SL/R230: Malfunction Top/Windows
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 6
From: Bremerton, WA
2005 SL500 Designo Edition
Malfunction Top/Windows
I had something unusual happen when I put the top down today. I looked around the forum but did not see anything, could be my keywords are woefully inadequate to find what I am looking for. I am hoping that one of you MB Gurus might have an answer, so here goes... :-)
When lowering the top instead of the two main windows just bumping down like normal, they dropped about a third of the way, a malfunction indication popped up on the DIC but immediately went back to the top lowering indication. Everything else worked as it should with no problems, the windows went back up at the end just like always. (Never understood why they do that. One would think that since you are putting the top down, you would want the windows to stay down???). I went to look and see what the "Malfunction" was, it showed "1", however when I went to look at it... it was gone, cleared, non-existent... I cycled the top three more times and it work just like it should. So I am confused.
When lowering the top instead of the two main windows just bumping down like normal, they dropped about a third of the way, a malfunction indication popped up on the DIC but immediately went back to the top lowering indication. Everything else worked as it should with no problems, the windows went back up at the end just like always. (Never understood why they do that. One would think that since you are putting the top down, you would want the windows to stay down???). I went to look and see what the "Malfunction" was, it showed "1", however when I went to look at it... it was gone, cleared, non-existent... I cycled the top three more times and it work just like it should. So I am confused.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
First of all, the windows should lower when you open the top unless you have the aftermarket SmartTop controller, in which case this is programmable. If you do not have a SmartTop controller, then make sure you keep holding the button long enough so that the windows do lower.
As for the error, I can't really imagine what happened. Since both windows did this, I think we can rule out a mechanical problem with the window regulators. I'd just chock it up to a weird glitch and keep an eye on it.
As for the error, I can't really imagine what happened. Since both windows did this, I think we can rule out a mechanical problem with the window regulators. I'd just chock it up to a weird glitch and keep an eye on it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 389
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From: Seattle, WA
SL500
I'll take a shot in the dark. A common problem with top operation over time is the wires to the front top lock cylinder microswitch start to fray (most commonly at the articulation point that's sitting just above the rear quarter window when the top is in the closed position). It takes time for the wires to completely split apart and can produce some "Odd" symptoms that don't present on every top cycling. If this is the case, then eventually the wire will snap completely, and at that point the top won't recognised that it is closed and a message that the front latch is not locked will show and the windows won't raise that last 1/4 inch as they do normally as the last part of the roof closing cycle. Roof operation is unaffected other than these two symptoms. You can lower the roof halfway and stop to visually inspect for signs of any potential fraying. Luckily the solution i quite simple. You simply get a 2 inch piece of wire and solder the broken wire.
If that shot in the dark isn't the case, then I'm afraid I've no other potential cause.
If that shot in the dark isn't the case, then I'm afraid I've no other potential cause.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 6
From: Bremerton, WA
2005 SL500 Designo Edition
Thank you to both Rudeney and Aussiesuede for your responses.
(R) - I don't have the SmartTop controller (yet). After thinking about this, I remember it has happened before, just didn't think much about it at the time and to this point, it has been purely random. Do you think the error code might be stored?
(A) - I will check those wires that you described and report back.
(R) - I don't have the SmartTop controller (yet). After thinking about this, I remember it has happened before, just didn't think much about it at the time and to this point, it has been purely random. Do you think the error code might be stored?
(A) - I will check those wires that you described and report back.
