2003 500sl Convertible Top not working won’t open or close, adding hydraulic fluid

[@MikeWMiami]

Best video on adding SL hydraulic fluid!

[@randg5161]

Thanks, I really needed to see this. New SL500 owner👍

[@yohannesnegga]

Great video & just in time

[@Nick_Tank]

Is the CHF fluid you pour in front reservoir the same as that rear res??? I have that fluid and want to make sure it’s equivalent

[@yingtse315]

How come the fluid i bought is green color?! Are they the same?

[@mytuberforyou]

If you have this problem you have a leak, check especially the roof headliner near the windshieldor at the front corners, (top latch cylider leak) then check the one at the back of the trunk and the two frame lock cylinders on the sides of the trunk, there is a great youtube video for checking ALL of the cylinders. You need to find the leak because if you just add fluid it could pool and do $$$$ damage somewhere like the rear SAM or one of the other modules.

[@michaelhenry9068]

I have a question. Would your top not operate at all when it was low on hydrolic fluid? Then after adding fluid did it just start working? My top wont go down and my hydrolic fluid is low like yours. Im going to add some this week but I think it might be a bigger issue but I cant figure out what is wrong. I thought it was the battery but its fully charged so now ill add the fluid and see.

[@dkata1225]

Same thing happened and same level like the video. I added the fluid and now works perfect.

[@robertnash9342]

0mn. V.

[@MegaRugby2]

Think soft close trunk might be a problem. Pull fuse behind passenger. 20 amp,yellow

[@polopony2010]

What tool.is the one required to.open reservoir?

[@WINCHANDLE]

You are a genius, but we knew that. Ima check to see if this is my problem. 2009 MB, so perhaps the hydraulic fluid is low.

[@lynnmillard3754]

How do you open the air holes? Also I can’t get the syringe to inset... so I can’t figure how to open

[@dkata1225]

Get an "Alan wrench" that fits and twist counter clockwise to loosen. Tighten afterwards.

[@davidvaughn3949]

Do you have a PN for the hydraulic fluid?

[@sfili11]

My hydraulic fluid is low and only my trunk opens when trying to open the roof. Is that what was happening to your roof as well?

[@mrb3673]

Quick question, what do you need to open the screws on the pump where the fluid goes? Are they Allen keys? Hex keys? Thank you

[@mytuberforyou]

two hex screws, you need a syringe and 1/8" tube to do this easily, you add through the forward hole and remove the back screw for ventilation.

[@dkata1225]

Alan keys/wrench yes!

[@regalgn1]

What size Allen head is it? I tried a T4 and it fit but the nut started to strip

[@mab4870]

I was doing doughnuts with the top down and it stopped working. This did happen before but after ten minutes it started working again

[@jessicaokeeffe5314]

First time it worked perfectly! Second time, the fluid wont sink into the reservoir.... i know I have a leak, but if I can just keep refilling it, I will for the time being. Have you refilled more than once? any suggestions?

[@mg8331]

So I had to refill every 4 or 5 times I opened it. My leak was visible on the ground under in front of the driver side door. This likely means there was a leak located at the junction where the lines entered into the door behind the tire wheel well. I didn’t get to pulling that apart and have since sold the car

[@JaredHarnar]

my pump only has one hole for filling. there is no air hole. crazy.