Can't remove hard top from 300SL

[isensee]

I am trying to remove the hard top for the first time from my recently purchased 1992 300SL. I followed the instructions in the owners manual, but the top does not release. The switch lights up and I pull it back, I hear some noises from the trunk area as if it is trying to do something, but neither the front or back latches release. If I hold the switch a few seconds, the lights starts to blink.

Any suggestions what the problem is likely to be and how to troubleshoot it?

Scott

[aam]

More info needed.
Is your battery charged?
You can do it with engine on park only running.
You must hold the switch on with out relishing it you will hear loud clicks and clacks,
don't let go of the switch, try to help the top relise by pushing the top with you hand is the midle front.
Check that you have oil in the reservoir it is under the spare tire, use Mercedes fluid only.
Regards.
aam.

[isensee]

Thanks. I see the hydraulic fluid is low. I'll pick up some of that and see if it fixes the problem.

[isensee]

I added fluid, but no luck. The battery is fully charged and is nearly new. I tried running the car while pulling on the switch, but no luck. I held the switch for a full minute and I tried pushing up on the top. I can hear some clacking in the trunk, but the hydraulic pump motor doesn't run. The switch lights up red initially and then after a while starts flashing.

Any other suggestions on troubleshooting this?

[ONEMBTEK]

When the control unit sees a problem it will cause the light to flash and it will set a code(s). You will need to extract codes before further diagnosis is performed. There are a whole bunch of micro-switches in the earlier 129s and the diagnostic procedure can be confusing to one who is unfamiliar with the system.
Control units themselves have been known to be problematic also.

[tecqboy]

Much has been written in this forum ( and the other one where you also posted ) on diagnosing the system. If you do a "search" on soft top controller, you'll find out absolutely everything there is to know about the system.