94 sl320 convertible top problems hydraulic fluid leak - malfunctioning

[94 madison]

Sounds like a complicated job. Hope my top continues to work!

[Mal]

Originally Posted by jake dijkstra

it is my understanding that the fluid used is mineral oil which u can buy at any dollar store for well about a dollar

Is this correct??? Anyone?

[snowbilt]

I have never heard that one, but I wouldn't try it. Just pay the 25 bucks and have piece of mind.

[comandantestr]

Hy everybody!

I have an sl 320 and the softtop is not working anymore. The car was in a garage for about 8 years old. i have checked all the oil levels on the hidraulic pumps and there is no leak or signs of damage. if i get the softtop close to the locking system , mannually, and then i push the closing button .. the system works and loks it. But if i want to the operation normally nothing happends. the button just lights up red color and the softtop is not mooving. no mather if i try to close or open the softtop. So if you can please help me and let me know what else should i check and where are located all the components that my have problems and belongs to this system, i would be so greatfull. Please excuse my english and my way of explaining the problem but i'm from europe. Is bassicley simple. The softop is not working. Only mannualy and only if i push it into the back holes than he can lok it. That's the only think my softop does. Please help
Thanks

[tecqboy]

Welcome to the forum. Check out this "ultimate" thread over on the MB World Forum for help. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1324795-r129-soft-top-controller-roll-bar.html

[bobterry99]

First, I woud put the top completely up or down. Then to troubleshoot I would read/erase all of the existing codes. Next I would operate the top. When the top quits moving continue to hold the switch until 2 minutes elapse or the light in the switch flashes -- whichever comes first. Now at this point there should be a diagnostic code stored in the controller identifying your problem.

The procedure for reading and erasing codes on your car is described here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1266535-diagnostics-sl-pre-94-a.html? You simply need a wire or paper clip and an LED. Some LEDs have a built-in resistor so they can operate at 12VDC, which is what you want. If you use a typical LED that lacks the resistor, then you will need to have a 1K-ohm or similar resistor in series with the LED to limit the current and protect it from burning-out.

[neworleansboy20]

can anyone tell me how many cylinders in a 1998 sl500 i know my rear pasenger cylinder is leaking behind the wheel weld and how hard would it be to replace them

[lynns]

Originally Posted by neworleansboy20

can anyone tell me how many cylinders in a 1998 sl500 i know my rear passenger cylinder is leaking behind the wheel weld and how hard would it be to replace them

Your car should have ten hydraulic cylinders that work the roadster soft top (RST) and one for the roll bar.

If your going to replace one rear RST cylinder seal it's my suggestion that you consider doing ALL eight. Sometimes replacing just one creates additional pressure on the total system and you will find that additional leaks that take place not much later. Not to mention the amount of labor required to do one cylinder vs. all the rear cylinders.

Please see/read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1307426-r129-soft-top-hydraulic-system-ultimate.html#post2262978

[Lighthouse]

Originally Posted by neworleansboy20

can anyone tell me how many cylinders in a 1998 sl500 i know my rear pasenger cylinder is leaking behind the wheel weld and how hard would it be to replace them

You probably got the job done already, but the following may help others who read this thread later.

Below are links to detailed step-by-step instructions for inspection, removal, and re-installation of the cylinders. The instructions rate the degree of difficulty, as well.

There are 12 top hydraulic cylinders in Models 90-96, and 11 in Models 97-02. The models from 97-02 have only one tonneau cover lock, as opposed to two locks in the earlier models.

2 Front lock cylinders - easy to do:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20Front%20Locking%20Cylinder%20Removal.pdf

2 Rear lock cylinders - easy to do:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20Rear%20Locking%20Cylinder%20Removal.pdf

2 Tonneau cover lift cylinders - easy to do:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20Tonneau%20Cover%20Lift%20Cylinders.pdf

1 or 2 Tonneau cover lock cylinders - easy to do:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20Tonneau%20Cover%20Lock%20Cylinders.pdf

2 Bow extension cylinders - not hard to do; requires some patience and following the instructions exactly:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20Bow%20Extension%20Cylinder%20Removal.pdf

2 Main lift cylinders - medium difficulty; it takes some time to get all the panels out of the way, but that is exactly where you save the big bucks compared to paying a shop for doing it:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20Main%20Lift%20Cylinder%20Removal.pdf

Top Hydraulics upgrades and rebuilds all hydraulic cylinders for all Mercedes convertibles, plus BMW and Porsche. Top Hydraulics has developed longer lasting seals with PTFE back-shells. PTFE is the chemical acronym for Polytetrafluoroethylene, which DuPont has trademarked as Teflon.

[tarajeb]

Dennis Ficken is the real deal!!! In May 2011, I drove my 99' SL500 to Olathe, KS where Dennis inspected all 11 hydraulic cylinders and rebuilt my two front lock cylinders while I waited. As I watched him work, it became apparent that he's a skilled specialist that could perform this work in his sleep. He is a real professional and his work is dirt cheap compared to the dealership. I have to store my SL500 for about four years while I'm overseas, but I'll be back for maintenance on the remaining cylinders when I return. In the meantime, I'll be making a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project in Dennis' name to pay it forward and say thanks for the excellent service!

[Will_w202]

Looks like I'll be sending some to Dennis. The PO did 6 of the 12 at some point - I'm not sure which 6, so I need to go back through my records. I have 2 issues.

Last night, the top would go completely vertical, along with tonneau cover, but would not fold down any further. I returned it to position. Which cylinder should I be pulling for that?

Second, since I bought it, the top won't lock into place when closing if I keep the button depressed. I have to let off the button, then push it again, and it "pops" into place.

[tecqboy]

I also have to push the switch a "second time" to latch the top unless I rev the engine a bit. I think its due to low system ( battery ) voltage. Reving the engine adds the alternator voltage thereby increasing voltage at the hydraulic pump and thus increases fluid pressure.

[carloskeyair]

I live in Georgia, I am a disabled ARMY veteran. I purchased a 1999 Mercedes SL500 back in 2006. When my top lock hydrualic cylinders started leaking I called Mr Dennis Ficken and he encouraged and walked me thru removal of the cylinders. He fixed them and sent them back immediately. I have since had a leak and he is warrantying the cylinders as I write. He is the real deal as refferred by others on several Mercedes and BMW, etc. forums. It is hard to find honest, hard working people in the service side and he is all he is cracked up to be. It is 2014 and I still utilize him for all my needs. Thanks for everything Dennis. Carlos

2000 Porsche 911
1999 MB SL500 Sport
2005 Acura TL
2014 AUDI A6 Premium Plus

[cure]

Hi can you tell me how to get my rag top up I removed my HT and now the widows wont go up I have a fluid leak in the trunk and the button flashes I am getting the cyl. out to be rebuilt just need help getting ST up by hand for now

[SunGuy]

What model year is your car? If you have the owners manual, the steps are in there.