[lexsc97]

So I heard one pop on the passenger rear corner. Nothing else happened. I followed book procedure and nothing.

I checked rear pump, fluid actually is clear and looks great and at MAX level. No leaks of fluid anywhere else. Did I mess up or am I missing something?

Weather is perfect for top down and I'd love to take advantage. Thank you for any advice.

MY 2000 R129, SL500, 117k miles, pano roof.

Best,
CAB

 

[mikes129]

Lock it back down and try again? If one lock is being released, then you are doing everything right (doors open, within 10 seconds etc). You might have to manually release the roof. It does make quite a noise when unlocking a hard top. I think the rears unlock first, then the fronts so you have to keep the finger on the button for a while until the procedure is over, 10 or so seconds.

 

[e-420]

and make sure you hit the top button within about 10 seconds or less of turning on the ignition....... Best try with the engine on. Wait to long and panic sets in with NOTHING happening.

 

[FATHERTIME]

My SL's hard tops will not release with engine running, ignition switch on only.

 

[lexsc97]

Lock it back down and try again? If one lock is being released, then you are doing everything right (doors open, within 10 seconds etc). You might have to manually release the roof. It does make quite a noise when unlocking a hard top. I think the rears unlock first, then the fronts so you have to keep the finger on the button for a while until the procedure is over, 10 or so seconds.

I did try to just lock and unlock again. It locked itself and then just did nothing so I stopped to be safe.

and make sure you hit the top button within about 10 seconds or less of turning on the ignition....... Best try with the engine on. Wait to long and panic sets in with NOTHING happening.

Interesting about the 10 seconds things.

My SL's hard tops will not release with engine running, ignition switch on only.

I only tried with engine running. I'll check owners manual again and see what it specifies for MY 2000.

 

[RKH]

Your transmission also needs to be in 'PARK' (in case somebody accidentally hit the top release button while the car is moving).

 

[lexsc97]

It was in Park when I tried. But engine was turned over.

 

[BRN9121]

Hard top operation will not work with engine running. For safety reasons.

 

[wlb50]

Your transmission also needs to be in 'PARK' (in case somebody accidentally hit the top release button while the car is moving).

Between Fathertime and you they must have changed the requirements during the years. I can move it up or down in drive although car has to be stopped. Enginke on or off; it doesn't matter.

I learned early on that no matter when the red light goes on at a traffic stop comes on DO NOT RAISE OR LOWER THE TOP. I can guarantee you no matter how long the wait it will be halfway when the light turns green, making you look like a complete rube to the drivers behind you.

 

[lexsc97]

That's what I did wrong then. Will try soon and report back.

 

[BRN9121]

Between Fathertime and you they must have changed the requirements during the years. I can move it up or down in drive although car has to be stopped. Enginke on or off; it doesn't matter.

I learned early on that no matter when the red light goes on at a traffic stop comes on DO NOT RAISE OR LOWER THE TOP. I can guarantee you no matter how long the wait it will be halfway when the light turns green, making you look like a complete rube to the drivers behind you.

We are talking about the hard top only here.

 

[lexsc97]

Correct only the hardtop

 

[wlb50]

I take it the system can distinguish between a hardtop and a soft top? Why would anyone try to remove a hardtop in anything other than park?

BTW getting a new GAHH top next week. It's first new soft top since it was new 26 years ago

 

[FATHERTIME]

About to get the third one on my 98 in 7 years.

 

[wlb50]

Is this a GAHH top? They are supposed to be equivalent to factory

My factory one is a bit long in the tooth but then it is 26 years old...

 

[e-420]

Hard top operation will not work with engine running. For safety reasons.

At least on my 97 that is incorrect. I can release or attach the hardtop with the engine running. But there is a specific set of requrements for that to work. Just went to the garage to make sure my memory wasn't failing me since I make a point of having the engine running whenever I do any top operation, hardtop or soft top.

1) you must start the engine and LEAVE the transmission in park
2) you MUST push the button within about 10 seconds or so of turning the ignition on

If you do this at least on my 97 the hardtop will release or lock down

Now EVEN IF THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING you MUST hit the top button within about 10-15 seconds or so of turning the ignition on or the light will just flash. It may give you as long as 30 seconds or so, it's outlined in the manual. But I know from past experience wait to long after the ignition is on and the red light just flashes, panic sets in, sweat starts to form on your forehead.....

soft top is significantly different. There is no time limit between ignition on and top operation selection. I don't think the car can be moving. I don't know if it has to be in park, It also can be operated with the engine running.

 

[mikes129]

I can move very slowly (crawling) and operate the soft-top, or at least complete the sequence if it already begun.

I thought you need both the doors open to remove the hard top, as well as pressing the button within the timeframe. It should be able to lock down with the engine running I would think, but just not unlock when in motion.

 

[e-420]

I can move very slowly (crawling) and operate the soft-top, or at least complete the sequence if it already begun.

I thought you need both the doors open to remove the hard top, as well as pressing the button within the timeframe. It should be able to lock down with the engine running I would think, but just not unlock when in motion.

don't need the door open to release the hardtop or to remove it or to install it. At least on my 97.

 

[BRN9121]

OP has a 2000 model.
So all 99+ owners share your experiences.

 

[pghyndman]

don't need the door open to release the hardtop or to remove it or to install it. At least on my 97.

Ditto on my ‘94, but IIRC the windows go down. Can’t fully recall as I’ve gotten lazy the past few years and keep it in “rag top” garb year round.