SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: 2003 SL 500 top not working

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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 01:19 PM
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2003 SL 500 top not working

So my 03 SL 500 has developed a top/roof issue. top is down, retracted and in trunk for summer. I generally cycle it up every few weeks but have not done so in about 12 weeks now. I went to cycle and, the covers deploy fine, but the roof does not raise. I hear a pump working but the top does not move. I tried shaking it a bit thinking it was stuck, but nothing. I cycled the roll bar, works just fine. Went into the trunk, no leaks in pump or reservoir, fluid is at the top level mark. I do not get any notifications on the dash, like consumers shut down etc. would the consumer battery be the issue...? it is 9 years old, AGM, normally on trickle charge. shows 12.7 volts, and 11.5 volts on load. lastly, when I push the red button in trunk to raise the roof for truck access it work fine, but i have to push the button again as the pump continues to run. thoughts please before I take it to my local Indy.
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 01:52 PM
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Probably low on fluid from a cylinder leak if there are no dash warnings. Usually it will say top visit workshop for a non recognized or wrong position switch. Either way if yiu can’t repair it yourself, it’s off to the shop
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 03:16 PM
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Based on the pump not shutting off when you use easy pack, I would suspect an issue with S117. This is the switch for load assist up. If it is not recognized, the pump will not shut off when using easy pack and when you try to close the roof, it will stall with the trunk lid raised and the roof lifted slightly out of the trunk (top of load assist). The roof will not start to unfold and the pump will continue to run as long as the button is held.

If you plan to do work yourself, get as least a lower end, Benz specific scanner. There are several available in the vicinity of $150.
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 07:08 PM
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the pump shuts off in the trunk with a second depress, when attempting to raise the roof by holding the roof up switch/toggle down, the pump will stop when the toggle is released. would voltage to the unit be an issue or a fuse? the top itself does move at all just the covers. thanks,
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 09:04 PM
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What do you mean by the 'covers'? The trunk lid?

If motion stops with the trunk lid completely open, but the roof is not raised out of the trunk check S119 just in front of the left taillight and S69/2&3 at the front edge of the roof.

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Old Jul 31, 2023 | 07:05 PM
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yes, the truck lid opens but no movement on the roof itself. does not sound like a battery issue then. I was hoping that or a fuse, not so good on locating and replacing switches, unless there is a detailed description of how to do it. Thanks for the input, more welcome......
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Old Jul 31, 2023 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeJ65
What do you mean by the 'covers'? The trunk lid?

If motion stops with the trunk lid completely open, but the roof is not raised out of the trunk check S119 just in front of the left taillight and S69/2&3 at the front edge of the roof.
I think he means the flaps on the trunk lid.
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 07:05 PM
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Where is S117 located and how is it checked? Thanks.
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Pauld363
Where is S117 located and how is it checked? Thanks.
Try this link it should help

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...nostic-aid.pdf
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Old Oct 30, 2023 | 08:20 PM
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Fixed

Ok, to close this one out a little late, first trip to Indy was diagnosis of S117 not functioning properly. Fixed not replaced switch and worked fine for awhile. Got car home and of course top does operate. Another trip to have Indy fix problem, they replaced the center rear flap cylinder shoch. Works fine and the trunck assist opens up about 6" higher as well. Thanks for all the input.
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Old Nov 2, 2023 | 03:23 PM
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Pauld363 I try to learn from every entry. Some typing errors in your last entry leave me wondering what your fix really was. Could you kindly copy paste with errors corrected? Thanks in advance 🙏.
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