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Old 05-12-2005, 06:18 PM
slor911's Avatar
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Washington, DC
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Another Soft Top Issue ... Clam Shell

I have a really annoying issue with the top on my 90 500SL ... the top releases and folds very nicely into the comparment, but the clam shell won't close. It's happened randomly in the past, but would close fully if I tried a 2nd/3rd time. For the last few weeks, the clam shell just won't close ... ever ... with 6-8 tries (big bummer, with the nice weather we've had lately).

Anyone ever heard of this? Any ideas what's causing it? Any help greatly appreciated.

-Aaron

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1990 500SL, 18" Carlsson 2/6, Remus Exhaust
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Old 05-12-2005, 06:53 PM
speace's Avatar
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Location: Atlanta, GA
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I'm going to take a wild guess that perhaps the micro-switch that senses that the top has come to rest in the storage compartment is out of position. When mine was messed up, the cover (clam shell) wouldn't lift so that I could CLOSE the top.

The switch is straight behind the driver's seat at about shoulder-height and should be depressed by the "bow" of the top when it is in the storage position.

It would just seem logical to me that if it didn't sense the top settling into position, it wouldn't close the cover...

There ae more sensors. I don't know where they all are. If tis isnt it, then perhaps someone with more expertise will post something useful soon!
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  #3  
Old 05-12-2005, 11:20 PM
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Yes, I agree. If the hydraulics is functioning properly, it is most likely one of the micro-switches. They fail frequently. The damn things rely on a tiny internal spring to amplify the torque of a small movement to close or open a large contact. Over time, the springs wear out or break. Also, sometimes the switch body just gets loose and moves out of correct alignment position. I think you can pull codes to help find the bad switch.

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