Convertible top does not work

Tiny
DIVIDES
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
Bought it as is. No sound of motor or hydraulic, only thing that moves when I press the button is all windows go down a bit for the top to open. No codes I can see. The trunk was not staying up before due to struts, so changed them now it does. The cargo piece that needs to sit on top of sensor is on there correctly. I'm not sure if this could be fuses or relays. If you can help me with fuse and relay location for the top I would appreciate it.

Jumped pins 87 and 30 on relay and pump worked but noise, level of fluid is very even though I don't see any leaks. What kind of fluid and how do you add?
Monday, January 10th, 2022 AT 9:03 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not completely sure what is happening. Which relay did you jump? If you look below, I attached the wiring schematic for the convertible top and the fuse legends. Take a look and let me know if that helps.

The last pic below shows the fluid information.

Let me know as much as you can, and I'll try my best to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
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  • 898 POSTS
There is only one relay by the pump, when I jumped the wires, it worked so we know pump works. Fluid is at the lowest level, I was able to hear the pump trying when pressing the switch, waiting on fluid to see if anything would move.
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 5:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Thanks for the update. Let me know if adding fluid takes care of the issue.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
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Got some original hydraulic fluid, which took forever to fill as the hole is so small and there are bubbles even though both were open. Tried the too, at the start I was hearing the motor bit nothing was loving I knew the fluid just needs to get to all lines first. Stopped for few so I wouldn't burn it. Did it again, and stopped 4 or 5 times, the lid started moving. All is good too works like a charm. Thanks for your help.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

That's excellent! I'm really glad to hear that took care of it for you. Also, thanks for the update. I was wondering if that would take care of it for you.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help.

Take good care of yourself and good job!

Joe
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
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I also noticed very little fluid on passenger side window, fee drips inside on the seat so I think it is coming from inside the roof itself, must be a small leak inside. Not sure how to tackle this now. People say could be front cylinder.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
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Coming from where the black rubber is.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
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  • 898 POSTS
Here.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 7:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

I don't believe there are hydraulics there. It may be leaking at one of the hydraulic cylinders. See pic 1. It may be getting things wet when closed.

Check these first and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 1:35 PM
Tiny
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It's coming from the too cylinder under headliner up front, ordered a fix kit for it.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

That is the hydraulic locking system. I didn't realize it was at the front. When you said side window, I was thinking further back.

If you look below, I attached the directions for replacement.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I know I confused you.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

No problem. Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 2:43 PM

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