1995 SL500 Roof Won't Open - Some Lights Though...

[tmwsccsh]

Afternoon all.

Went to put the roof down today as it is a bit sunny (for once of late!) and nothing happened - there's no activity whatsoever, not even a whirring from the pump in the boot.

For the past few weeks the roof light has been glowing when the roof is up (as per the photo below) but it has been working fine - up and down on many occasions. It does flash when driving, but if you put the roof down it goes out and all is fine - light comes on again as per the photo when it's back up and secured again.



I thought I would try holding the Rollbar button in for 10 seconds or so as I have heard that that performs some sort of reset operation however it would not move or even attempt to move (again no whirring or any sound at all) but the lights on the Rollbar button did light up - see photo below (never seen that happen before!).



Anyone got any thoughts as to where I can start? I was thinking a fuse in the first instance but it's never that easy. Could be the roof control module under the rear seat - maybe - but then again, maybe not. Could be something has just come loose somewhere.

Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

TMW

 

[RichardF]

The 1st part of the roof dropping is the windows. Are these working okay? Fuses Okay?

You're red button thing is odd, it's normally accompanied by an alarm binging that you can't ignore! This element can at least be sorted by adjusting the micro switch(s) in the header rail above the windscreen. Use the locking tool to tighten the lock to which switch is causing the issue.

 

[ahok19]

Afternoon all.

TMW

Good thread, I will be waiting best answer

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Yep check roof fuse in the boot, reset windows by lowering / raising and holding for 3s (if you have not already done this), then manually lower and raise roof a few times then check micro switch positions, then I would look at the hydraulic cylinders for leaks, after this you are looking at possible roof control module issue, however the only way to check this would be to swap unit over from another car...as yours is a 95' you should be able to plug into STAR and check for codes....note a new roof module from MB is circa £950

 

[tmwsccsh]

Hi,

Windows are working fine I am pleased to say - reset not been done yet - not sure how I missed that one as it's so obvious!

Fuse - not been checked yet either - can you advise which one(s) it is and where I can find them in the boot? Is there one under the bonnet for it as well?

Alas I don't have the tool for raising / lowering so can't do that manually.

Roof control module - seen one on fleabay for £300 or so but am hoping it doesn't come to that - but fear it will.

I should advise though, as my daily runner has just had the gearbox go mad I am hesitant to do anything to the SL until I get the Jag back - can't have anything go wrong with this at the moment as well so I may not start looking at this one for a couple of weeks - although I will give the Window reset a try tomorrow in the first instance as that won't do any harm...

Thanks for responses so far.

Regards

TMW

 

[Doodle]

Fuses are in the boot, drivers side, under the drop down cover.

 

[RichardF]

Fuses (your handbook will show them) and then read the codes

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Forgot to add if fuse is okay also worth checking the hydraulic fluid level, in boot under spare wheel well, obviously if below min you are likely to be loosing fluid this is usually from one of the hydraulic cylinder seals, handbook will also show location...you definitely need to get the hand tool to manually lower roof...you might find one on fleabay.

See attached, it shows SL (R129) roof system component layout....for the time it was advanced, but can be frustrating when older and worn, as commented previously I think on your year the car can be plugged into STAR which may allow you to read stored trouble codes, you would need to find a local MB indy to do this...

 

[tmwsccsh]

Forgot to add if fuse is okay also worth checking the hydraulic fluid level, in boot under spare wheel well, obviously if below min you are likely to be loosing fluid this is usually from one of the hydraulic cylinder seals, handbook will also show location...you definitely need to get the hand tool to manually lower roof...you might find one on fleabay.

Hi,

I know all about the fluid leaks - repaired the top-left windscreen cylinder last year and also replaced the main hydraulic lift cylinder too. If it was fluid, the pump in the boot should still whir away - as I found out last year. I'm not even getting that so I think I am more on an electronic issue this time.

TMW

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Have you checked the fuses yet? R129 roof operation is also very sensitive to battery charge, is your battery new or old? has it been flat / discharged recently?

 

[tmwsccsh]

Have you checked the fuses yet? R129 roof operation is also very sensitive to battery charge, is your battery new or old? has it been flat / discharged recently?

Hi,

Not yet - no time believe it or not. Away for work from tomorrow as well so this is looking like a weekend job now, alas...

Battery has not been flattened or discharged at all and I'm not aware of any issues with it. Will put a meter across it at the weekend to ascertain standing voltage to be sure...

TMW

 

[tmwsccsh]

Hi all,

Right, some progress.

Checked the fuses in the boot and there was some obscure corrosion over pretty much all of them. Took them out and gave them a sandpapering, put them back and the windows didn't work any more, nor did the central locking...

So, had another look and noticed the corrosion was also on the actual metal mounts they went in as well - WD40 out, all cleaned up, little more sandpapering, fuses back in and I had windows and central locking again. And the rollbar is working once more.

That's the good news.

The bad - the red light is still flashing and the roof catch at the back, left hand side won't release - although I did manage to get one full roof open and close once. Have to move the rollbar to get it to lock down again.

I am going to reset the roof control module under the back seats at some point and see if that brings things back to life.

But at least I am further on than I was...

TMW