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2007 SL550, 2008 E550, 2011 E350, 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV
2007 SL550 Hard top not fully latching
Hi everyone! This my new to me ‘07 SL550. I’m having a peculiar issue with the top. When it comes to opening it has no issues. The problem occurred when I go to close it. It will not fully latch and screams a “top in operation” message on the dash. Also with the top fully up and in this state I am unable to open the trunk. Any advice would be appreciated!
The front latch is on the same circuit as the trunk lift and the trunk frame locks. If the trunk closes, the latching step is being executed. The first thing I would check is the actual position of the front latch. There are two switches that are wired and series and tell the control that the roof is latched. If a switch or the wire is open, the control sees the roof as still being unlocked and it remains 'in operation'. To avoid damage to the trunk lid and other parts, all trunk release methods except mechanical key are disabled while the roof is in operation.
If the latch is actually locked, you have an issue with reading the status of the locks. Check S69/2, S69/3, and the wiring from the switches to the roof control.
If the latch is unlocked, for some reason it is not latching even though the pump and this specific hydraulic circuit are activating. Possible issues would be internal bypass in the front latch cylinder or possibly in one of the other cylinders on that circuit, front cylinder hoses installed backwards, front cylinder hoses attached to other incorrect ports on the pump, or a mechanical issue with the latch.
2007 SL550, 2008 E550, 2011 E350, 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV
Thank you for the input! I attached some photos of what the top looks like closed… I suspect it’s one of those micro switches you mentioned. Is that a DIY fix or something that should be taken into a shop?
That looks latched to me. I'm not sure what your ability is to work on it, but it really isn't that difficult. If you have a scanner, check the status of S69/2 & S69/3. If you don't check pin 44 on the roof controller for continuity to ground. You can also try to manually latch the roof just to make sure that it is fully closed. You need to have the roof latched and switches recognized before it will complete the cycle.
2007 SL550, 2008 E550, 2011 E350, 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV
Thanks for the input Mike! My buddy had a Snap On scanner I can borrow. Yesterday was all about getting it tuned up. All new coils and plugs and it runs great! I have noticed something the pneumatic for the trunk isn’t working. I’m curious if that could also cause this “in operation” ordeal for the top? I noticed this after closing the trunk (top down…) and a alert pops up it’s still open and I’d have to close it again and give it a slight push. If I all reads good with the top my next guess will be this trunk ordeal…
The trunk soft close is a very common problem. The trunk does need to be fully latched for the roof to operate, but it can be closed manually by closing it more forcefully. You also need the PSE pump to be alive as it is responsible for reading the trunk divider. The good news is that either of these issues will show as a message in the cluster when you try to operate the roof. When you get the scanner, check the roof interlock and the tubular frame locks. Those are the two sets of prox switches that need to be made to finish the roof close cycle. Both can be manually closed if necessary.
Check fluid level, this can be an indication of low fluid. If it is low, refill and find your leak.
2007 SL550, 2008 E550, 2011 E350, 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV
Good news is the PSE pump is working due to the locks and seats operating. I suspect the fluid is low.. the gentleman I purchased from just had the top “serviced/fixed”. I have a better understanding on where I need to start. Good news is I don’t see any hydraulic fluid in the interior or trunk 😅. Im leaning more on the switch side…
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