I'm having issues with my top control module and plan to send it to this company to have it repaired BBA reman. ABS, ecu's, throttle bodies, air mass meters, MFD and catalytic converters but am also considering purchasing a used one. I had thought there were only two types of top control modules being the ones produced from 1990-1993 and 1994-2002 but have sense come across many different part numbers:
I have a 1996 sl500 with the 129 820 31 26 module and am wondering which modules it is interchangeable with or if it is only interchangeable with another 129 820 31 26 module.
Klaus might have some lucid thoughts on that one. Later cars had less cylinders and I'm sure needs a newer controller. Let's hope close numbers may be interchangeable.
Klaus recommended these guys to me for my top control module. I have a roll bar light that won't go out, and all the switches and external logic check out, so I'm pretty sure the top control module is goofy. It's also throwing some codes I can't get the DAS to clear, too.
One point of information if you use them: The do charge a "bench fee" to check the module out, which is standard practice. However, I would highly advise to you tell them that if the module checks out on the bench to return it to you without repairing it.
I say this because I have heard of a number of instances where they went ahead and "repaired" the module and returned it, with the owner realizing after the fact that the module was, in fact, fully functional to begin with.
I haven't gotten around to sending mine in, mainly because everything works properly in my car with the exception of the roll bar light on the dash, which is just a minor nuisance.
If you send yours in please report back - I'm curious to hear how it goes.
I say this because I have heard of a number of instances where they went ahead and "repaired" the module and returned it, with the owner realizing after the fact that the module was, in fact, fully functional to begin with.
Why would you ever do business with such a company? I have a problem with the concept of the tester also being the rebuilder. Textbook example of a conflict of interest.
I'm trying to narrow down my problem today. Klaus wants me to test the wire from the controller to the selenoid. Taking it to a friends house today to have him help me figure it out.
Now it doesn't close all the way either. Won't latch in the front.
Man I hate the stupid electronics for the top. One of my friends has a 1993 BMW 3 series convertible and he has never had top problems. I think his is all electric.
No power going to that first selenoid. Klaus agrees that it's probably the controller card. Hoping that BBA honors the warranty. Locked up the soft top and will just have to drive it around with the soft top on until this is resolved.
That pretty much confirms my diagnosis. My car has been in two accidents over its life that I know of, one of which was pretty significant in the right front. I'm suspecting that this may have affected the top control module and caused it to throw the error, since it relies on accelerometers to deploy the roll bar, unlike the earlier models with the switches on the rear trailing arms.
If it bugged me enough I would send it in to have it rebuilt. My only concern is that the roll bar may not deploy as intended in an accident due to the issue.
Interestingly, someone in the DAS/WIN-HHT thread mentioned the other day that there is a provision in the software to deploy the roll bar. I haven't noticed this in my DAS system, but the next time I have it hooked up I'm going to dig around and find it to see if it works.
I'll be interested to hear how the replacement module works and if it cures your problem.
That pretty much confirms my diagnosis. My car has been in two accidents over its life that I know of, one of which was pretty significant in the right front. I'm suspecting that this may have affected the top control module and caused it to throw the error, since it relies on accelerometers to deploy the roll bar, unlike the earlier models with the switches on the rear trailing arms. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/images/BenzWorld2/smilies/tango_face_glasses.png
If it bugged me enough I would send it in to have it rebuilt. My only concern is that the roll bar may not deploy as intended in an accident due to the issue.
Interestingly, someone in the DAS/WIN-HHT thread mentioned the other day that there is a provision in the software to deploy the roll bar. I haven't noticed this in my DAS system, but the next time I have it hooked up I'm going to dig around and find it to see if it works.
I'll be interested to hear how the replacement module works and if it cures your problem.
yes, DAS will let you deploy the rollbar. haven't done it, but did get to the screen. go to the rollbar diags and one selection is something about operating the rollbar. don't recall the exact wording. once you make that selection, a 4 digit random number comes up you must enter. then you can select the next screen. that screen asks if you want to deply the rollbar. that's as far as I went. I believe if you select "yes" it will again come up with a 4 digit random number you enter then it will try to deploy the rollbar.
Anxious to here if your roll bar deploys.
the module has two tilt detectors, one set for 22 degrees, one for 50 degrees, along with a piezo 3 axis accelerometer. I suspect the error codes deal with these. BTW my module with the error has something that rattles in what I suspect is the tilt and accerometer module. sounds like a very small ball bearing rolling around.
I too am giving the car to my girl, and I want it 100% in regards to safety!
The question? would you guys think if the top controller is unbolted, and tilted on the axis of the car while the car is in motion. Would the roll bar come-up?
probably depends on how the tilt mechanism works. some of them have mutliple sensors, one provides an initial reference plane regardless of orientation and the others provide a deviation from the reference plane. If that is the case, tilting the case won't trigger the roll bar.
if it has a simple "tilt" mechanism then it might.
However, alldata which provides information on how to verify the older system does NOT have any procedure to verify the later modules like we have. That means either (a) mercedes didn't provide any (b) there is no reliable way to verify the sensors.
if you try this and it works, means you likely verified ONE of the deployment methods. If it doesn't work, doesn't mean it isn't functioning. you would still need to see if the accelerometer function triggers the deployment as well. Hard stops with ABS kicking in often triggers the roll bar as well.
I just packed my top controller up and am sending it off to AutoExpressTech in MA.
I would expect they'll have it Wednesday and will report back as soon as I hear from them.
When I removed it I noted that other than a sort of springy sound out of it (accelerometer or tilt sensors?) nothing was rattling around inside. I did remove the cover but did not take out the boards to investigate further. I marked the controller in a manner that would allow me to know if mine was returned or another substituted for it.
mine has a similiar sound as well. Did autoexpress give any indication that they knew what the codes were and that they would be able to clear/fix them??
Talked to Autoexpresstech today. They don't repair/rebuild the later model RST controllers (I could have sworn my part number was one on their web site!?)
Mine is on the way back to me, courtesy of them, which I thought was nice considering they could have stuck me with return shipping.
<sigh>
It's been such a PITA without operable windows that I think the spouse will roll the dice on the roll bar function rather than put up with no window operation again if I try to send it away to BBA.
hummm... the ebay listing for autoexpress shows the exact pn you and I have as one of the listings. Either that or you and I are having hullicinations over the RST controllers!!
Got my top controller back yesterday. Windows functional again. Yea!
I'm going to send "Bonnie" some feedback on their confusion over what controllers they advertise as repairing. Won't help me, but maybe they'll correct their ad copy so future potential customers don't waste their time.
Posted a Google review for the place in Massachusetts. Can't say it was complimentary. I get the idea they really don't care.
While researching retrofitting a phone to my (new) 2003 S430, I came across a place over in Pompano Beach that supposedly repairs top controllers. Rather than waste time and money in sending it in, I sent them an email describing the symptoms and asking if they could repair or rebuild it, and how much.
is there a diagram I could copy for the pins on a 3 connecter controller?
I believe the 3 connecter is a Beckker. I would like to do some testing at the controller for some strange error codes I am getting.
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