How many hydraulic cylinders are in a SLK 230?
Five hydraulic cylinders, nine limit switches, a control switch, four window motors, a pump, two solenoids, a relay, cables/pulleys, and a control module all have to work in sync for the top to operate properly. If one link in the chain breaks down, the top either won’t work or it stops mid-retraction.
Where is the fill hole on a Mercedes SLK 230?
If the fluid is low, the fill hole is on top of the hydraulic pump. The plug is easier to access by removing the metal cover, which is secured by four bolts having T30 Torx heads (arrows). The filler hole (arrow) is on top of the pump, on the right-rear fender side.
What kind of hard top does a SLK have?
The SLK’s electro-hydraulic Vario convertible hard top is its marquee feature. It’s also one of the car’s most problematic systems. Five hydraulic cylinders, nine limit switches, a control switch, four window motors, a pump, two solenoids, a relay, cables/pulleys, and a control module all have to work in sync for the top to operate properly.
Why is my hydraulic pump not working on my Mercedes SLK?
If the battery reads at least 11.4 volts with the engine off and its cables are clean and clamped snugly on its terminals, then focus on the top’s switch. If nothing happens when the switch is pulled and the switch doesn’t illuminate, then it or its connections could be bad.
Why is my SLK top leaking hydraulic fluid?
The Hydraulic Roof Actuating Cylinder on the driver side was leaking hydraulic fluid; you can see the leak on the plastic panel in the SLK’s trunk. I would recommend rebuilding all five of the hydraulic cylinders. All of the panels and the all mats must come out of the trunk area.
If the fluid is low, the fill hole is on top of the hydraulic pump. The plug is easier to access by removing the metal cover, which is secured by four bolts having T30 Torx heads (arrows). The filler hole (arrow) is on top of the pump, on the right-rear fender side.
Five hydraulic cylinders, nine limit switches, a control switch, four window motors, a pump, two solenoids, a relay, cables/pulleys, and a control module all have to work in sync for the top to operate properly. If one link in the chain breaks down, the top either won’t work or it stops mid-retraction.
If the battery reads at least 11.4 volts with the engine off and its cables are clean and clamped snugly on its terminals, then focus on the top’s switch. If nothing happens when the switch is pulled and the switch doesn’t illuminate, then it or its connections could be bad.
The Hydraulic Roof Actuating Cylinder on the driver side was leaking hydraulic fluid; you can see the leak on the plastic panel in the SLK’s trunk. I would recommend rebuilding all five of the hydraulic cylinders. All of the panels and the all mats must come out of the trunk area.
What do the lines mean in a hydraulic schematic?
In a hydraulic schematic, each line type has a unique meaning. In addition, colors can be added to indicate purpose of the line. In the figure below, all of the basic line types are shown. The basic line is a solid line that represents a working pressure hose or tube.
Where is the hydraulic pump switch on a Mercedes SLK?
Remove the rear center console (please refer to that article) to access the switch. Next, focus on the hydraulic pump unit’s relay. Have an assistant pull the switch; feel the relay and listen for it to click when the switch is depressed.
How many hydraulic rams are in Mercedes SLK roof?
This opens in a new window. I replaced the five Vario-Roof hydraulic rams and tried to shoot a video of the process at the same time. Looking for more video pros?
Remove the rear center console (please refer to that article) to access the switch. Next, focus on the hydraulic pump unit’s relay. Have an assistant pull the switch; feel the relay and listen for it to click when the switch is depressed.
How to troubleshoot a Mercedes Benz SLK top?
For the average SLK owner, top troubleshooting is possibly better left to the pros. The Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid manual is detailed and extensive. However, the average owner can separate the more-obvious problems from the complicated ones. It might save a trip to the dealership or shop.
The SLK’s electro-hydraulic Vario convertible hard top is its marquee feature. It’s also one of the car’s most problematic systems. Five hydraulic cylinders, nine limit switches, a control switch, four window motors, a pump, two solenoids, a relay, cables/pulleys, and a control module all have to work in sync for the top to operate properly.
Is the hydronic fluid in the Mercedes SLK320 empty?
Recently purchased mercedes SLK320. The hydronic fluid for Recently purchased mercedes SLK320. The hydronic fluid for the top is empty. Is that some thing I can fill myself. … read more
How can I get the SLK roof to open?
Please SLKer’s Does any one know who can help me overide the sensor so that the roof open or alligned all the joints and carnnies so that it autoamtically works, or is there another system i can install to open this roof. Mercedes are not helping on this… The SLK is no good to me if I cannot have the roof down during summer.
Is the convertible top on a 1999 SLK?
There are a bunch of DIY’s regarding the convertible roof in the “tech tips section” such as http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/1292734-roof-switch-repair-rear-3.html I have a 1999 SLK 230 with a non-working convertible top.
Why does my Mercedes Benz roof not open?
About a year ago, the top stopped unlatching period with use of the button. Once the top is open, however, it will open and close that day with use of the button but it won’t open the next day after being closed all night.
Where is the microswitch on a Mercedes SLK?
The other thing to try is the microswitch on the right hand side of the boot. When you pull the screen over you will notice that where it clips into the rear of the boot, on the right hand side, it contacts a black lever. This in turn actuates a microswitch.
For the average SLK owner, top troubleshooting is possibly better left to the pros. The Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid manual is detailed and extensive. However, the average owner can separate the more-obvious problems from the complicated ones. It might save a trip to the dealership or shop.
What’s the best way to close a Mercedes SLK top?
