SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Vario roof pump question - does it run on car start?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Wylie, TX
2003 SL55
Vario roof pump question - does it run on car start?
My fromt roof cylinder has a leak. Been awhile since I have started the car and can't recall if the pump always fires up when the car is started or only when trying to lower or raise the roof. Need to move the car but trying to keep the mess to a minimum. So if the pump starts up when starting I'll manually pop the roof and fix the cylinder first.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
I could be wrong, but I think the pump only runs when the roof is being activated. The ABC, of course, is different, if the engine is running, that system is pressurized to about 2,850 PSI. The only thing would be, the roll bar which activates immediately if the car thinks you're going to crash or roll, and the pump powers that, and when it does pop up, it really isn't kidding, it slams up with a bang. But, I still don't believe the roof pump is working until it's called into action by either the driver, or the crash detection mechanism. With over 110 views and no one's brought an answer, well, that's my opinion. If you can conveniently fix the leaking cylinder first, I would do that. If moving the car doesn't mean too far a distance, I would try that, myself, but be on the lookout for fluid leaking. Sorry I'm not more help; You could call Tophydraulics on the phone, and ask them, I bet they could give you a definitive yes or no. Good luck
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Wylie, TX
2003 SL55
I could be wrong, but I think the pump only runs when the roof is being activated. The ABC, of course, is different, if the engine is running, that system is pressurized to about 2,850 PSI. The only thing would be, the roll bar which activates immediately if the car thinks you're going to crash or roll, and the pump powers that, and when it does pop up, it really isn't kidding, it slams up with a bang. But, I still don't believe the roof pump is working until it's called into action by either the driver, or the crash detection mechanism. With over 110 views and no one's brought an answer, well, that's my opinion. If you can conveniently fix the leaking cylinder first, I would do that. If moving the car doesn't mean too far a distance, I would try that, myself, but be on the lookout for fluid leaking. Sorry I'm not more help; You could call Tophydraulics on the phone, and ask them, I bet they could give you a definitive yes or no. Good luck
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
I could be wrong, but I think the pump only runs when the roof is being activated. The ABC, of course, is different, if the engine is running, that system is pressurized to about 2,850 PSI. The only thing would be, the roll bar which activates immediately if the car thinks you're going to crash or roll, and the pump powers that, and when it does pop up, it really isn't kidding, it slams up with a bang. But, I still don't believe the roof pump is working until it's called into action by either the driver, or the crash detection mechanism. With over 110 views and no one's brought an answer, well, that's my opinion. If you can conveniently fix the leaking cylinder first, I would do that. If moving the car doesn't mean too far a distance, I would try that, myself, but be on the lookout for fluid leaking. Sorry I'm not more help; You could call Tophydraulics on the phone, and ask them, I bet they could give you a definitive yes or no. Good luck
The roll bar is operated by heavy springs for accident protection, not by the hydraulic cylinders. The springs are normally compressed in a locked position, and get released when a possible rollover is detected.
You'll probably hear something that sounds like a small pump/motor going in the trunk area on startup, that's the vacuum pump for the door locks, trunk soft-close, HVAC vent controls, and seat lumbar/side bolster bladders.
