Can battery failure cause roof issues on R129?

[Willsco]

Hi
Yesterday, tried to start car (2001 SL500 R129) for first time in a few weeks.
When I turned key, the roll bar deployed (scaring the crap out of me) and engine didn't start - just clicking noise
After trying to charge battery to no avail I replaced with new one this morning
Had a variety of warning lights on following battery change - but could return roll bar to horizontal position
All warning lights had gone by end of test drive
The only remaining issue is the hard roof - it will not release when I press button - button just flashes error state
If I try button other way - to close roof - I can hear roof being pulled onto bodywork in the normal way
So, it just won't release roof
Could this be related to battery failure?
I did try roof button when battery was not working properly..
Could roof system be out of sequence?
Is there a reset sequence?
Are there any error codes that I could try and clear with my OBD box...?
Or is it likely to be separate, coincidental fault with roof?
Many thanks in advance
Mike W

 

[BTB 500]

Low battery can certainly cause problems - I had similar issues with mine (and have kept it on a maintenance charger when not being driven ever since). Silly question - you have got both doors open when you try to release the hard top?

Assuming yes, I'd be inclined to start by having the fault codes read and reset via STAR. That might solve it completely, if not you'll have lot more to go on.

Have a read of this thread:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/elec...rollbar-switches-permanently-illuminated.html

 

[rorf]

You need to resynchronize both front door windows. Get in the car close both doors and start engine, hold the window button in the down position when it reaches its limit for about 5 seconds and do the same for the upward direction.

Batteries run flat after about 2 weeks on these cars so either disconnect the battery when not in use or get a battery tender charger.

Be very careful jump starting these cars as electronic control modules can be damaged very easily.

 

[ivan1983]

The method Rorf stated worked for me when my R129 wouldnt release the the hardtop after some battery issues.

Im not sure if my car is normal but it draws 0.5A when locked, I think most of this is the tracker. After pulling a few fuses I have got this down to 0.18A but I plan to get a battery isolator switch as I dont use it for extended periods of time.

 

[BTB 500]

Window reset made no difference to mine, nor did pulling fuses etc. Fine once the fault codes had been cleared via a STAR.

Always worth a try though.

 

[Willsco]

Thanks "rorf" - the window reset worked!
I had to switch ignition off and back again following the reset - but now my roof releases again.
Many thanks
Much appreciated
Mike W

 

[grober]

Which once more indicates to me that if you garage your modern [ post year 2000 ish] Mercedes one of the best bits of preventative maintenance kits you can buy is an intelligent battery charger. The first time it prevents you having to get the car fault codes read on Star you have virtually paid for it- not to mention avoiding the worry of lots of weird warning lights /malfunctions.

 

[dellyend1]

The method Rorf stated worked for me when my R129 wouldnt release the the hardtop after some battery issues.

Im not sure if my car is normal but it draws 0.5A when locked, I think most of this is the tracker. After pulling a few fuses I have got this down to 0.18A but I plan to get a battery isolator switch as I dont use it for extended periods of time.

HI, just picked up my SL500 yesterday, very pleased ! I don't have power in my garage and it is a weekend car so would like to fit a battery isolator like Ivan 1983. Is there a specific make of isolator I should use ? What have others used ? Also silly question but if I isolate the battery does that deactivate the alarm as I really do not want a alarm on a separate battery going off in the middle of the night (like on a TVR I once had )

All comments gratefully received

Jeremy

 

[Sp!ke]

They sell these for campers so a caravan shop or eBay is where to look.

Personally I'm not sure this is a good idea. Think radio codes, window resets, abs sensors etc etc.

If you can't get power in your garage perhaps consider another 12v battery in parallel.

I don't lock mine when garaged... The battery seems to cope fine for extended periods if unlocked.