SL/R230: 2003 SL500
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From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
2003 SL500
I just purchased a 2003 SL500. Just a couple of small inoperative items.
EXCEPT, the BIG one is: The top doesn't go down. When I lift the tab, the Dashboard says "Close Trunk Separator."
However, it is closed. I try it with the Separator opened - No good. (Says the same thing) I close it again, & it says the same thing again.
I would like a Mercedes mechanic to go over the few items that are nagging me. Although, I am not imbedded with a Authorized Mercedes Mechanic.
Just need/want someone who knows the SL500, & how to perform repairs. Please contact me. Thanks!
Joe
EXCEPT, the BIG one is: The top doesn't go down. When I lift the tab, the Dashboard says "Close Trunk Separator."
However, it is closed. I try it with the Separator opened - No good. (Says the same thing) I close it again, & it says the same thing again.
I would like a Mercedes mechanic to go over the few items that are nagging me. Although, I am not imbedded with a Authorized Mercedes Mechanic.
Just need/want someone who knows the SL500, & how to perform repairs. Please contact me. Thanks!
Joe
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Simplest first try would be to check the microswitch and its wiring in the right catch of the trunk divider. Playing it rough, you might want to short the connection in there and try the roof again. But always do respect that the divider is protecting you from crushing your rear window on obstacles in the trunk so keep it extended while you play.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Apr 9, 2021 at 10:31 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
2003 SL500 roof
Frederick,
Are there 2 micro-switches (right & left)? Or just 1 on the right. I ask because, I only can hear the right micro-switch “clicking” on & off. The left micro-switch makes no clicking sound. Either broken, or non existent.
Yes, I can “short” the micro-switch(s) & try to carefully lower the roof, while making sure the separator in closed.
Joe
Are there 2 micro-switches (right & left)? Or just 1 on the right. I ask because, I only can hear the right micro-switch “clicking” on & off. The left micro-switch makes no clicking sound. Either broken, or non existent.
Yes, I can “short” the micro-switch(s) & try to carefully lower the roof, while making sure the separator in closed.
Joe
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Are your power locks working? For some reason, Mercedes routes that trunk divider switch through the PSE module instead of the roof module. The PSE is the air/vacuum pump that powers your door and interior locks, seat lumbar, and trunk soft close. When the pump starts to fail, it can blow the fuse which cuts power to the module and will cause your roof to not recognize the divider switch. If your locks are not working, check fuse 71 in the rear passenger side compartment.
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 142
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From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
SL500 roof
Hi Mike,
Thanks for reaching out to me.
You know, I just got the car, & it has been in my moms garage. So, I have never tried the power locks. That’s a good one. Will try tomorrow. But where exactly are the fuses?
Where is the Rear Passenger Compartment?
Inside the car, or in the trunk?
Thanks much,
Joe
Thanks for reaching out to me.
You know, I just got the car, & it has been in my moms garage. So, I have never tried the power locks. That’s a good one. Will try tomorrow. But where exactly are the fuses?
Where is the Rear Passenger Compartment?
Inside the car, or in the trunk?
Thanks much,
Joe
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The fuses are in the right rear compartment, just behind the passenger seat. There is a bit of storage, but the bottom pulls out and the fuses are underneath. There is only a right side switch on the trunk divider, the left side is just a latch, no electrics.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
If you pull that fuse and it ain’t blown, of course you’ll put it back in (wait 10 seconds before you do). If doing that ‘solves’ the problem of the roof not working, the problem will keep reoccurring because you have a leaky pneumatic item and an electronic fuse will kick in to protect the pneumatic pump.
Use a torch when you pull that li’l black floor out. Understand the two small latches securing it and then use both hands. No need to break fragile plastic in there, getting upset!
In which country are you, seeing you have an SL350?
Use a torch when you pull that li’l black floor out. Understand the two small latches securing it and then use both hands. No need to break fragile plastic in there, getting upset!
In which country are you, seeing you have an SL350?
Last edited by Frederick NL; Apr 9, 2021 at 08:14 AM.
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From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
Hopefully the pump is Ok. If not, any idea of that cost?
This car will never be a "daily driver." Weekends only...if the weather is accommodating.
So I just need to get the top in the down position, for now. Unless the PSE puma is inoperative.
