Appreciate any advice on the following problems:

Tried to lower the top yesterday and ran into an issue; the rear window part of the top unlatched but did not want to lift away from the tonneau cover. So, while my wife operated the top (down) button, I gently lifted the rear window part of the top which caused the remainder of the top down operation to complete OK.

Next I tried to raise the top. Nothing, no sound from the hydraulic pump motor. The top switch light is now on all the time and a chime sounds when any attempt is made to drive the car.

Built a code reader and initially noted 9 CST codes (2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 15). Managed to clear them all. But, when I try raising the top I get a code 4 (Limit switch signals illogical). I can clear the code 4 but it reappears if I try to raise the top. Fuses all test OK. No hydraulic leaks.

Also, both seat belt presenters have stopped working. Which seems to be more than a coinicidence.

Have read Kestas threads (very informative) but have run out of ideas on what to try next.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

It seems like you answered your own question with the code reader. Limit switch illogical means the limit switch is malfunctioning, so the top will not operate. Likely a safety feature of the system.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
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'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I'd investigate and see if a limit switch has failed.

Have you checked the fluid level in the hydraulic reservoir?

__________________
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...c/GOWIDE-1.jpg
1971 280SL ROADSTER
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO WIDEBODY
1994 E320 CABRIOLET
1999 C43 AMG
2005 G55K AMG
2008 CLK63 AMG BLACK SERIES

Where the heck is the thing, this isnt even an issue for me and I cannot find it in my cabrio to help this poster out lol

Yep. The level is between min and max.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

Sounds about right. Do you know where this limit switch is and if it can be accessed while the top is down?

Thanks.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

It's located behind the right hand side trim panel in the trunk.
First remove the trim panel facing the rear seat back, then the right will pop out.
There is a metal plate that has to be remove that covers the pump and reservoir.
If the fluid level is below the min mark the roof will have erratic operation, some which will show up as electrical fault codes as the limit switches aren't properly tripping.
The FEBI fluid is under $8.00 per liter.

__________________
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...c/GOWIDE-1.jpg
1971 280SL ROADSTER
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO WIDEBODY
1994 E320 CABRIOLET
1999 C43 AMG
2005 G55K AMG
2008 CLK63 AMG BLACK SERIES

Yes. The hyd pump is straight forward to get to, the fluid level can be easily checked after the RHS trunk trim panel is removed.

I forgot to mention in my initial post yesterday, the rear 'head rest/roll bars' no longer operate either. They are in the down position. The switch on the dash flashes but provides no movement. Any one know the where abouts of the limit switch(es)?

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

There is a limit switch on the driver's side at the rear of the soft compartment. It is triggered by the compartment cover opening. There is another limit switch on the bow cylinder on the passenger's side.

Here's another switch http://www.ps2cho.net/downloads/MB%20CD/W124/w124CD2/Program/Chassis/77-418.pdf

If your top won't lower or raise at all the CST controller must think that the windows are not fully lowered and or the roll bar is not lowered. I believe the roll bar codes are read from the 14 pin connector in the engine compartment, not the connector you used to read the CST codes.

I have found that if I manually operate the top it sometimes throws a code just for fun but I can usually clear them. Another trick is to disconnect the connectors from the controller which is under the rear seat right (passenger's side).

Finally make sure the car is running or you have a good charge on the battery, that can also affect operation.

I have a battery tender on the car and the battery appears healthy. But to be sure, I have retried everything thus far with the engine running.

The top is fully down with the soft-top (tonneau) cover closed. So I'll check the 14 pin connector in the engine compartment first for any additional codes.

Will also try disconnecting the battery and the CST controller, and leaving it overnight.


Thanks for the info and tips.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

Is the tonneau cover lock releasing? Once the car checks the windows and roll bar you should hear it pop open.

You might want to raise a window and see if it lowers when you pull the soft top switch back. That will tell you the controller is working at it should. If the roll bar is not operating with the dash switch something is wrong there. I am sure you checked but just in case there are extra fuses for the cab in front of the battery.

Hope you solve this.

The top is stowed under the tonneau cover. No sound at all when attempting to raise the top.

Cleared one roll bar fault code (6) at the connector under the hood. Then re-cleared code 4 at the CST socket in the passenger footwell.

All fuses (big 30a strips and cartridge type) are OK. I removed and tested them one by one to be sure there are no hairline cracks.

With ignition on and the top handles in the closed position - the top switch light is on solid (it would normally be off). Pushing the top switch fwd or backward (would normally raise or lower all the window) sounds the chime and the red light flashes. No windows move. The roll bar dash light remains on. Windows can be individually raised lowered OK.

With the top handles in the raise/lower position - pushing the top switch fwd or backward (would normally cause the top to raise or lower) extinguishes the top switch light - no sound or movement from the top mechanism. Release the switch - top switch light comes on again - code 4 (Limit switch signals illogical) reappears. The roll bar dash light remains on.

Have disconnected the battery and 3 x cables from the CST controller, will leave it overnight.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

Check the roll bar fuse. I once had it blow just before the rollbar was completely retracted.
Please identify this fuse

__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

That fuse is OK. I removed, tested and replaced it to be sure.

While re-checking the main fuse box I decided to remove the rear cover - held by 4 screws. The 2nd pic is with the cover removed.


Underneath are some more relays and modules. The blue and green relays near the top left of the picture have fuses. The (15A) fuse on the blue relay had blown! Alas, replacing it made no difference.

The (30A) fuse on the green relay was OK. But, I dropped the fuse somewhere inside the firewall - so will need to replace it anyway.

Am running out of ideas on where to look next. Would like to try swapping out the CST module under the rear seat for a known good one before dismantling the rear of the car to get to the limit switches.

Can anyone recommend a good indy in Orange County, CA?

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten