Convertible top is stuck open – 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320

ANSWER : Hello. Most of the time this is caused by the lift motor failing. The motor will lose its ability to lift the top, which will cause all of these symptoms. It can also be an electrical issue, but this is not as common. For a problem with the convertible top, your best bet may be to bring the car into the dealer to see if they can pinpoint and repair the problem.

ANSWER : There is a technical service bulletin from Volkswagen for updated programming to remedy inconsistent operation of the convertible top; you may want to take your Eos to a dealer to get the update. Also, disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes, then reconnecting it, could restore operation. There is also an emergency closing procedure that is outlined in the owner’s manual.

YourMechanic can send a top-rated technician to your home or office to fix your trunk and inoperative window.

ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the problem with your doors is electrical, however, there are multiple individual components that make up the electric door locks, ranging from solenoids, to relays, fuses, control module and the door lock itself. Before receiving a price quote on what it would cost to fix it, it would first require an inspection to properly diagnose what is damaged and needs to be fixed. I would recommend having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a door will not open inspection first, so they can pinpoint the source of your issue and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : Hello there. When checking the fluid, the top must be in the service position for an accurate reading. This should show the fluid level at the proper level once the top is in the service position.

The bolt and washer are removed carefully and the Mercedes special tool is used to add or remove fluid. The only approved convertible top fluid is the fluid supplied by Mercedes under their own brand.

WD40 is not a lubricate that is used to remove water and rust, but it is not sufficient for lubrication purposes long term. If the top is continuing to not work, then there is likely another fault other than the fluid level. The most common would be one of the top motors being faulty, a bad top position sensor, or a broken top switch. If you need help having these checked, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose and repair your convertible top.

ANSWER : Hello – any of the MB parts sites selling a "12v, 150 amp" alternator that fits your SL500 is selling the correct specification alternator. Your cars electrical system is nominally 12 volts. The voltage regulator within the alternator allows the alternator to charge at up to 14 volts in order to bring the battery back up to at least 12 volts. While cranking for example, system voltage can drop to 10 volts or so. The difference in "system voltage vs charging voltage" is a bit confusing, but hopefully, this has helped your understanding. If not, shoot any other questions our way.

ANSWER : Hi there. Unfortunately, we are not able to receive pictures or video to pinpoint damage or identify parts for vehicles through this platform. The best way to identify this item is to search online for a detailed schematic of your C280 Mercedes-Benz or contact a local MB specialist mechanic or the dealership service department to determine the parts name and function. You might also want to have a MB specialist mechanic install and inspect your vehicle for further transmission fluid leaks to ensure the repairs are correctly completed.

ANSWER : Hello. Most of the time this occurs when the lift motor is failing. This is the most common failure on this top. When it cannot lift it any further, then it is failing internally. I usually do an amperage draw test of it to see if it is failing. If you want to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect the related electrical components and pinpoint what needs repair.

ANSWER : Hello. Most of the time, this is caused by a bad battery in the car. If the battery is low then this will occur. I typically start by checking the battery and doing a load test. If the battery is fine then the ignition may have failed, or it can be an issue with the shifter assembly. The key typically will not be released if the shifter did not fully go into park. If you are going to have this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose what is going on with your car’s ignition and have this problem resolved.