A209 CLK roof doesn't fold when the sun's out!

mugwump00

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Hello all,

I've Googled all day on this, and found nothing that matches my issue exactly.

I've just been out to my car @ 22:00 and it's working fine, like there was never any problem, however all yesterday and today through the daytime (20 degrees round these parts) the roof has failed to lower on the dozens of times I've tried (inc. with motor running to keep up the volts).

It whirs and clunks in all the right ways, the windows operate and the front-edge detaches but the rear window doesn't lift; the pump-sound continues for 5 seconds and then just stops.

It's happened before, where it's taken a few tries to get it down, and then it has behaved perfectly at the end of the evening's journey, but never as stubborn as this weekend. I've put it down before to sticking rubber and lack of use, but I suspect it's something more technical now.

I imagine it's either aged hydraulic fluid (it's a 2003 car), a weak lift ram/motor or a sticking catch for the rear of the roof section.

Would anyone know if the fluid change is a home-job for the novice? The level is dead-centre between MIN/MAX. I've not found any instructions and I see that the reservoir requires a injector to get the stuff in it. Is there an online guide?

Or has anyone seen this behaviour before and can point me to a more likely explanation. I'd like to take the car to my local independent specialist with at least half a clue as to what needs breaking down and sorting, I fear the roof is a very delicate and potentially expensive matter. He's a really good chap, who knows his MBs well, but he therefore can charge some hefty labour rates.

Any thoughts much appreciated.
 

rapide

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roof problem

its not the fluid! it will likely be a micro switch sticking , so the system cant proceed to the next action! a neigbour of mine had one that used to stop the engine as it was going along , micro switch telling the system that he was lowering the roof in motion, simple fix when you know! lack of use doesnt help the roof does need lowering at regular intervals to exercise the parts! a decent merc dealer should know straight away, have chat with them first about the problem, talk to the workshop supervisor before you get involved! ring a few! its good to talk before you pay! all the best Rap
 

Cole@MBS

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I would go for the switch above the sun visor on the drivers side, done 2 this year already and many last year!!!
 
OP
mugwump00

mugwump00

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  • Thread Starter
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I would go for the switch above the sun visor on the drivers side, done 2 this year already and many last year!!!

I see what you all mean, next time it happens I'll reach for the drive-side screen-top switch.

Of course it's cooler now, so no problems.

Many thanks. Now the steering squeals at low-speed. Bloomin cars!
 

gh3382

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FYI I had a problem on the roof where part way through the lowering it would stop and I got the message on the dash "close roof seperator".

There is a peg on the shelving on the left as you look into the boot on the mechanism which goes in to the microswicth and it was popping out.

It is probably due to wear on the switch or the peg that goes onto it so I wrapped a little electrical tape around the peg and it now works perfectly.

Not an ideal fix but if it is the peg which I believe is part of the shelf the costs and hassle would be a nightmare.

h3382
 
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