1991 sl top problem

[aspag62]

I know this is old hat to some, But my 500 sl 1991 has a soft top problem. the top stops half way up,and it stops firm. This is the first I time tried to use it this year. During the winter I replaced battery, replaced both window motors. Every thing on this car is in good condition owned it since new. The hard top released with out a problem went back on with no problem fuses are find. it did go up but only 1/2 way. Also roll bar works find
I need help.
Thanks Angelo

[gene2]

Did your windows go down as your top started to go up?

[aspag62]

If I remember correctly the windows did not go down went I popped the hard top ( think they did before ?) . tried to put up soft top, went 1/2 way up and stopped,the windows were up, after that I put the windows down by the switchs in console tried a few more times to raise the top same thing 1/2 way up stopped ( car stays outside) put the hard top back on. and I put windows back up.

Thanks

[tecqboy]

The soft top controller needs to be reset / clear error codes. You can build a simple switch tool to do this yourself. Do a forum search on the soft top controller. This happens from time to time on this early model controller and it's a good idea to keep the procedure ( instructions ) and the tool in the glove box. Low battery voltage or changing the battery can cause this problem.

[gene2]

tecqboy
Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Posts: 890

Do you have this info?

Mercedes Soft Top Controller Reset Procedure. R129 1990 thru 12/93.

Locate the diagnostic connector: Under the black plastic cover over the hood-up switch on
the US passenger side of vehicle near the strut mount.

To recover codes from the soft top controller:

Connect a normally open (N.O. S.P.) switch between pin 1 and pin 10. A simple push button switch with leads or a short jumper lead will also work OK.

Short (close switch) 2 to 4 seconds to read error codes.
The lamp in red (operate) top switch ( in the console ) will flash out a number of pulses.
Count the pulses and see the chart.

Short (close switch) 6 to 8 seconds to erase error code.

There may be multiple codes stored, so read / erase until all are cleared or the problem
Is located.

Some codes may require reading / resetting twice before they will erase.

The codes that will suspend operation of a soft top on the R129 are 21, 22, 26, and 30.

A code of "1" indicates no faults and no hard top in place, while a code of "20" indicates no faults and the hard top is assumed to be on the car.

2 = Limit switch, LEFT locked, soft top storage compartment cover.
3 = Limit switch, RIGHT locked, soft top storage compartment cover.
4 = Limit switch LEFT closed, soft top storage compartment.
5 = Limit switch RIGHT closed, soft top storage compartment cover.

6 = Limit switch LEFT locked, soft top fabric bow.
7 = Limit switch RIGHT locked, soft top fabric bow.
8 = Limit switch LEFT closed, soft top fabric bow.
9 = Limit switch RIGHT closed, soft top fabric bow.

10 = Limit switch LEFT front locked, soft top.
11 = Limit switch RIGHT front locked, soft top.

12 = Limit switch soft top storage compartment open.
13 = Limit switch soft top fabric bow raised.
14 = Limit switch soft top down in storage compartment.
15 = Limit switch soft top up ( secondary closing speed ).

16 = roll bar retracted switch.
17 = Left window failed to lower (limit switch open), bad fuse, or window relay on controller.
18 = Right window failed to lower (limit switch open), bad fuse, or window relay on controller

19 = Vehicle speed signal to controller missing or illogical.

20 = Hard top installed, no faults.

21 = Controller module / soft top switch circuit open.

22 = Roll bar switch activated.
23 = roll bar control unit not functioning.
24 = Roll bar crash deployed.

25 = contradicting switch inputs.

27 = insufficient voltage.
28 = Speedometer signal is missing.
29 = Wheel speed from ABS control module missing.
30 = Top operation disabled (due to #29).
__________________
Resistance is Futile.

[aspag62]

Ok,Tried the clearing of codes , the red button lights up when I turn the self made switch to on , off when turned to off. Only got one code # 17 after that no more and
after about 15 attemps . So I put the windows down and popped the hardtop and removed. Put the windows up and tried to rise soft top ,the windows went down and the top stopped again 1/2 way up. Let me explain 1/2 way up the top is pointing straight up ,the front part and the rear part are together and you can not move it.
Now push button to close top it goes down and rear boot cover closes up,put hard top back on and every things nornal.

[aspag62]

also tried the code thing again after all of the above no error codes

[gmcbus]

Had this happen to me after the battery went dead. Cannot locate where I found it but you have to sync the door windows with the top. Hope I remember it right, you have to push the buttons to raise the door windows, when they close continue to hold the buttons down for 6 or more seconds. Somehow this syncs things and the top worked great after that. Would have been nice if they put that in the owners manual.

[tecqboy]

The "re-sync the windows" does not work on 1991 models. There were several versions of the controller used during the 129 model built. Later controllers feature the re-sync feature. On the 1991, the only way to clear the errors is with the switch tool. If there are no errors and the top gets stuck, it must be a mechanical issue.

[ctaylor738]

OK, I'll ask the obvious. Did the code 17 come back when you tried to operate the top? Have you checked the switch in the door?

[tecqboy]

I'm sorry, it's been so long since I had my door apart that I can't remember how the limit switch is physically activated. But I think the "clue" here is that you changed the motor and the limit switch is part of that assembly. I'd suggest that you go back inside the door and put a jumper wire across the limit switch. The error code and the top action suggest that the switch is not functioning. The relay is OK because the window works manually and via the top controller.

[aspag62]

Thanks for all your help will have to take door apart, really did not want to go there, But I'm should that's were it's at.

[aspag62]

Yes I got the code #17 three diff times after top operation trys and cleared it three times only code I ever got. Thanks

[500SL4ME]

My 1995 has been doing the same thing lately. Stopping at the point you describe after I have had battery disconnected to do some other work. I re-synced windows today to see if it fixes it.

Moving top manually to windshield would allow the process to start again and switch worked OK. Then I remembered I had not resynched windows so we shall see if I get fault again.

[aspag62]

The limit switch is part all by its self, located in bottom section of door with a lead that plugs in to motor ,thought you all would like to know