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

SL/R230: Roof Quit Working then barely moved HOW TO FIX???

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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 01:10 PM
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Question Roof Quit Working then barely moved HOW TO FIX???

I lowered/opened the roof. It was working properly. I partially closed the roof, and sprayed Dri-Film lubricant in the roof pivots. Then the roof quit moving when I used the center console switch. The rollbar buttons will not move the rollbar. The pump whirrs like it is pumping. I used the hex allen wrench to turn the rear latches to latched position. Therefore the display went from opening to open to no roof message/notice like normal. It stayed stuck.

The next day the roof was locked open/down. I pushed the center console roof switch to close the roof, and the trunk lid raised 2-3 inches on the left side only. The roof is stuck there now. When I use the open/lower button, the pump whirrs, the rear windows go down. (The rollbar buttons don’t move the rollbar, of course because the display says: in operation! / roof lowering.)
Should I switch the pump from my 2004 to my 2003 500SL that has just been rebuilt by top hydraulics? How do I fix the roof? My Autel Diaglink reads many sections of live data. Is there a section of live data like vario roof limit switches that will help diagnose the problem? I have DAS, but it is a pain to setup and navigate.


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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 07:33 PM
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I read the following codes:
B1648 Stored
Y57/1 (Rollover bar (RB) deployment solenoid) : The component is faulty or the lead has Open circuit.
B1197 Stored
S69/1 (Vario roof closed limit switch (right lug)) , S69/11 (Vario roof raised/lowered limit switch) : Switching status not plausibleB1262-001 Stored
S69/11 (Vario roof raised/lowered limit switch) : The component does not operate or has Cable break

I erased those codes, tried to move the roof with the center console switch, the roof remains stuck. The codes have not re-appeared. I just replaced the right rollbar assembly that contains the rollbar deployment solenoid. So, disconnecting it could have caused the open circuit B1648.

How do I fix the next 2 S69 related code problems? The roof is still stuck open, and not locked/in operation/being lowered.
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 04:25 AM
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have you checked your flaps, specifically the right one, has it dropped down? try lifting it so its horizontal and operating the switch at the same time
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 09:47 AM
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Thanks guys for all the great analysis.

I had already pulled vario roof readings with the Autel Diaglink. I could not find an actual values menu pick. I’ll have to hook up all the DAS equipment with the Dell computer attached for that. These readings look as expected for the pictured trunk lid slightly up on the left situation. Please let me know if these readings tell anyone something else. See below.

After my tests, observations, etc. so far (pump remains full of fluid… I have replaced all cylinders except rollbar with Top Hydraulic rebuilds.), I think the lack of pump pressure may be easiest to check. I can lock down the left trunk latch so the readings show the roof open and locked. Then I will swap in the freshly rebuilt pump, and try to close the roof.
360 All windows open RECOGNIZED
370 Rollover bar lowered RECOGNIZED
371 Rollover bar raised NOT RECOGNIZED
372 Vario roof OPEN RECOGNIZED
373 Vario roof CLOSED NOT RECOGNIZED
374 Vario roof INTERLOCKED NOT RECOGNIZED
375 Loading assist UP NOT RECOGNIZED
376 Loading assist DOWN RECOGNIZED
377 Side flaps FOLDED IN NOT RECOGNIZED
378 Side flaps FOLDED OPEN RECOGNIZED
379 Tubular frame OPEN NOT RECOGNIZED
380 Tubular frame CLOSED, LOCKED NOT RECOGNIZED
381 Luggage compartment division RECOGNIZED
CLOSED
382 Trunk lid OPEN NOT RECOGNIZED
383 Trunk lid CLOSED (Locking RECOGNIZED pawl opened)
384 Trunk lid CLOSED (Rotary RECOGNIZED tumbler closed)
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 12:22 PM
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I tried the center console switch, and the right side of the trunk lid raised 2-3 inches like the left side, then got stuck. I opened and closed the trunk. I swapped pumps with the fresh rebuild pump. Now the pump will not whir, and of course the roof won’t move. The display says roof in operation!.




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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 01:54 PM
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I closed the rear in trunk latches, tried the roof switch and still the pump does not run. I checked the fuses behind the passenger seat. I switched relays with the other pump… still no pump noise. What’s up?
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 03:44 PM
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I received these codes. Is this the pictured gold solenoid that connects the rollbar to the clevis at the top of the rollbar cylinder? Should I replace it by swapping the entire right rollbar assembly pictured?
B1659-002 Stored
Y55/1y2 (Rollover bar raised solenoid valve) :Short circuit to positive or open circuit
B1661-002 Stored
Y55/1y6 (Load assist solenoid valve) :Short circuit to positive or open circuit
OOOPS... I just noticed Y55/1Y6 IS THE LOAD ASSIST SOLENOID valve.






