SL/R129: Hard Top Wont lock
11-10-2007, 02:33 PM
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1998 E320, 1994 320 SL,2000 Ford F 150.1997 Gixxer 1100
Hard Top Wont lock
I tried installing my hardtop today for the first time in 2 years. It refuses to lock. Here is what happens. On activating the button, it pulls the top real tight but will not click. As soon as I release the button it kinda boucnes back a little but stays locked, meaning I cannot manually move it. Of course, the light blinks and the alarm comes on once I try to drive away. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by kerrypacker; 11-10-2007 at 02:36 PM.
11-10-2007, 05:04 PM
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'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Had a similar problem when I put a used hardtop onto my SL. In my situation, the hardtop was tweaked slightly through improper storage, so that when I went to put it on the first time, I had to have an assistant push the hardtop down over the driver’s locking mechanism, to get it to latch. After 6 months of being on the car, I could get it to properly latch/unlatch ~50% of the time – the hardtop slowly began ‘tweaking itself’ to fit my vehicle. I know it sounds odd, but it’s true.
To completely solve the problem, I picked up a shim that MB makes to under the Locking Tab. (Sorry, do not have the part number.) By replacing the existing pieces and adding one more under the driver’s side Locking Tab, I have had no problems getting the top on and off, numerous times, over the past 5 years. No water intrusion either, whether from rain or car washing, nor is there any ‘wind whistle’.
Based on my experience, try getting someone to help push the front edge down to get them to latch and leave the top on over the winter. (Considering you’re from Toronto, that was probably your intent anyway!) Once latched, it will stay put. Try leaving it on over winter and revisit it in the spring. The top may ‘tweak itself’ enough through the winter. Good luck.
Cheers,
Jeff
To completely solve the problem, I picked up a shim that MB makes to under the Locking Tab. (Sorry, do not have the part number.) By replacing the existing pieces and adding one more under the driver’s side Locking Tab, I have had no problems getting the top on and off, numerous times, over the past 5 years. No water intrusion either, whether from rain or car washing, nor is there any ‘wind whistle’.
Based on my experience, try getting someone to help push the front edge down to get them to latch and leave the top on over the winter. (Considering you’re from Toronto, that was probably your intent anyway!) Once latched, it will stay put. Try leaving it on over winter and revisit it in the spring. The top may ‘tweak itself’ enough through the winter. Good luck.
Cheers,
Jeff
11-10-2007, 07:13 PM
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1997 SL500, 1994 Impala SS on steroids, 2007 MV Agusta Brutale 910R
I would try cycling the soft top through completely, my hard top can be finickey from time to time and this seemed to help, sometimes the latches get out of sync and this procedure should realign them. Also, the rear "hooks" can be bent easily if bumped or not aligned properly when the hard top is put back on the car. Check to see if they are both going into the latch straight, if not you can bend them with your hands to line up again.
11-10-2007, 07:13 PM
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1998 E320, 1994 320 SL,2000 Ford F 150.1997 Gixxer 1100
Thanks a lot Jeff for the suggestions. I am inclined to beleive the tweaking theory. May I add that ( I am kinda embarrased about this ) but we did drop the top accidentally the last time we uninstalled it. Hard enough to put a hair line in the back window. It has been stored in the garage since then.
Cheers
Cheers
11-10-2007, 07:15 PM
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1998 E320, 1994 320 SL,2000 Ford F 150.1997 Gixxer 1100
[
Cheers.... will try that too.
QUOTE=Just Some Guy;2497272]I would try cycling the soft top through completely, my hard top can be finickey from time to time and this seemed to help, sometimes the latches get out of sync and this procedure should realign them. Also, the rear "hooks" can be bent easily if bumped or not aligned properly when the hard top is put back on the car. Check to see if they are both going into the latch straight, if not you can bend them with your hands to line up again.[/QUOTE]
Cheers.... will try that too.
QUOTE=Just Some Guy;2497272]I would try cycling the soft top through completely, my hard top can be finickey from time to time and this seemed to help, sometimes the latches get out of sync and this procedure should realign them. Also, the rear "hooks" can be bent easily if bumped or not aligned properly when the hard top is put back on the car. Check to see if they are both going into the latch straight, if not you can bend them with your hands to line up again.[/QUOTE]
04-25-2010, 05:10 AM
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Mercedes SL280 & Volvo S60R
RAB749
The hardtop on my 1997 SL280 is stuck on the car as the rear locking pins won't release any suggestions, i have tried to release the hardtop manually using the MB tool to release the locking pins at the front above the sun visors, the switch is red and the windows wont go down when roof switch is operated?
