[porat13]

i bought last month my first mercedes - 1993 300sl.
i tried to take off the hard top but ther is a problem that nothing happend.

there is a red bottun that always on, and another botton ( roof picter?) that always flash.

i push the red button but nothing happend.

can someone help me please??

 

[MikaHakkinen]

I had the same problem.
Just take yours Mercedes to the dealer and they clear some codes from your car and everything should be fine....
I hope that is enough.

 

[RKH]

You are talking about 2 buttons, which one stays on and which one flashes ? Which one did you push ? show a picture of button location if you can (as I only have one red roof-shaped button on my car).
And when you say nothing happened, I take it you meant the roof did not move but did you hear any sound ? etc.

 

[msharif911]

i bought last month my first mercedes - 1993 300sl.
i tried to take off the hard top but ther is a problem that nothing happend.

there is a red bottun that always on, and another botton ( roof picter?) that always flash.

i push the red button but nothing happend.

can someone help me please??

Before you take it in to the dealer take out the spare wheel in the boot and look at the Hydraulic Fluid level in the Reservoir. I had exactly the same problem when I bought mine and it was merely a pipe had come off. I replaced the pipe and refill of fluid was about £6 and it all started working again.

These cars are soooo well built any faults are largely something simple.

 

[bobterry99]

I agree with the advice to read and erase codes. But because this car is '93 or older codes for the top are quickly and easily read and erased with just a wire or paper clip, so it is unnecessary to pay a dealer to do it for you. The procedure and a code manual are in this thread: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1266535-diagnostics-sl-pre-94-a.html?

 

[porat13]

thanks a lot for your quick answer.
the buttons that al ways on is closer to the ashtray (there is a white point on the button). there is no sound while i push the button.

 

[torchtamer57]

Hi everyone, It seems like the top can be a little confusing if your not used to it. I recently bought a 1998 sl500 and stored it for this past winter. Apparently the battery lost its charge and after trickle charging it started up just fine. however I tried to remove the hardtop without a owners manual. That of course was after I spoke to the dealer for the procedure. I can hear the motor but top does not release. I sent away for the manual tool I then loosened the two screw type locks above the windshield but the back locks will not release. Dealer says to disconnect battery for at least an hour and then re-connect and retry. I did all this and the rollbar is in the up position and will not go back down and the locks still do not release. I am curious what is the wrench end of the hand tool used for is there a manual rear lock release on those tops and where is it?I was also told that their are codes that should be reset so the top can be released and the soft top can come up. Can anyone help? thanks Torchtamer57

 

[lynns]

Hi everyone, It seems like the top can be a little confusing if your not used to it. I recently bought a 1998 sl500 and stored it for this past winter. Apparently the battery lost its charge and after trickle charging it started up just fine. however I tried to remove the hardtop without a owners manual. That of course was after I spoke to the dealer for the procedure. I can hear the motor but top does not release. I sent away for the manual tool I then loosened the two screw type locks above the windshield but the back locks will not release. Dealer says to disconnect battery for at least an hour and then re-connect and retry. I did all this and the rollbar is in the up position and will not go back down and the locks still do not release. I am curious what is the wrench end of the hand tool used for is there a manual rear lock release on those tops and where is it?I was also told that their are codes that should be reset so the top can be released and the soft top can come up. Can anyone help? thanks Torchtamer57

Crazy thing about the R129!

If you have a dead battery the car has to be handled with the upmost of care. Please read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2675345-post1.html and you will need to read

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2371141-post7.html in order to

2) Sync the Power Windows (Owners Manual) on 11/94 -2002 R129's.
3) Sync the ESP (Owners Manual) on 1999-2002 R129's.
4) Audio System>Anti-Theft System>Enter Code (Owners Manual)
5) Clock reset (Owners Manual)
6) Auto Central Locking (Owners Manual) on 1998 -2002 R129's

I would suggest that you resecure the hardtop back onto the car. Then Sync. the Power Windows (Owners Manual) on 11/94 -2002 R129's. Very important!

Then try and remove the top. If that doesn't work you may need to have the RST- roadster soft top controller reset by clearing the DTC's - diagnostic trouble codes. This will need to be done by an INDY- independent MB mechanic that has a MB SDS - STAR diagnostic system that he will connect to your 38 PIN connector and erase the trouble codes for the RST and rollbar.

If need be, call your local Indy ands ask how much he will charge, $50-$100.

 

[bobterry99]

I can hear the motor but top does not release.

This is a rare instance when I think being low on fluid could be the cause of a problem. If the motor runs continuously while the top control switch is held without releasing the top, then likely either: (1) the hydraulic cylinders for the rear latches are weak and need to be replaced, or (2) the hydraulic fluid reservoir for the top system is nearly empty. The reservoir is located in the trunk under the plastic cover upon which the spare tire rests.