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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 04:11 PM
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Is Y55 a solenoid on the valve body attached to the pump? Can I do something based on the previous B1659-002 & B1661-002 DTCs?
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 04:39 PM
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Here is the latest data I pulled with my Diaglink from the vario roof and rollbar sections. The pump will not make a sound. The roof is stuck lowering in operation, but not quite locked open.



Read Codes

B1659-002 Stored

Y55/1y2 (Rollover bar raised solenoid valve) :Short circuit to positive or open circuit

B1661-002 Stored

Y55/1y6 (Load assist solenoid valve) :Short circuit to positive or open circuit



---------------------1 of 3 Frame---------------------

300 Ignition ON YES

310 Voltage supply o.k. YES

311 Pump temperature OK YES

312 Vehicle speed below shutoff YES

threshold

313 Solenoid valve and pump YES

outputs OK

314 Position and function of NO

limit switch are ok

315 Activation of rollover bar YES

NOT ACTIVE

316 Actuations using diagnosis YES

NOT ACTIVE

---------------------1 of 3 Frame---------------------

520 Ignition ON YES

530 Voltage supply is o.k. YES

531 Pump temperature OK YES

532 Switch Vario roof not YES

operated

533 Limit switch OK NO

534 Activation of rollover bar YES

NOT ACTIVE

535 Actuations using diagnosis YES

NOT ACTIVE

---------------------1 of 2 Frame---------------------

318 Open vario roof using NO

control switch or infrared.

319 Close vario roof using NO

control switch or infrared.

317 Vario roof position In valid intermediate position

320 Implausible status of the NOT RECOGNIZED

vario roof limit switches

321 Abort conditions for vario NOT RECOGNIZED

roof limit switches

322 Vario roof in stop mode YES

323 Vario roof subsequently NO

locked

324 Vario roof in emergency mode NO

---------------------1 of 1 Frame---------------------

360 All windows open NOT RECOGNIZED

370 Rollover bar lowered RECOGNIZED

371 Rollover bar raised NOT RECOGNIZED

372 Vario roof OPEN NOT RECOGNIZED

373 Vario roof CLOSED NOT RECOGNIZED

374 Vario roof INTERLOCKED NOT RECOGNIZED

375 Loading assist UP NOT RECOGNIZED

376 Loading assist DOWN RECOGNIZED

377 Side flaps FOLDED IN NOT RECOGNIZED

378 Side flaps FOLDED OPEN RECOGNIZED

379 Tubular frame OPEN NOT RECOGNIZED

380 Tubular frame CLOSED, LOCKED RECOGNIZED

381 Luggage compartment division RECOGNIZED

CLOSED

382 Trunk lid OPEN NOT RECOGNIZED

383 Trunk lid CLOSED (Locking RECOGNIZED

pawl opened)

384 Trunk lid CLOSED (Rotary RECOGNIZED

tumbler closed)

---------------------1 of 4 Frame---------------------

560 Vehicle speed 0 mph

536 Rollover bar switch : NOT RECOGNIZED

'Raise' function operated

537 Rollover bar switch : NOT RECOGNIZED

'Lower' function operated

600 Magnet test faulty NO

---------------------1 of 5 Frame---------------------

370 Rollover bar lowered RECOGNIZED

371 Rollover bar raised NOT RECOGNIZED
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 10:55 PM
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I tried the non-rebuilt pump In the 2004 500SL, and the pump we suspected of low pressure works fine. In the 2003 problem car, after I sprayed the lubricant on pivots and some inadvertantlyonto microswitch casings, the roof quit moving. I sprayed CDC electronics cleaner on microswitches later, and the top still would not move. When I swapped in the rebuilt pump, the pump quit making pumping sounds.
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Old Nov 18, 2023 | 09:24 AM
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When I activate the center console switch, the internal red light flashes like when a close partition message pops up on the dashboard display. I still hear no whirring pump sound.
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Old Nov 19, 2023 | 11:37 AM
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Question

Top Hydraulics/Klaus verified the valve body works on his car. I removed the black box/valve body and cleaned the circuit board, connectors, and solenoids with CRC electrical cleaner.

