SL/R129: R129 2002 SL500 Softop lid malfunction
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
'02 SL500
R129 2002 SL500 Softop lid malfunction
Car has been garaged and stationary for about two years. During that period I had the battery on tender and the hardtop fitted. Car started up no problem and drives fine. Removed hardtop and activated softtop to raise.
Softtop lid cover does not unlatch on passenger side. No apparent leakage of hydraulic cylinder, meaning no puddle underneath the car.
Any suggestions how to proceed are highly appreciated.
Softtop lid cover does not unlatch on passenger side. No apparent leakage of hydraulic cylinder, meaning no puddle underneath the car.
Any suggestions how to proceed are highly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
I would hand open the latches and raise the top. (thin wrench in the tool kit for my generation of the R 129 )
I have had the latches stuck as well as bent and once freed I could then deal with those problems.
Plutoe's advise is important because the controller is the brain and it needs proper diagnosis not a hammer!
Good luck and welcome back to the rolling Benz crowd.
I have had the latches stuck as well as bent and once freed I could then deal with those problems.
Plutoe's advise is important because the controller is the brain and it needs proper diagnosis not a hammer!
Good luck and welcome back to the rolling Benz crowd.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
'02 SL500
My suspicion about this being a controller problem is growing. Battery is fully charged and fluid level is fine. No leakage has been detected. Luckily I have a competent shop in my neighborhood. Looks like this is going to be my next step.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
'02 SL500
Closing the loop on my post:
My shop ran diagnostics and cleared error codes from the controller. After that was done the top functioned flawlessly again. The error codes must have come about while the car was sitting on the battery tender. I don't have any other explanation for the situation, but I am relieved that it was cheap to fix.
My shop ran diagnostics and cleared error codes from the controller. After that was done the top functioned flawlessly again. The error codes must have come about while the car was sitting on the battery tender. I don't have any other explanation for the situation, but I am relieved that it was cheap to fix.
