W129 SL 320 Hard top stuck.

[rambo43]

Can anyone help? The bum warmers ceased to function last week and now the Hard top/Roll bars lights are illuminated and will not release the top.
The battery was a little sluggish after not using it for a month, when the car was started but no probs.
Hve disconnected the battery and trickle charged it,re connected and the lights are still on. Also the passenger window drop to close didn't function but after moving them up and down both are now dropping on opening the door.
I had this problem when buying the car 18months ago as the vendor had let the battery go flat.It ended up at Merc dealer and cost me £240 to repair.Do I have to remove the H.Top mechanically and if so where is the release at the back,the front is eas to access.Other wise the car is brill. should have bought one years ago!!

[stats007]

Have you checked all of the fuses - especially those in the boot? Low voltage will trigger a fault code that may need to be cleared.

Manual hardtop removal is straightforward:

[rambo43]

I have checked all fuses and those in boot to no avail.
The picture shows the hardtop in its release mode before lifting off.
I need to get to this point but the switches are in down mode and illuminated and no matter which way I press them they still remain illuminated.
Your idea about clearing the fault code might help.
I now have to find someone who can read the fault and clear.
Your help is much appreciated
Regards
mike ramsden

[r129sl]

If you click on the picture it will open in a new window as a video. The video then shows you how to lock or unlock the hardtop using the special wrench provided in the vehicle toolkit. It is not difficult. However, be aware that there is no way manually to lock the soft top in the fully up position: it can only be manually locked at the header rail (I believe).

[stats007]

The soft-top can be manually locked as well.

[r129sl]

I thought you couldn't lock down the rear bow of the soft top--that's what it siggests in my manual--am I wrong?

I did wonder why it would not be possible to lock it down in the same way as the rear of the hardtop is manually locked.

[stats007]

The rear bow uses the same latches as the hard-top and the process is the same.

[rambo43]

Thanks to your advice I have released the H/Top but the switches are still lit up.Any further suggestions ??
regards
Mike Ramsden

[stats007]

Does the roll-bar raise and lower?

Put the soft-top up manually and then see if it works. If not then I think you need to read and clear the fault codes.

[sodbonce]

you should visit benzworld.org, mostly yanks but the 129 forum has all the info about faultcodes and you can read them yourself easy

[stats007]

You can only read the codes and clear them on pre-96 models - later cars require the HHT or Star system.