Yes I am glad I was sitting down when they told me $4,000 to replace a pump so that my top would operate again. Does anyone know of anyone who works on Crossfires in the Gulf Coast...I live in Gulf Shores, Al. Like anything else I want a second opinion. This was a Chrysler dealer that I took it to. I still want to believe its the mico switch in the trunk where you put the divider up and down that is malfunctioning.

Dennis
678-897-8493

 

I just tried to call you. Testing the micro switch would be a very good idea. Also check fuses. If it is the pump. Go on Ebay and do a search for "Crossfire Spoiler". You will see someone selling a rear wing for a convertible. I would send him a message and see if he has the pump and if so what does he want for it. If you Crossfire is out of warranty I wouldn't go near a dealer EVER. Find a good local mechanic that works on Mercedes. Some of these guys don't know the Crossfire is a Mercedes, so if he tells you he doesn't work on Crossfires, open the hood for him and ask him if he works on SLK320's. Independant shops typically have a cloned version of the MB Star diagnostic System (DAS) which can do a lot on a Crossfire but not everything. they would need a DRBIII with the Crossfire card to do everything. Many mechanical problems can be diagnosed without the use of a diagnostic system. Hope this helps. $4,000 is way too much to pay.

 

My top would not go up or down the other day, it was the divider in the truck. I moved it up and down a couple of times and it is fine now. you should be able to jump the switch in the truck and see if that makes it work.

Dave
dtinker

 

Sage advice Lantana, TX. I just bought a micro switch off of Ebay. The guy has 4 more and I offered him $8.00. It is a simple r and r. I'd try that first but like Lantana said make contact with the top guy and start that process while you are waiting on switch. You might want to consoder expedited shipping but I am sure that is something you already considered. Let us know how it goes.

 

That is so asinine. $4,000 for a PUMP replacement? Sounds like the same thing that Deb Walker went thru when they wanted something like $220 labor to change the radiator fan in her car - and she'd brought the eBay fan kit with her!

She got so mad, that she changed it herself in a few minutes out in the lot and brought the bad part inside and asked the manager to throw it away for her!!!!!

 

Your 678 area code implies you are somewhere in my area ... if so, call these guys:


Gibbs Auto Interiors & AccessoriesGibbs Auto Interiors & Accessories

Place page

8230 Tara Boulevard Jonesboro, GA 30236-3104 - (770) 472-0224

I know it says "Interiors" but they have been replacing tops on convertible for years. When I was up there last year, they were replacing one on a BMW Z4.

He quoted me $2300 for a new top, installed, on a Crossfire - we were just yakking, I went up there to get a bottle of 303 for my top.

We discussed the hydralic systems on these and other cars, they seemed to know their stuff.

 

Mine did the same, and was fixed under warranty, turns out it was the top operating switch. Worth a try before condemming the pump. There is also a microswitch somewhere in the top framing, that senses that you have opened the header latch, and the front of the top is open. There was a TSB on this switch, as often it needed adjustment .....if I remember correctly.....maybe worth checking ..........

 

Now, I understand the concern that members expressed over the issue of letting my convertible top "SLAM" down when I pulled on it. The sensor was up for a beating.

Since they told me that, I've learned to "catch" the roof before it hits the windshield frame.

Thanks for that, guys!