SL/R129: 1990 300 SL Soft Top Will not Move
06-05-2015, 02:14 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
1990 300 SL Soft Top Will not Move
Hello,
I am new to this site, but not to enjoying my 300SL. Sadly, yesterday when I arrived home I tried to put the soft top up, the roll bar went down, the Soft Top Cover went up, the windows rolled down, but the soft top itself initially went part way up, but then stopped. I retracted everything, and now the roll bar goes down, the cover goes up, windows go down, but the soft top itself does not move. I have read the posts, the fuses look fine, I have tried to deploy the soft top manually, but it stops about 1/4 of the way up. Any suggestions? I appreciate all of the technical detail I have found on this site, so am hopeful!
I am new to this site, but not to enjoying my 300SL. Sadly, yesterday when I arrived home I tried to put the soft top up, the roll bar went down, the Soft Top Cover went up, the windows rolled down, but the soft top itself initially went part way up, but then stopped. I retracted everything, and now the roll bar goes down, the cover goes up, windows go down, but the soft top itself does not move. I have read the posts, the fuses look fine, I have tried to deploy the soft top manually, but it stops about 1/4 of the way up. Any suggestions? I appreciate all of the technical detail I have found on this site, so am hopeful!
06-06-2015, 03:00 AM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Covington, WA
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'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Check the level of fluid in the hydraulic pump, under the spare tire. Otherwise, it sounds like something may be binding. Or a position sensor has failed. The soft top opens and closes in a sequence that is checked with position sensors. If possible, have someone activate the switch while you listen to the hydraulic pump. Does the pump stop at the same instant the movement stops? Or does the pump keep running? The latter case strongly suggests binding or low fluid. Good luck.
Cheers,
Jeff
Cheers,
Jeff
06-07-2015, 11:18 AM
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Thanks!
Jeff,
thamks for the advice...the hydraulic fluid is mid way between min and max.
When i activate the switch I can hear the pump working, but no movement of the soft top. A local mechanic suggested it might be mechanical? I replaced all fuses, so i think electrical may not be the problem?
i tried to raise it by hand but can only getb it up 12 inches or so before it feels as though it won't move farther.
appreciate your help
thamks for the advice...the hydraulic fluid is mid way between min and max.
When i activate the switch I can hear the pump working, but no movement of the soft top. A local mechanic suggested it might be mechanical? I replaced all fuses, so i think electrical may not be the problem?
i tried to raise it by hand but can only getb it up 12 inches or so before it feels as though it won't move farther.
appreciate your help
06-08-2015, 12:13 PM
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Eastern Kansas
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
the hand movement problem may indicate a mechanical resistance in one of the hinges.
At the age of your vehicle has the hydraulics been repaired or replaced? If not I would guess that you might be surprised with the MB "auto seat oiler" It is where the system operates in part but the hydraulic rams are gushing fluid on places you may not want lubricated?? lap, front seats, hidden spaces in the sides, dripping onto the garage floor!
Be there done....
Good luck
At the age of your vehicle has the hydraulics been repaired or replaced? If not I would guess that you might be surprised with the MB "auto seat oiler" It is where the system operates in part but the hydraulic rams are gushing fluid on places you may not want lubricated?? lap, front seats, hidden spaces in the sides, dripping onto the garage floor!
Be there done....
Good luck
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Waltguy (03-23-2021)
01-25-2021, 01:03 PM
#5
Senior Member
In all likelihood a simple microswitch on the top frame is not making contact. The system is a complex sequential authorization system.An action will not start until the previous action has completed as confirmed by a microswitch/position indicator. Be sure and check the wiring to/from the suspect switches. Others have found wiring that was damaged by falling out of placement,etc. Even had rodent nests. The offending switch is likely OK, just needs adjusting or wiring fixed.
