I have a 2001 SLK320 and the roof is not working. The pump does not even start. I've check all the micro switches (using the control module) and they all seem to be okay. I'm curious to know if the hydraulic pump has gone bad. It's still full of hydraulic fluid. Does anybody know how I can jump start the hydraulic pump? The red switch doesn't even lower the side windows. And it blinks and nothing happens. I don't hear anything at all.
FYI, attached is a youtube video of Top Hydraulics where they removed the relay and inserted a home made ammeter and they were able to make the pump run by inserting the two probes on 30 and 87 slots for the relay.
At this point, I'm not interested as to how much current is drawn by the pump. I just want to see if it still runs.
Just an FYI: we know what car you have because we asked you to fill in your profile when you became a member :wink: Saves you having to type it in your posts when you ask a question.
Generally if the red button is flashing, the control module won't even try to activate the pump. If the switches test as expected with an ohmmeter, your next step is to scan the control unit for faults and actual values. Past the results back here. Actual pump motor failures are pretty rare AFAIK. Yes, you can always jumper the load side of the relay to test it (as the video shows), but be sure to open the emergency relief valve to prevent any actual motion.
Thank you all for the quick responses. I jumped the 30 and 87 and the pump worked. I'm going to find an Indie who can read the codes at a reasonable cost. Do they have to have the MB Star diagnostic equipment to read the codes?
If you're searching for an indy, it's worth it to ask for one with genuine SDS. If they say "we have something just as good" ask what it is and if it can read all codes and actual values from the roof module (aka CCM or MFCU). My Indy doesn't have SDS but can do most everything with his Autel.
Depending upon the exact fault(s) ..................
Expect to pay 1 to 1.5 hrs for a decent diagnosis, and make certain you tell them you want a print out, if they baulk at this, then, well to be blunt they are not doing a proper Diagnosis.
What you do not want is some jackass reading a few codes, and verbally telling you what HE thinks is wrong, you are paying for Diagnosis, by getting the print out you can come here etc and get second opinions :wink:
If it came into my shop, here's how it would roll :-
Car will be put on SDS, get a full Code Read, then a thorough look at Live Data, plus if needed a run with Guided Diagnostic to see what that throws up, then a full Clear Codes and History, then a Test Drive if needed, or run the whatever and try to replicate fault, re Code Read and see what if any has come back.
If it is a simple fault it will very likely get fixed while it's here within your payment of 1 to 1.5 hrs :wink:
Dave, this is exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you so much for this excellent information and advice. I will give an update after I get the car diagnosed.
I just received a response from one indy about my vario roof inquiry as follows:
"Hi Philip,
The initial diagnosis to inspect the vario roof will be $125. Having said that, our MB Xentry system was recently updated and it won't communicate to non-CAN vehicles, so all MBs older than 2005 we no longer have the capability to diagnose with the factory tool.
It's very possible you may have leaking cylinders, which is usually the case on these cars. Either way we can inspect it for you and let you know what we find. It will have to be towards the end of next week the earliest we can get to it, so just let me know if you'd like me to schedule you in.
I didn't find you on our system by the way.
Regards,
XXX
Orion Auto Service, Inc.
1542 Yale St.
Houston, TX 77008"
---------------
My comments: It looks like I need to find an Indy who has not updated (upgraded) his MB diagnostic tool to be able to analyze my 2001 MB.
Dave, you're a smart guy for keeping the older C3 for the older MB's. The indy I asked lost a business from an owner of an older MB because he doesn't have the software to analyze it. It seems to me that older cars will need more repairs than newer cars.
OK, that is good to hear, can you confirm will they Version Code Modules, especially the likes of PSE and ATA etc, because that really is a part of doing the job properly ...............
A brand new Module will not be coded for the options on the Car, even a good used module with identical p/n's may have come from a model with different options and so could be coded incorrectly.
Version Coding should be available to anyone who is likely to be swapping a Module.
IMHO
Last time I looked, DS was starting at £450 ish and MS was around £675 so I'm still not convinced that a £400 C3 SDS is not good value for money !!
I am also absolutely certain that nothing under £400 can compete with all the functions available even of the plain Jane £400 SDS with C3 Mux etc :wink:
I called Autel and they recommended MX808. But it's still around $350 and up. I was hoping there is one out there that can diagnose and read the codes for around $150. I guess not?
I remember that a while back I had to have an Engine Control Module sent in for the dreaded intermittent no start repair. Had some dash warnings and was able to set/reset several options. The key is that those are field selectable and do not require flash programming. The units I use from Autel are for the shop environment and average around 1000-1200usd. Then again, who wouldn't want to be able to plug into a Skoda in N.W. Florida
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