SL/R230 Retractable Hardtop Problem 2003 SL500

Mar 8, 2017 | 09:25 PM

plubeck

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SL500

Retractable Hardtop Problem 2003 SL500

Can anyone direct me to a solution. The top goes down without problem, it also goes all the way up, but the dashboard indicator says it is still in operation. Also the trunk remains locked.

Paul

Mar 8, 2017 | 10:22 PM

Ghostty

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From: North Cali

2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400

I am 99% sure it's a bad sensor by the lock above your head. Did you try searching the forum how to troubleshoot that?

Regards

Mar 8, 2017 | 10:42 PM

plubeck

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SL500

Is that in the windshield surround where the latches are?

Mar 8, 2017 | 10:46 PM

Ghostty

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Joined: May 2015

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From: North Cali

2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400

Not sure if it's in the windshield surround. it Should be in the top itself, next to the mechanism that locks the roof. google the diagram for rooftop sensors, bet you'll find it.

Mar 8, 2017 | 11:20 PM

bobterry99

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From: Atlanta, unfortunately

'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55

Quote:

Originally Posted by plubeck

The top goes down without problem, it also goes all the way up, but the dashboard indicator says it is still in operation.

The roof controller may not be getting confirmation that the tubular frame is locked from switches S118/1 and S118/2. See page 18 of the roof diagnostic aid.

Mar 9, 2017 | 09:51 AM

Ghostty

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From: North Cali

2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400

What I would recommend is to get the codes read with a SDS scanner. Why - because there are 7 (if I remember correctly) sensors that respond for the rooftop to be read as "closed" be the vehicle. And since there's no obvious signs of what could have happened, any of those could go bad. There's no way to say which one exactly without the scanner. Would be a shame for you waste money on replacing a good one because we assumed it might be the bad one

Mar 9, 2017 | 01:28 PM

bobterry99

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From: Atlanta, unfortunately

'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostty

Why - because there are 7 (if I remember correctly) sensors that respond for the rooftop to be read as "closed" be the vehicle. And since there's no obvious signs of what could have happened, any of those could go bad.

I disagree. There are a dozen or so limit switches, and only four can fail and still allow the top to completely open or close as the OP reports. Those four possibilities are limited to two depending upon whether or not there are warnings when the roof is open: no warnings indicate a roof lock switch (S69/2 or S69/3), warnings indicate a tubular frame switch (S118/1 or S118/2).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostty

What I would recommend is to get the codes read with a SDS scanner.

I can't disagree with this -- certainly not if the diagnostic is free -- but here's the rub: SDS is likely to simply confirm what was deduced from careful observation. And since the lock switches are wired in series to a single controller input, diagnosing the problem is very likely going to require testing the hardware with a multimeter. Consequently, it may be best to skip the Star Diagnosis.

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Mar 13, 2017 | 08:58 PM

plubeck

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SL500

Thanks all for the advise. I fixed it! In the retractable hardtop, behind the headliner there are 2 switches that confirm the latches are engaged. There are 2 latches (Left & right) that engage with the top fully closed as well as with it fully open. The switches are actuated by the latches that are connected in series so there is a single pair or wires routed along the inside of the hardtop following the route of the frame and frame hinges back into the trunk and around the front of the spare tire (well guarded all the way). At the hinge where the tubular frame attaches to the body apparently something got in there are broke the wires. What a pain! The wires are held in place with at least 40 clips and cable ties and are routed through a housing at the passenger compartment to trunk interface that is bolted in in such a manner that it cannot be loosened to route new wires. So a careful splice with insulation and careful routing such that it doesn't get stress fixed it.

I had to fool the system to open & close the hardtop to access the wiring at different points, but all came out well. The error messages disappeared once the job was complete, maybe logged, but not showing on the dashboard.

Basically the top doesn't seem to have and smarts built in, just a mechanical system with various switches. Makes it possible to repair at home!

Paul