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We tend to have alot of problems with having the soft top operate in the spring, when the hardtop is removed for the season. The soft top will be very sluggish. Very often one of the rear bow latches will be down, when they are supposed to both be up. The rear bow latch is then unlocked manually and held in the "up" position with a small prybar (tonneau cover unlatched and raised manually), then the soft top will begin working (need one person to hold the latch up with a prybar, and another to operate the switch). Per MB the trick is to get the soft top up and latched, then allow the car to sit overnight, this will enable the hydraulic system to bleed out air after a long winters rest.
Of all the components we have replaced, the top bow latches are definitely the most common, at least for hydraulic components.
To verify which one is needed, remove the trim cover on top of the windshield header panel and operate the top until the front latches fail to lock, operate the pump for maybe 15-30 seconds longer while the latches attempt to lock. Then put the top down. The latch (hydraulic cylinder) that is failing will feel hot.
Gilly
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