I attached the left windshield latch containing microswitches S91/2 & 3; and the pump whirs once again. I opened the roof to locked open, then pushed center console switch to close the roof. Again, the trunk lid raised 2-3 inches on the left and got stuck. I took a picture of actual values for vario roof limit switches using DAS/XENTRY. If needed, I can get more actual values. See Pics:


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Old Dec 16, 2023 | 10:24 AM
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Thanks for the tips guys. After a few weeks handling other priorities I reconnected the windshield latch wiring rather than using bypass latches. The trunk lid again raised just a few inches. The next day operating the console switch, the roof mysteriously closed and would not show a closed roof display even after I used the allen wrench to latch it. The windows were partially down. I replaced the roof module/RVC computer. I could access the windshield latch connector in the trunk more easily, and tightened up a loose connection. Then I used the console switch to close the roof with the display saying roof closed. Now the roof works properly.
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Old Dec 18, 2023 | 08:55 AM
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Luckily, you have a garage that you can put the car in!

So, was it simply a loose connection or did you make too many adjustments to know for sure?
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Old Mar 29, 2024 | 06:31 PM
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Did you replace the autel with a DASXentry ???”
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Old Mar 29, 2024 | 07:51 PM
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I use the Autel Diaglink most of the time. I can copy and paste live data, erase DTCs. The system with DAS has the WIS app. It is bulky, has to be plugged into power, has an integral laptop and another bulky piece. It is not really user friendly. To troubleshoot, it quickly goes to electrical, acronym jargon, or special tool decision trees. It can do things the Autel cannot, such as configuring a substitute PSE.
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Old Mar 30, 2024 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by aegea
I use the Autel Diaglink most of the time. I can copy and paste live data, erase DTCs. The system with DAS has the WIS app. It is bulky, has to be plugged into power, has an integral laptop and another bulky piece. It is not really user friendly. To troubleshoot, it quickly goes to electrical, acronym jargon, or special tool decision trees. It can do things the Autel cannot, such as configuring a substitute PSE.

the reason I ask is I am having a hard time tracing a electrical issue in my sl, I can get any to send power to my rear windows to normalize them, I have changed the RVC I have checked grounds, fuses, changed rear CAN-BUS boot , I know the winds work . (Can operate with a power probe) , but without the system recognizing them top will not work , , so I’m try to get something to give more information or directions on where to go , I have a Autel maxisys 808 , and can css wat yours sees ,
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Old Mar 30, 2024 | 12:50 PM
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THREADS ABOUT THE BEST DIAGNOSTIC TOOL pop up here and on other Mercedes forums. There are new scanners that may be more user friendly and have more functionality than my Diaglink. I watched a great mechanic use his scanner as it, like my Autel, uses a DAS-like decision tree. DAS and WIS are Mercedes mechanics' tools, and offer a plethora of troubleshooting if you can figure out how to use them. I think Mercedes trains their mechanics in DAS and WIS. I don't know if my old DAS system is similar to current Mercedes diagnostics.
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Old Apr 10, 2024 | 01:53 PM
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@adgea,

Wow congratulations on getting your Vario roof working again.

I too have been fighting a very similar issue with my wife's 2004 SL500.
Top and rollbar do not work.
Top Hydraulics has rebuilt the pump.
Replaced the roof ECU with another.
Top still does not work, the pump does not come on at all when using the center console roof switch.
If pin-10 on the ECU as referenced from the ECU schematic is jumped with a 12v source, the pump works.
So I believe the pump and wiring from the ECU to the pump is good.

I have a long thread devoted to my issue on another site.
Do not know if I am allowed to do the following or if it is proper.
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/va...rcuit.3137712/

It is driving me crazy, and she hates seeing her baby in many pieces.
Next, I am thinking of removing the center console switch pack and inspecting the switches and wiring for the rollbar and roof.

Again, Congrats.
Eric
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Old Apr 10, 2024 | 05:39 PM
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I've always wondered what do you do if you're out and about and the top is down and when you go to put it up, it gets stuck mid way. What do you do?
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Old Apr 10, 2024 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by hhagens
Did you replace the autel with a DASXentry ???”
The system has a DAS icon on the desktop. The XENTRY icons require some authorization from the help desk. This system is probably from the early 2000s. See my thread above where it allows you to click on the actual value entry: 374 Vario roof INTERLOCKED NOT RECOGNIZED field hit enter or F3 to troubleshoot through some mre fields. So, it provides some diagnostics the Autel does not.
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