2002 W208 CLK320, convertible top stops halfway through sequence

[Gilly]

Hi all, it's been forever since I've been here, I was a regular contributor back in the early 2000s. For out of wrenching in 2003.
Someone found out I know a little about this era of Mercedes, but it's been awhile so I'm rusty.
On this 2002 CLK Convertible, it's a friend of a friends, it actually her aunt.
So she brought it to me, red top light was on, and the only other thing is the rear top bow wasn't latched all the way down.
I used the tool to latch it down and reset by pulling fuse 10. Light was now off. I unlatched the top bow and the windows came down.
Pulled back on the switch, the rear top bow raised, the tonneau opened, and that's as far as it goes.
In reference to how I received the car, I went to the top close position, the rear top bow raised, The tonneau closed, the rear bow went down and matched, all normal. It seems like it just doesn't want to pull the top back.
Gilly

[Gilly]

Some progress.
What I finally realized is that the top bow wasn't holding the top up. So just as the top should be going back, it drops, and of course the top can't contend with that. I know there are videos, etc on how to deal with the cables. In this case, I am wondering if just the front 2 cables need help, or is it all 4?
The top will open successfully if I just hold the top bow up until retraction starts.
It closes just fine.

[MercKen315]

Hi Gilly...
Did you find a resolution to your top issue? I'm buying a '99 CLK 320 (W208) with a soft top that does not go up or down. Were you able to figure out the issue? If so, can you post what solved the problem?

I have been watching YouTube videos of the process for replacing the cylinders, pump, etc. Wonder if you tackled it on your own. Thanks.

[Lafebre12]

Sending the cylinders out to be rebuilt is a practical solution. Some are easier to get to than others though

[engatwork]

First thing you want to do is make sure the reservoir is full. After that it is then a matter of trying to operate it and see which cylinder leaks. Top Hydraulics is, in my opinion, one of the best sites for guiding you through issues and supplier of cylinders.

These systems are pretty fool proof. You just have to make sure all the parts, cylinders, switches, etc... are all working as they should and make sure you use the specified lube when filling reservoir.