SL/R129: 1999 SL500 Roll bar malfunction light
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
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1999 sl500
1999 SL500 Roll bar malfunction light
Hi,
I had my roll bar cover replaced. When I got the car back the roll bar malfunction light on the dash board is lit up. Also when the roll bar is in the down position the two lights on the rocker switch are lit up. The roll bar switch will raise and lower the roll bar. Also when I put the seat belt on and buckle it the belt wont retract, it locks me into the seat. When it isn't latched the seat belt will retract fine. And finally when I put the soft top up and down the roll bar goes up and down with it. None of this happened before I had the upholstery on the roll bar replaced. Please help Thanks
I had my roll bar cover replaced. When I got the car back the roll bar malfunction light on the dash board is lit up. Also when the roll bar is in the down position the two lights on the rocker switch are lit up. The roll bar switch will raise and lower the roll bar. Also when I put the seat belt on and buckle it the belt wont retract, it locks me into the seat. When it isn't latched the seat belt will retract fine. And finally when I put the soft top up and down the roll bar goes up and down with it. None of this happened before I had the upholstery on the roll bar replaced. Please help Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
1991 500 SL
Most likely the sensor and position switch on the rollbar are now damaged in some way. Could be a loose connector or the switch may now be bad. I agree, take it back to the shop and try to get them to pay to fix it.
It is not *that* difficult to work on but the parts can be rather expensive if necessary to fix the problem.
It is not *that* difficult to work on but the parts can be rather expensive if necessary to fix the problem.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
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1999 sl500
Thanks for the info. The problem is that the person who replaced the roll bar cover is a friend of a friend. He hardly charged anything for the work. I wouldn't be able to ask him to pay for the repair. Would you recommend bringing the car to an independent shop to see if they can reset the computer or just bite the bullet and bring it to a MB dealer? I read somewhere that the only way to reset this is with the MB Star Diagnostic System. Is this true? If so then I would have to make sure the independent shop had that system. Thanks again.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Solving the seat belt problem may resolve the anomaly with the roll bar. If it does not, find a shop with Star Diagnosis or its equivalent or purchase a diagnostic system of your own for around $200.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
1991 500 SL
If you decide to try to fix the problem yourself, be prepared to pull the back out of the rear area to get at things. There are an assortment of things that can cause the problem with the rollbar including seatbelt, windows, rollover sensors (typically on the rear axle) and the switch and sensor on the rollbar assembly itself.
I would try to find one of the local independents to look at this. Depending on where you are, finding an independent Mercedes shop can either be very difficult or very easy. If all else fails, yes the dealer is your best option but can get pricey.
*EDIT*
Forgot to mention, if you decide to try to repair and diagnose yourself, I can recommend the AllDataDIY site http://alldatadiy.com/
Not that expensive to purchase access for your car and the vast majority of information can be found there including the diagnostics.
I would try to find one of the local independents to look at this. Depending on where you are, finding an independent Mercedes shop can either be very difficult or very easy. If all else fails, yes the dealer is your best option but can get pricey.
*EDIT*
Forgot to mention, if you decide to try to repair and diagnose yourself, I can recommend the AllDataDIY site http://alldatadiy.com/
Not that expensive to purchase access for your car and the vast majority of information can be found there including the diagnostics.
Last edited by CWRobin; Aug 26, 2016 at 03:54 PM.
