sl500_dallas

12 hours ago my soft top was working fine.

Now:

When I try to put the top down it cycles perfectly until after the front latches release above the windshield. I can hear the motor running, but it seems to hang and the top will not go back.

I have been playing with it all day and I did get it to go down once. But then it wouldn't go down right after that.

I have never heard of this problem before and I am searching the forums, but so far nothing.

PLEASE. Does anyone have any idea what this might be?

sl500_dallas

I just checked my hydraulic fluid and it is just above the Min line. As it is still above it would this affect anything? I can not find any signs of a leak.

blueSL

The latches in the top rail of the windshield often leak but you would know all about it because the fluid would drip out from behind the trim. It would be worth replenishing the fluid and checking carefully for leaks.

sl500_dallas

I just took my car into the mechanic today. He found that the driver's side front switch was out of alignment. Even though the front was releasing the car was sometimes seeing that the top was still attached.

He adjusted the switch and everything is fine now. Cost was 3 hours labor ($255.00).

Compared to what it could have been I am relieved.

blueSL

$85 an hour. Doesn't sound bad, cannot be a main MB dealer doing the work!

sl500_dallas

No it's a place called Auto Hans here in the Dallas area. The owner and techs are all German. I've been using them for years. They have a great reputation and have always been professional/honest with me.

Here is a link to their website if you're interested. One of the things they list under services is "SL Restoration", so I figure I am in pretty good hands.

http://autohans.com/