Every once in a while, the top on my 1998 SLK230 will not operate. Silence from the motors, blinking red light. Checked the luggage curtain and the switch where it hooks, all OK. At the same time this happens, neither power window will operate. After driving for a few blocks, the windows will begin working again and then the top will also work. This usually happens when the car has been sitting for a few days in a covered, but not enclosed parking garage with moderate outdoor temperatures. All other electrics work fine all the time, and when the top operates, it operates smoothly. It's frustrating, especially when leaving a parking garage and I have to open the door to pay the cashier!

Any ideas before I throw myself on the mercy of the MB dealer service department?

 

Sounds like a supply (power) problem.

Locate fuses and examine both the fuse (best to replace incase intermittent contact within fuse) and the holder contacts. Any sign of corrosion? If all appears OK then clean contacts by taking the fuse IN/OUT a few times.

Likely this will resolve the problem.

Stuart.

 

The fuse for the controller under the hood or the motor onethe trunk?

 

I have a 98 slk and the top won't go down. There seems to be a short or glitch, after pushing the button a couple of times, the motor starts and the windows go down then the motor stops and nothing. Before this the top was sticking before releasing from the front window. I had this problem two years ago, and it sorted itself out.