1991 300SL Convertible Top Manually!!!!

[spins23]

anyone knows how to take the convertible soft top down manually? the convertible automatic top won't come down with the red button switch....

[jjrodger]

There is a lengthy mechanical procedure whereby you can do this. It is set out in the vehicle handbook. However, you cannot fully erect the soft top manually. In particular, the rear section cannot be latched down manually.

[sldan]

spin23,

I have operarted my 1991 300SL top manually many times during the period of time I was troubleshooting a probelm with the electrical operation.

As jjrodger stated, the owners manual has the procedure and if you have the original set of tools there is a flat wrench with an allen wrench stem on one end. But is wrong in stating that you cannot fully operate and latch the top manually.

Assuming you have the owners manual and tool you can open and close the top and perform all of the latching and unlatching with the tool.

It does take a little force to over come the hydrulic fluid when pulling the top up off of the windshield, pulling it out of the boot, and pushing it down onto the windshield.

In summary, it is possible to manually operate the top and have it fully latched.

Some were in this SL Forum is a very good discription of how to retrieve and errase codes in the soft top controller. There are certain condition that will prevent the top from operating until the codes are retrieved and errased. I followed the procedure and my top has been operating since.

Try a search for 'SOFT TOP". I sent out a call for help so you may search for sldan.

Hope this helps.

[sldan]

Check these out.

You might consider checking for fault codes, as explained here:

Questions for techs on my SL, please read>>

and perorming diagnostics, if necessary, as explained here:

500sl Soft Top And Roll Bar

sldan