[e-420]

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.

yes windows must go down for the hardtop to release.

 

[lexsc97]

UPDATE

Hard top removal successful.

Soft Top function fully successful.

Soft top canvas was great condition. The vinyl was knife PhUcKed. Someone tried to break in at some point and I have that to work with. Otherwise it function great.

It was dirty so I vacuumed everything.

Accidentally locked the front of the hardtop when replacing. Had to undo with 6mm allen wrench. Easy.

Very happy.

Drove the car top down with a muffler delete and omg. It was heaven on earth for a brief moment. I could almost throw the hardtop away. Love top down.

 

[mbrebuilder]

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

Interesting about the 10 seconds things.

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

Engine running is better, more voltage

 

[mbrebuilder]

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.

10 second thing is bull, wait too long, so the top won't work unless you Restart the car? That's wrong as can be.

 

[e-420]

10 second thing is bull, wait too long, so the top won't work unless you Restart the car? That's wrong as can be.

Since it's outlined in the owners manual. it's clear you either (a) didn't bother reading or checking this info ro didn't believe it. So go to your R129 with the hardtop on. get in, turn the key on but don't start the car. wait 30 seconds, see what happens. Red light will flash, top will not release.

Then come back and tell me how "bull" my warning is. Don't need to restart the car, just turn the ignition off and back on again.

THIS IS ONLY FOR THE HARDTOP. Soft top doesn't have a time limit. I suspect it is a safety thing to make sure the hardtop doesn't get released when the car is moving.

If you think my post was "Pure Bull", read this.

direct from the owners manual
Removing Hardtop
1. Engage parking brake.
2. Open doors.
3. Disconnect plug (1) for rear
window defroster.
4. Within 10 seconds of turning
key in steering lock to position 2
(engine not running), slide soft top
switch (2) back and hold.
Please note, if soft top switch is
activated after 10 seconds have
expired, turn the key back to position 0
first before the hardtop removing
procedure can be started again at
step 4.
The unlocking procedure begins after
approx. 2 seconds:
• The roll bar lowers.
• The indicator lamp in the
soft top switch lights up.
• The hardtop unlocks.

But that probably won't convince you.

 

[lexsc97]

Yeah those are the instructions I followed lol They work.