I have a 99 SL 500, last week I was able successfully to hoist the hard top off for the summer, but when I pushed the red button forward to open the soft cover, no noise came out of the back and nothing happened tried that few times and finally had to return the hard cover back on (it worked fine last Summer).
Would there be any fuse that is out, that is locking the soft cover in place? any suggestions/help would be appreciated before the nice weather changes again, Thanks

 

Stuff I'd try...
Reset windows-in car, engine on, windows up. Push both window buttons simultaneously and hold the switches down even after they stop; count to 5, release. Reverse what you just did and put the windows back up, hold switches down, count to 5.

Try to lower top.

If NG, replace fuses #19 & 20 in the front fusebox...even if they 'look' good

Try top again.

If NG, you probably have DTC's (trouble codes) in the top controller that will have to be deleted. Once deleted, try top again, several times, and re-check controller for codes.

Bob