SL/R129: HARD TOP
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
HARD TOP
On my old 96 SL320, I was going to put the soft top down and nothing happened, heard what sounded like hissing, then noticed fluid under the car and also a little coming out from around the drivers side visor.
Is it possible to lower the soft top manually and install the hard top manually?
Is it possible to lower the soft top manually and install the hard top manually?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 9
From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
You can lower the soft top manually. MB had a neat little tool that came with some SL's - my '96 SL600 had one. I attached a picture of the tool and the instructions printed on the plastic bag. If you do not have the tool, you could probably find one either through MB or on eBay. If not, the soft top can be physically put back in its well, but it is a difficult unless you can use the tool.
The problem you describe is the classic failure of the locking cylinders above the windshield. These will continue to leak fluid every time you actuate them. You should check the hydraulic fluid level for the soft/hard top system as the entire soft top hydraulic system does not hold much fluid. It's in the trunk, under the spare tire and it uses a special fluid.
So you can definitely take the soft top down, and you can get the hard top in place and latched. To my knowlegse, the hydraulic system must be operating to get the latches engaged, so expect some more fluid leakage. Once the latches are engaged, go back to the pump and disconnect the power cable to the pump. This will prevent the system from pressurizing. But do this only after the hard top is latched securely and all the safety switches are clear, i.e.: when the red soft/hard top switch light goes out.
Cheers,
Jeff
The problem you describe is the classic failure of the locking cylinders above the windshield. These will continue to leak fluid every time you actuate them. You should check the hydraulic fluid level for the soft/hard top system as the entire soft top hydraulic system does not hold much fluid. It's in the trunk, under the spare tire and it uses a special fluid.
So you can definitely take the soft top down, and you can get the hard top in place and latched. To my knowlegse, the hydraulic system must be operating to get the latches engaged, so expect some more fluid leakage. Once the latches are engaged, go back to the pump and disconnect the power cable to the pump. This will prevent the system from pressurizing. But do this only after the hard top is latched securely and all the safety switches are clear, i.e.: when the red soft/hard top switch light goes out.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: longisland newyork
1995 SL320
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
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From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
the use of the wrench is small 20-30 degree rotation on the front latch. to lock, the rotation is to the center of the car. The rotation is on driver side latch first with doing one click then place the allen wrench fitting on the passenger side for a one click turn to the middle of the car. You may need a second slight turn on both to complete the lock down. The top switch on the center console should not be lite nor any warning chime when the car is operating.