Then a person on each side of the roof can lift it up and push it forward until the roof contacts the windshield. A 5mm hex wrench (check the toolbag in the trunk panel for one) is used in the headliner screw to reel the latches into the windshield and lock the top in place.
Can a Mercedes R170 SLK front lock be rebuilt?
Convertible car top cylinders rebuild service (using best seals available ) for Mercedes R170 models SLK 230, SLK230 Kompressor, SLK320, SLK 32AMG. Expedited core exchange option is now available for R170 SLK cylinders with a $40 inventory surcharge per cylinder as well as a $120 core deposit.
How many hydraulic pumps does a Mercedes SLK have?
R170 SLKs have five hydraulic pumps that work in concert to lower and raise the hard top into the trunk. If the top fails to function properly, one of the diagnoses is to look for hydraulic fluid leaks — the cylinders’ seals eventually go bad.
Where are the hydraulic valves on a Mercedes SLK 230 Vario?
Right Main Between Right Quarter Window & Roll Bar 170-800-06-72-MBZ The hydraulic pump builds the necessary pressure for operating the cylinders. Its two-solenoid valves (the visible one is indicated by the arrow) distribute the fluid to the cylinders in a specified sequence to lower and raise the roof and trunk lid.
Can a cylinder be removed from a Mercedes SLK?
As a bonus, we also demonstrate cylinder removal. Incidentally, some SLK owners have successfully replaced a leaky seal by drilling access holes through the cylinder’s body. Our project car’s cylinders weren’t leaking, so we didn’t attempt to fix what wasn’t broken.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Vario convertible hard top?
Click here to order! The SLK’s electro-hydraulic Vario convertible hard top is its marquee feature. It’s also one of the car’s most problematic systems.
Where are the hydraulic cylinders on a Mercedes SLK 230?
Its two-solenoid valves (the visible one is indicated by the arrow) distribute the fluid to the cylinders in a specified sequence to lower and raise the roof and trunk lid. The trunk cylinders (left side indicated by arrow) are in the rear corners, behind the side panels.
Click here to order! The SLK’s electro-hydraulic Vario convertible hard top is its marquee feature. It’s also one of the car’s most problematic systems.
When did the Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor come out?
Mercedes introduced a refreshed SLK in 2000. Apparently learning from their mistakes, they lowered the power of the SLK 200 Kompressor down to 161 hp. On the other hand, the SLK 230 Kompressor was given a new engine, and power was increased to 194 hp and an identical 207 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 time is down, however, by 0.1 seconds (7.3s).
What kind of horsepower does a Mercedes SLK have?
The entry-level Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor Roadster had a 2.0L supercharged inline-4 that made 189 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed cruises to 60 in a lazy 7.7 seconds. via DriveTribe.
Where are the hydraulic cylinders on a SLK?
The Hydraulic Roof Actuating Cyliders (3) and the Hydraulic Cylinder for Lock Actuation (4) are located in the retractable top. The Hydraulic Roof Actuating Cylinder on the driver side was leaking hydraulic fluid; you can see the leak on the plastic panel in the SLK’s trunk. I would recommend rebuilding all five of the hydraulic cylinders.
Where is the pressure relief valve on the SLK 230?
The hydraulic cylinder has a pressure relief valve (purple arrow). It’s accessible through a removable cover in the trunk’s right side panel (panel removed here for photographic clarity; see the trunk panel removal article for details).
How much does it cost to repair a SLK 230 hardtop?
SLK 230 retractable hardtop repair estimate $4000+!!! My 1999 SLK230 retractable hartop failed to go back up a couple of days ago. Upon inspection there was hydraulic fluid leaking from a ram in the trunk. Per the manual I put the roof back up manually and went to my local Merc dealer.
This opens in a new window. I replaced the five Vario-Roof hydraulic rams and tried to shoot a video of the process at the same time. Looking for more video pros?
SLK 230 retractable hardtop repair estimate $4000+!!! My 1999 SLK230 retractable hartop failed to go back up a couple of days ago. Upon inspection there was hydraulic fluid leaking from a ram in the trunk. Per the manual I put the roof back up manually and went to my local Merc dealer.
What to look for in a Mercedes SLK 230?
An SLK 230 Kompressor is an easy find and won’t cost much upfront. Look for one that doesn’t have a cracked dashboard, preferably one that has been replaced – this seems to be a common problem for early 2000s Mercedes. Consumer Affairs suggests mixed feelings about the SLK’s reliability.
What should I do about my Mercedes SLK top?
If one link in the chain breaks down, the top either won’t work or it stops mid-retraction. For the average SLK owner, top troubleshooting is possibly better left to the pros. The Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid manual is detailed and extensive.
How does the hydraulic system work on a Mercedes SLK?
R170 SLKs have five hydraulic pumps that work in concert to lower and raise the hard top into the trunk. If the top fails to function properly, one of the diagnoses is to look for hydraulic fluid leaks — the cylinders’ seals eventually go bad. The cylinders’ hoses can also theoretically spring leaks, as can the system’s hydraulic pump.
If one link in the chain breaks down, the top either won’t work or it stops mid-retraction. For the average SLK owner, top troubleshooting is possibly better left to the pros. The Vario Roof Diagnostic Aid manual is detailed and extensive.
What causes hydraulic fluid leak in Mercedes convertible?
This can be caused by low fluid level or air in the hydraulic lines. It can be caused by binding of mechanical arms. Weak convertible top lift cylinder. Weak battery or ground connection. Leak at the o-ring at any of the lift cylinders. Bow tension cylinder (driver or passenger) Inspect in the trunk area for hydraulic fluid leak.