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2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, 2004 SL55, 2012 Lexus IS250, 2021 Toyota Highlander
Manually fold flaps
Admittedly, I've got a roof problem that I have to manually put up and down. And I use DAS to fold the flaps, but it got me thinking how do you fold the flaps without the diagnostic tool? What am I missing?
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, 2004 SL55, 2012 Lexus IS250, 2021 Toyota Highlander
I'm talking about the scenario when you have to manually close the top. If the top is down, the flaps would be extended and I'm trying to figure out how to close the flaps in that scenario.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Originally Posted by wireless
Awesome! I don’t imagine ...
Since you're twisting my arm let me get back to this.
All you need is that special plug that MB doesn't know exists, some wire and to tap into the (uncoupled) rear battery.
And caution, since the motor will keep on running as long as you supply power.
Talk to you later...
I'm talking about the scenario when you have to manually close the top. If the top is down, the flaps would be extended and I'm trying to figure out how to close the flaps in that scenario.
Above shows all manual roof operation without electrical.Toward the beginning it shows that he removed the toothed gear to manually move flaps.You open the trunk and remove five bolts to remove the gear on a flap.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
So, first of all there's an electric connector at the rear side of the pump. You twist it anti clockwise to release it from its metal frame. Loosen the negative (ground) cable from both batteries, because the roof controller must be 'dead' while you work on this. Keep in mind that you will now be able to open the closed trunk with the blade key only - provided that works. Swap the plug in the connector with your fabricated cable+plug. WIS refers to the plug as 'SLK connector', with part number and all, but my dealer had no clue. I found it to be a Hirschmann plug, see pictures.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Nov 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
The Hirschmann plug clearly numbers its 14 ports. It came with the metal pins. The flaps will rotate as soon as you supply power, for instance from the rear battery. They go fast, and with the roof controller being unconscious ( you disconnected the batteries) there will be no end stop so be careful. I tried to use a full 9V battery, to slow things down, but that was too feeble. Of course you can try putting a resistor or an incandescent lamp in series. I ended up putting in a momentary push button (N.O.) for a quick response.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
When on a trip with a malfunctioning pump I'd like to be able, like you, to close ánd open the roof manually. So in came a polarity switch (which of course just does the same thing as reversing the battery clamps).
WIS in its manual roof operating instruction shows two supports for keeping the roof in easy pack mode, which equals to the first stage of raising the roof. The easy pack mode clears the way to opening the bypass valve and to unlocking the tubular frame locks. I made my own supports from some metal strips I had laying around. After the photos were made I attached zip ties to them, that go around the pillars they stand on, to prevent them from slipping away.
You don't need them when opening the roof, since it will gracefully sigh down into the trunk, perhaps depending on how far the bypass valve has been opened. If the hydraulic system is in severe disrepair, perhaps the roof falls way more aggressively.
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, 2004 SL55, 2012 Lexus IS250, 2021 Toyota Highlander
This is great info. I’ve seen that video about a dozen times and never noticed he removed the track. I still like @Frederick NL solution though. But it’s great to have options.
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