Why 2001 Mercedes slk top will not go up?

Answer 1

In my 1996 SL320, there is a control module under the panel behind the passenger seat. unplugging and replugging the control module cable may reset it. If the module is bad, look out for BIG bucks replacement. Mine cost $2495.00 plus installation to replace.

Make sure the following are true: 1) your luggage covered is pulled out and hooked into the upper rear post holders (passenger side holder has sensor to prevent top from working if cover not firmly pulled out and seated. Note: My manual as well as some European based websites refer to the luggage cover as being "closed" when it is pulled all the way out as opposed to when retracted, The passenger side area the bar drops into has a sensor to prevent up and firmly seated in the uppermost post holders, 2) your key is in the #2 position (once again the manual notes that there are four positions and numbers them 0-3, so 2 is right before the last notch which starts the engine, meaning the engine should not be on), 3) make sure your trunk is TIGHTLY closed (another sensor to prevent damage), 4) MAKE SURE YOUR PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED, 5) check the light on the roof switch, IF THE LIGHT IS BLINKING SLOWLY you have a system malfunction (on these I would look for any signs of brake fluid leakage from any of the pistons in the trunk) but if a system problem you should follow specific instructions in the manual regarding how to manually but the top up and lock it in place (takes two people); if the SWITCH LIGHT IS BLINKLY RAPIDLY, you are likely in luck as the most common causes of the top not rising would be either 1) the luggage pull out cover not being pulled out (in the case of a car with the top up) or somehow the passenger side of the pole holding up the luggage cover may have been dislodged or simply is not firmly seated as it rests on a trigger sensor, or 2) your trunk lid is not firmly closed (another sensor), make sure the trunk is firmly closed therefore and just be sure that it has not been closed with something in the way. Bottom line simply opening the top could dislodge the post, especially if it is not centered, as well as put some upward pressure on a trunk not firmly seated on the sensor.

Hope this helps someone.