causes way more issues than the switch.
mine are tight against the trunk.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,340
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
In your case, is the sequence the same? Roof opens fine, but on close it stops with trunk up and flaps closed? If so, you could have a bad limit switch, bad ground, wiring issue, or RVC problem. If you don't have a scan tool, you can check flap switch status by checking pin 34 at the RVC main plug to ground. When the flaps are closed, pin 34 should be grounded. Each flap has a closed limit switch and they are connected in series. Both switches need to be closed, the ground good, and the switch to module wiring intact for this to happen.
'
'
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 28
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2003 SL599
I have the scan tool. Side flaps register when open and when closed. The left hand side was a bit loose so I did tighten it but it didn’t help any. This thing worked great until it decided not to. Pumps running good but it seems like it’s bypassed when it comes to lifting the top. Tubular switch clip was cracked so it would move around but that was also repaired and is now registering both open and closed
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 366
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Zippy,
Sorry, I have three different threads going here. Did you try what I recommend with the roll bar. If the roll bar down switch is not made, the roof will not start to raise.
Sorry, I have three different threads going here. Did you try what I recommend with the roll bar. If the roll bar down switch is not made, the roof will not start to raise.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 258
Likes: 34
From: Gluckstadt, MS
2003 R230
In your case, is the sequence the same? Roof opens fine, but on close it stops with trunk up and flaps closed? If so, you could have a bad limit switch, bad ground, wiring issue, or RVC problem. If you don't have a scan tool, you can check flap switch status by checking pin 34 at the RVC main plug to ground. When the flaps are closed, pin 34 should be grounded. Each flap has a closed limit switch and they are connected in series. Both switches need to be closed, the ground good, and the switch to module wiring intact for this to happen.
'
'
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
2003 SL599
Finally fixed
Trued to reset roll bar as per instructions, but was unable. Then I found the 7.5 amp fuse was blown. Kept replacing in and it would work for a bit and blow again. Then I realized that with the passenger side seat being all the way forward it would blow the damn fuse. Set seat back to its normal position and wahlah the roll bar and top started working again. Thanks for all your help
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 3
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From: Sw Indiana
2003 sl500
Won’t close
Replaced several cylinders and pump operated flawlessly drove the car 10miles now won’t close no actions open trunk cargo access button and works normally for access to spare tire any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,340
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Check the hole on the right side of the windshield header and see if the alignment pin has broken off and stuck there (S69/1 sees the roof closed). That would allow the roof to open, but not close. It can also be S117, but if load assist is lifting the roof and the pump shuts off when fully raised, you can probably rule that out. Several other things are possible, but they wouldn't allow the roof to open if it was fully closed when you started.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Sw Indiana
2003 sl500
Won’t close
Check the hole on the right side of the windshield header and see if the alignment pin has broken off and stuck there (S69/1 sees the roof closed). That would allow the roof to open, but not close. It can also be S117, but if load assist is lifting the roof and the pump shuts off when fully raised, you can probably rule that out. Several other things are possible, but they wouldn't allow the roof to open if it was fully closed when you started.
