0a's Mercedes r129 500SL
Discussion
PositronicRay said:
Well done on the fluid front, keep an eye out though, the original fluid must have gone somewhere!
Roof alarm is likely to be a microswitch, a code reader would help.
Yes I am sure that there's a leak that will need fixing. Ideally I want to get a fix where the roof is sealed and there's no noise so I can drive the car long distance to get a roof replacement and service at my leisure after Christmas without going mad!Roof alarm is likely to be a microswitch, a code reader would help.
I have wires, an LED and soldering iron... the internet claims you can make a home brew fault reader with these.
0a said:
Yes I am sure that there's a leak that will need fixing. Ideally I want to get a fix where the roof is sealed and there's no noise so I can drive the car long distance to get a roof replacement and service at my leisure after Christmas without going mad!
I have wires, an LED and soldering iron... the internet claims you can make a home brew fault reader with these.
I built one in a short while and while I can change a (13amp) plug I'm no electrical whizz. You will need some plugs (banana plugs from memory), a "push to make" switch and I shoved it all in a plastic box - all from Maplins. I have wires, an LED and soldering iron... the internet claims you can make a home brew fault reader with these.
I upset my roof with a flat (dead) battery so it bleeped for a while with a new battery but resetting the windows (and possibly the roof, if I remember correctly) sorted it all out. That said, my car is a facelift so I think it thinks differently. (The code reader was for the 124 - the SL has a 38 pin socket).
CharlesdeGaulle said:
0a - I've tried to resist posting, but my local chap said that he'd sorted the bleep once by tinkering with the roof connections on the screen. Might be worth looking there first, although clearly it should work properly all the time.
Please post away CDG! I purchased the car in the knowledge that there was a bill for sorting the roof permanently, and I want it retrimmed in dark blue anyway. But in the meantime...
It sounds like a good clean of the contacts is the next step.
Does the roof actually latch correctly?
If you have the manual roof latching tool check the latches fully engage.
Here's the circuit diagram to make your own blink code reader:
The probes on mine are lengths of single core mains wire (can't remember the size sorry) soldered to the end of multi core wire and sealed with heatshrink.
Alternatively you can use standard banana plugs and get a breakout box (which is frankly easier)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-MB-Breakout-Box...
If you have the manual roof latching tool check the latches fully engage.
Here's the circuit diagram to make your own blink code reader:
The probes on mine are lengths of single core mains wire (can't remember the size sorry) soldered to the end of multi core wire and sealed with heatshrink.
Alternatively you can use standard banana plugs and get a breakout box (which is frankly easier)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-MB-Breakout-Box...
Looks like you have been looking at the same website I have: http://www.mercedes.gen.in/mercedes-older-series-d...
I will give it a go, sounds like a satisfying job.
I will give it a go, sounds like a satisfying job.
0a said:
Looks like you have been looking at the same website I have: http://www.mercedes.gen.in/mercedes-older-series-d...
I will give it a go, sounds like a satisfying job.
Indeed... another useful site is http://www.mercedesmedic.com/ though somewhat limited for 129s (use 124 guides for some items). I will give it a go, sounds like a satisfying job.
The banana plug size depends on the diag socket type.
I've a 38 pin, so unfolded paper clips soldered onto a bit of old 3 core mains cable, then some heat shrink to make it neat and support the joints.
I think a 16 pin will need larger probes.
The switch and LED are contained in an old pill box, it's labeled using masking tape!
Total cost LED...£1.86
Momentary switch £1.79
£3.65 for a diagnostic tool that's saved me hours and £££££, it can't get much better than that.
1st use was tracking down an ABS/ETS fault, turned out to be intermittent wiring to the front left wheel sensor. I shudder to think how long, or what I would have otherwise replaced before finding it.
Since then I've used it for, running fault (purge valve), alarm/CL (poor connectors), roof alarm (adjustment of left header rail micro switch)
It won't clear airbag faults, you'll need STAR for that.
It even goes in the emergency holiday tool kit along with the relevant pages of the code manual "just in case"
I've a 38 pin, so unfolded paper clips soldered onto a bit of old 3 core mains cable, then some heat shrink to make it neat and support the joints.
I think a 16 pin will need larger probes.
The switch and LED are contained in an old pill box, it's labeled using masking tape!
Total cost LED...£1.86
Momentary switch £1.79
£3.65 for a diagnostic tool that's saved me hours and £££££, it can't get much better than that.
1st use was tracking down an ABS/ETS fault, turned out to be intermittent wiring to the front left wheel sensor. I shudder to think how long, or what I would have otherwise replaced before finding it.
Since then I've used it for, running fault (purge valve), alarm/CL (poor connectors), roof alarm (adjustment of left header rail micro switch)
It won't clear airbag faults, you'll need STAR for that.
It even goes in the emergency holiday tool kit along with the relevant pages of the code manual "just in case"
Looking good 0a, hope you get some nice summer miles done. Mine hasn't moved since march and I miss driving it. I don't think I've had the hard top off in maybe 2 years which isn't great for the mechanisms, I should get it off and give it a few cycles.
My post from page 1 stands, let me know if you are moving on the duotone indicators they would be nice on my 2000 car.
My post from page 1 stands, let me know if you are moving on the duotone indicators they would be nice on my 2000 car.
Open the bonnet. In either corner down inside the inner wing there is just room to wriggle a finger or two in (backhanded if necessary) and gently pull the large spring-loaded cross-hatched tab in towards the centre of the car. Be careful, you'll need steady force but not too much. Old plastic and all that. Just enough force will let the tab clear the wing and the whole assembly will pop forward. Gently pull it out and disconnect the bulb wiring. Check your NOS blinkers have a P21 bulb holder - if they came from the US then they might be different. You should be able to reuse the ones on the car.
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