One step at a time...
This car will never be a "daily driver." Weekends only...if the weather is accommodating.
So I just need to get the top in the down position, for now. Unless the PSE puma is inoperative.
One step at a time...
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
A defective pump may very well be DIY fixable. The impeller may disintegrate, it can be replaced with an aftermarket product.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 142
Likes: 7
From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
Well I replaced fuse #71 (20A). No luck. The dashboard still says “Close Trunk Separator.”
By the way, the fuse was blown.
Now what! Any more ideas?
Thanks for all your help!
Just want to get the top down.
By the way, the fuse was blown.
Now what! Any more ideas?
Thanks for all your help!
Just want to get the top down.
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Did the fuse blow again? Like others have said, the blown fuse usually means a PSE problem. The rotors do crack, but they can also get flooded and seize up from rust. You can remove the PSE pump (located under the top pump in a black box), open it up, and see what you have. If the motor or impeller is locked, I think you should be able to get the top working by just cutting the ground lead of the motor. This will allow the module to be powered, but won't blow the fuse because of a locked up motor. All you need out of the PSE for the top to work is that the module reads the partition switch and communicates its position to the roof module. You can then fix the PSE at your leisure.
Don't forget to label the air lines when you remove the pump. Also, without the PSE, your trunk soft close won't work, so you have to slam it down fairly hard to latch it properly. The top requires that the trunk be fully latched to operate.
Don't forget to label the air lines when you remove the pump. Also, without the PSE, your trunk soft close won't work, so you have to slam it down fairly hard to latch it properly. The top requires that the trunk be fully latched to operate.
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From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
Yes, the fuse blew again.
Where is the "under the top pump in the black box" located?
I now understand what you are saying. A temporary "fix" sorta.
You are absolutely correct. There is no "soft close." The trunk closes abruptly. I think it closes, with enough force.
Wow...I just noticed that you own a bunch of 2003 SL's. Congrats to you!
Where is the "under the top pump in the black box" located?
I now understand what you are saying. A temporary "fix" sorta.
You are absolutely correct. There is no "soft close." The trunk closes abruptly. I think it closes, with enough force.
Wow...I just noticed that you own a bunch of 2003 SL's. Congrats to you!
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From: NJ
2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
By the way...
1. Yesterday I put a brand new battery in the trunk.
2. The door locks do NOT go down in the door. Although the lights blink on the car & you hear a dinging noise:
3 times for lock; 1 time for unlock
More news is good news, I think.
1. Yesterday I put a brand new battery in the trunk.
2. The door locks do NOT go down in the door. Although the lights blink on the car & you hear a dinging noise:
3 times for lock; 1 time for unlock
More news is good news, I think.
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The hydraulic pump for the top is just below the spare tire cover, on the left side. It should have some foam around it. Directly under that is the PSE pump, also encased in foam. You need to remove the spare tire to get access. Once you remove the foam, you will see a black box with several plastic air lines attached. This is the PSE pump. If you separate the halves of the box, you have a motor/vane pump assembly and a control board and valve assembly. Odds are that either the motor is frozen, or that the rotor of the pump is broken and locked up. Both are moderately difficult DIY repairs.
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2020 E350 4Matic & 2012 E350 Convertible
Wow...you sound correct. Maybe a little too much for a DIY. But, a very good friend of mine owns a repair shop. He can definitely do it.
I will give him your directions. Then he can fix the problem. Thanks again Mike. Wish you were close by; I'd buy you dinner!
I will give him your directions. Then he can fix the problem. Thanks again Mike. Wish you were close by; I'd buy you dinner!
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Mercedes Sl 3200
When I try to convert the car....
Hi Mike, I saw that you have knowledge about the cabrio system at Mercedes SL 3700 year after 2003, I have a problem and I would like to know if you could help me with an answer. When I want to convert the car a fuse burns that is located in the compartment of which you talked about, rear back passanger side. I would be very grateful if you could help me with some information.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Having to slam the trunk lid may eventually crack the 3rd brake light housing. Water leaking through will find its way to your trunk lock. With the pneumatic parts of that lock already dormant, now it’s electric components may suffer... If you can manage to close the lid by pressure, without exerting too much stress on the sheet metal, that might be an idea.
