Mercedes-Benz SL Top Opens, Won’t Close – Vario Roof
If you own a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, you may experience a problem where the convertible top opens completely, but it gets stuck when you try to close it. The trunk lid gets stuck and will not close.
This article discusses the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230) convertible’s common components, problems, and fault codes.
Video
As shown in the video, three issues can cause the convertible top to get stuck during operation.
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One of the micro-switches is faulty or is not pressed. In this case, the flaps for the trunk lid were not closing on one side. The passenger side was closing ok.
The driver’s side flap was not closing, which led to the top getting stuck and not closing. There are a few micro-switches in the SL class. Micro-switch S69/1 at the top of the windshield can also cause similar symptoms.
Another issue is the weakening or leaking hydraulic cylinders. This is also a common problem. You know a cylinder is bad because the pump runs, but the top moves too slowly and then gets stuck. In addition, there is a loss of convertible top fluid. If you carefully inspect the hydraulic cylinders, you will find a visible fluid leak.
The hydraulic pump itself can fail. To understand and troubleshoot the convertible top on a Mercedes-Benz and why it may get stuck or not work, you need to understand where all the components are located. Below, you will find a table of component and micro-switch locations.
Vario Roof Component Location
| Designation | Name of Cylinder |
| 3 | Front Vario roof lock hydraulic cylinder |
| 4 | Left tubular frame lock hydraulic cylinder |
| 5 | Right tubular frame lock hydraulic cylinder |
| 6 | Left Vario roof (open/close) hydraulic cylinder |
| 7 | Right Vario roof (open/close) hydraulic cylinder |
| 8 | Trunk lid hydraulic cylinder |
| 9 | Left load assist (raise/lower) hydraulic cylinder |
| 10 | Right load assist (raise/lower) hydraulic cylinder |
| A7/5 | RVC hydraulic unit |
| A7/5k1 | Relay |
| Y55/1 | RVC valve block |
Vario Roof Micro-switches
| Switch Designation | Name of Switch |
| S69/1 | Vario roof limit switch |
| S69/2 | Vario roof locked limit switch |
| S69/3 | Vario roof locked limit switch |
| S69/10 | Luggage compartment partition limit switch |
| S69/11 | Vario roof raised/lowered limit switch |
| S83/10 | Rollover bar raised/lowered limit switch |
| S117 | Load assist limit switch |
| S118/1 | Left tubular frame locked limit switch |
| S118/2 | Right tubular frame locked limit switch |
| S119 | Tubular frame raised limit switch |
| S124 | Trunk lid open limit switch |
| S126/1 | Left side flap closed / open limit switch |
| S127/1 | Right side flap closed / open limit switch |
The convertible top gets stuck when closing the roof.
- Top opens but will get stuck when closing: The most common reason this happens is a bad micro-switch. If the top opens fine but then gets stuck when closing the trunk lid, the problem could be one of the following:
- The flap on the trunk lid doesn’t close all the way. This can lead to micro-switch S69/10 not closing and top operation halting.
- Micro switch S69/1 is faulty, or the top is not seated or latched at the top of the windshield.
- The trunk lid hydraulic cylinder (8) is weak or leaking fluid.
We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz SL Top Opens, Won’t Close – Vario Roof guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.
Best advise on the internet. I’ve searched for 2 days trying to find out more about the mechanism controlling the vario top.
Mine would not go up past the trunk lid which allowed me to access the pump canister which was 50ml low
After fill operate mechanism and again re-fill the canister although much quicker with less hum, only goes up to the trunk opening and nothing with the interior, retractable roof control operates.
I’ll assume some sort of relay fault or cylinder leak.
Thank you