Is there something I am missing?

Did a routine battery replacement on 1192 500SL a week ago. Went to operate the top yesterday, and nothing happens. The rollbar won't even go down, though I can hear the motor.

Is this a coincidence, or could I accidentally have screwed up the top mechanism?

Thanks in advance. The weather is nice and it is no time to have to keep the top up!

Ed

Sounds like the new battery is the problem...maybe a dead cell or something. The top mechanism requires a considerable amount of current to operate. You may have to bench test the battery. Also make sure you operate the top with the engine running, not just the ignition key turned on.

You may also have a hydraulic leak. If you can hear the motor running and the light isn't on, you should check the fluid level.

SOFT TOP FLUID, YES! ONLY IN A MERCEDES.

It is located under the spare tire under the black plastic.

1992 500 SL top doesn't operate
 

I ran across a similar problem recently. Cure: clear trouble codes for convertible top and that fixed the problem.

I had the same problem about a year ago just after the battery died and therefore I suspected the new battery but after all it was a broken solenoid in the hydraulic system...

greetingz,

Donnie,

<<SOFT TOP FLUID, YES! ONLY IN A MERCEDES. >>

Also in the old GM converts, (68-72 Cutlass, Chevelle, etc). Only the system was sealed, and required bleeding after filling...many times I crawled around the trunk, before I repaired my leaking hydraulic cylinder!