91' 300SL soft top problems...

[isaleboats]

I have read hundreds of posts, soft tops not working, but can't seem to find a problem like I'm having. Sure would appreciate it if someone could please help me out!! My hard top and soft top have been working fine, today I had my conv. top half way up, while searching for a problem I was having with my 3rd. brake light. (sorry if I'm wandering with the problem but trying to give you all the facts) My battery has been awful weak so while the top was in the half up position, I decided to put a new battery in. I hooked a battery pack into the cig. lighter, hoping to keep the systems energized. After I connected the new battery, the red switch for the top control and the roll bar lights were lit. When I pulled the codes for the top it kept telling me the top wasn't latched and the red light would stay on. So I manually latched the top to the windshield and latched the rear down, couldn't get the storage panel to lock. The lights went out on the red control knob and also the lights on the roll bar switch. After doing so I checked the codes again on #10 and #7. Number 10 gave me a code of 20, in which I believe is saying the hard top is on. #7 gave me no codes at all. I cleared the #10 code. When I try to raise and/or lower the top with the switch it just blinks and nothing happens, no noises no clicking, nothing!! The roll bar is also INOP... When I try to pull more codes off of #10, the switch light just lights and when I remove the ground wire from #10 the light goes out, no codes show up.

I've disconnected the plugs off of the controller, under the pasenger storage tray with no luck, checked all fuses, no luck.

Everything else in the car seems to work fine, windows all work in one touch mode and manually holding the switch, all lights work, horn works, the cart starts and runs fine.

I'm at a stand still, sure could use some suggestions!!!!

Thanks in advance for any help!!!
Randy

P.S. I had other codes, in which I'm not sure how old of codes they are.

Pin 3 had codes of 7, 13
Pin 11 had 12, 14, 2, 5, 6
Pin 12 had 13

All codes are cleared and still no roll bar or top...

[bobterry99]

Originally Posted by rkmarine

So I manually latched the top to the windshield and latched the rear down, couldn't get the storage panel to lock.

I think that is likely your problem, Randy. The control module can't establish the position of the top and doesn't know what sequence to execute. So it sets a code (flashes the lamp) and does nothing.

You'll have to get the compartment cover to lock. Make sure its latches are open, push down on the cover until it catches the latch, and then lock it down with the special wrench.

I have no idea why you are now unable to read codes from the controller. Regarding the codes from the other systems, I would erase them and see which ones return after you drive the car.

[david s poole]

my exper is to read codes and then erase-----top will operate.prob one of the window sensors in the doors.

[isaleboats]

Problem fixed and a big thank you!!!

[jopool]

Isaleboats - noticed that your were having trouble with your convertible top. I just purchased a 92 sl300 and appear to be having the same problem - neither the soft or the hard will lock in place manually and the roll bar is up and will not work either.

It sounds as though you were able to resolve your issues with this by erasing and re-setting the codes, is that correct?

If so, can you tell me how to get the code info and how difficult it was to do.

I am not so mechanically inclined and worder if it would be easier to take to an expert.

Thanks
JoPool
Texas

[isaleboats]

Hi Jopool,

If you click on Bobterry99's name, it should direct you to his links and responses. There he explains numerous times how to retrieve codes from the 16-pin diagnostic plug.

If you have an owners manual and the special mercedes wrench, that was issued as standard equipment with the car, you should be able to follow the directions in the owners manual, on how to lock the tops and roll bar in place.

You need to make sure that the top and roll bar are locked in either the up or down position. That's when you need to read all pin codes write them down and then clear them. (You need to make sure you get all codes and clear them before you try the top again, if not cleared, chances are it still won't work.)