R129 SL320 soft-top hood lock mechanism - will not release - mechanical override before the dealer

Started by Chris_K, 19-08-2024 11:48 AM. 11 replies. 1,864 views.

19-08-2024 11:48 AM

Chris_K ★ Gold - M.A.L.A.K.A.S.

★ Gold

Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brighton-Le-Sands NSW
Posts: 1,074
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Auto

im stuck on this.

Mates 1996 SL320 (R129). Soft top wont release from the windscreen header rail. The two header rail latches stuck in the locked position. Electrical operation starts the rest of the top sequence but the latches dont release.

Dealer wants $1,400 for the diagnostic plus parts. I want to manually release the latches and diagnose the latch motor circuit seperately. Is there a documented mechanical override procedure for R129 header rail latches

19-08-2024 01:18 PM

Vasilios_Billy

Lifetime Benzer

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 2,118
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 2020 AMG GT C

Chris. yes, you can release R129 header latches manually.

Remove headliner trim between windscreen and front of soft top. 3 clips at front, 2 screws under fabric at rear. that exposes both latch actuators.

Each actuator has a diagnostic slot. 4mm flat screwdriver, rotate 90 degrees counter-clockwise, hook retracts. do both sides. soft top can then move manually.

After that, bench test actuators with 12V battery, red + black -. reverse polarity for other direction. no movement means actuator, A 129 800 19 32, about $340 each.

If both work on bench, fault is control module or wiring. in 2019 most are actuator clutch slipping, maybe 60% of the ones ive seen.

20-08-2024 11:18 AM

Chris_K ★ Gold - M.A.L.A.K.A.S.

★ Gold

Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brighton-Le-Sands NSW
Posts: 1,438
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Auto

Vasilios - done. Both actuators released mechanically as described. Bench tested both - left works, right does not. Ordered the right side replacement. $340 plus 30 min labour. Saved the $1,400 dealer diagnostic.

Will report back when fitted.

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