R171 SLK - Chapter 9 - Troubleshooting The Microswitches
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2023
- Klaus, of Top Hydraulics, Inc. helps you locate and troubleshoot the electrical microswitches throughout the convertible top system on the Mercedes R171 SLK Convertible.
Order parts and find more helpful info at www.tophydraulics.com - Авто та транспорт
This is a masterclass
Thanks, very detail explanation
Thanks Klaus
Brilliant 😊
Hi klaus, my trunk moves back but the roof doesn’t go anywhere, what do you recommend
My 2009 R171 is experiencing the following intermittent problem:
When I try to open the roof, the trunk opens backwards but the roof doesn't complete the process, I keep hearing the noise of the hydraulic system but it doesn't move.
I wait a few minutes, try again and the roof opens as if nothing had happened.
This has been happening for the last few days and there has never been any problem with the roof in the 3 and a half years I've had the car.
What is your tip to resolve this?
There are several possible reasons for this, with numbers 1) and 2) below being most likely:
1) There is a leak in the system and your pump is low on fluid. The fluid level in the pump is the lowest after the trunk lid has flipped back, so the pump might be sucking air. It is a bit involved to check the fluid level in the pump, so let's go by the sound of the pump first. If the pump makes a lower pitched sound at the end of the movement where the trunk lid flips back, then it is bearing down from "deadheading" against its own pressure regulator. That happens while the pump is running but nothing is moving and it would be good news, as the pump can build full pressure only when it has enough fluid.
2) The pump has an intermittently faulty valve. The symptom you are describing is actually typical for a pump that is starting to fail. A valve is supposed to kick in for the roof to retract, but it doesn't quite move into the proper position the first few tries. This happens more and more often until the the roof won't retract at all. Again, you can listen to the sound of the pump. It sounds a certain way while the trunk lid retracts. If the sounds is a higher pitch right after the trunk lid has started moving, then you have a failing pump.
3) A micro switch does not give the signal to the computer that either the trunk lid has flipped back all the way or that the front has unlocked. Micro switch failures are fairly unusual in the R171, and especially intermittently. However, you could check out the switch on the right trunk lid drive cylinder and the switch up in the right front corner of the top.
@@TopHydraulics I anticipated the diagnosis and started searching for faults in the switches and it was possible to notice that this behavior is very typical of a malfunction of the right rear switch (S119) which is easy to replace.
I'm going to order a replacement part, as this is a simple and cheap job and can be done in the garage. If it persists, the focus will be on the roof switches. I don't think it's some kind of fluid leak as the car has a good history and the noises from the pump, as you described, are within normal limits.
Thanks in advance for the tips. If I have any updates, I will comment here for the record.
"Vario roof in operation" msg is my problem, dear Klaus R171 2009. Only 120.000km The roof is packed inside the trunk and wan't move up.
Do you have more information for me?
@@TopHydraulics Well, last Sunday I had not issue with the vario roof i. e. several times the top went up/down smoothly. Later on, at the gas station I wanted to open the roof and I managed this with the short delay than usual (just the regular msg on the board - "The vario roof in operation"). Prior to this, obviously I closed the trunk and the trunk separator (just to mention that I'm very precatious with the separator). Later on, after a drive, I just wanted to close the roof but it remained in the trunk (just the msg: "The vario roof in operation" and front windows made a usual move and that's all). The air temparature here in Belgrade on Sunday was like 20C degree. The SLK is well maintaned and parked in a garage. During the winter time, I drive it occasionaly (dry weather) just to activate the roof as sugested by the MB.
Finally, the trunk is unlocked. Dear Klaus, thanks in advance.
@@belgradegianthow did you get it fixed please I’m having same problem
@@devinkeogh5015 Well, I brought my SLK to the experienced shop dealing exclusively with the panoramic roof and roow window issues where they fixed the hydraulic pump because the experienced MB mechanics equipped with the original MB diagnostic tool said there were no need for diagnostics according to the "symptoms" with my car roof).
Hi klaus, my trunk moves back but the roof doesn’t go anywhere, what do you recommend