New SL500 Owner w/Hard Top Problem

[beerme]

Hey all, I just encountered my first problem with my new/used 95 SL500. When I was at the dealer I had them remove the hard top and show me the soft top worked etc. But now a week later I went to remove the hard top and it will not release. Further my auto didn't have the owners manual so I am kinda stuck in that I don't know the proper procedure and may also not know enough to know that I have a mechanical issue. Below is the outline of the procedure I followed.

1. Start Car, lower windows and set emergency brake.
2. Push red button forward - here the lift cylinders etc moving but top doesn't release.
3. Pulled red button backward but red light flashes, no mechanical sounds.
4. When red button forward the rear deck tries to lift, then it pulls the top down tight.

Through out entire process the top never "popped up" like it did at the dealership, so my thoughts are either I am missing a step with the releasing of the top, or something isn't working correctly.

Finally if my steps above were correct then is there a manual way to remove the Hard Top without tearing up the car? Thanks in advance and as always I appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Sincerely
Phil

[Pete Geither]

Don't have my manual in front of me, but I think that both doors need to be open.

[SL95]

Owner's Manual says:

1. Engage parking brake
2. Open Doors
3. Disconnect plug (1) for rear window defroster
4. Within 10 seconds of turning key in steering lock postion 2 (engine not running), slide soft top switch (2) back and hold.

My guess is that your error was in having the engine running.

You don't have to have the doors open because the windows will go down automatically before the top process will start. If the mercedes dealership was the last person to take the top off, I would take it to them and ask them to help.

[beerme]

Thanks all for the insight and help. I was able to successfully remove my top when I got home. It would seem that as you guys noted the "engine must be in the off position", that is one mistake I won't make again. Also on the brightside I discovered the map pockets in the doors and there was my owners manual. Woooo Whooo, it is the simple things....Thanks Again for the help and advice......