2005 Crossfire. Roof not working and is currently in down position. Followed videos on how to raise it manually. The tonneau manual release will not release. We have the correct wrench. It feels like it is turning but tonneau will not release. Any suggestions? Does bow latch affect the manual release of the tonneau latch?

 

Are you saying when you put the 10mm wrench, on the cam through the slot, it just turns and nothing happens? Is there no resistance at all?

 

I can feel it turn but not enough to release it. The wrench seems to hit a metal bracket before it can turn far enough

 

Maybe you are just afraid to turn it far enough? Have you ever done it before? It can be a little difficult to turn before it releases. Be sure you are turning it in the correct direction. Have you watched the videos on U-tube?

 

Yes, i have watched the videos. The power roof hasn’t worked since we purchased the car last month. The salesman was able to raise and lower it manually without issue. We lowered it for the first time last week but with the hurricane pending here, we are trying to get it back up. First time we have dealt with a convertible so we are not very knowledgable either. I am turning it towards the driver side to release. If I try to turn it towards the passenger side, it is very firm and I’m afraid to break something. Is turning it to the driver side the correct direction?

 

Turning it to the driver side, it does feel like it is making a partial turn, but then the wrench hits a small metal bracket that is in there

 

Note: The hydraulic pressure must be relieved before the top can manually be raised or lowered.

1. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position.

2. Push down on the convertible top switch and hold in that position.

3. Turn the ignition “OFF” and continue to push down on the switch 5 seconds.

4. After 5 seconds the hydraulic system pressure will be relieved.



STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANUALLY LOWER TOP

Note: Make sure the rear cargo compartment

divider is secured in its vertical position.

1. Lower the windows and open the doors.

2. Unlock the top from the windshield header by pushing the release handle button, pulling the handle down and turning it clockwise just past a quarter turn.

3. Push up on the convertible top release handle to create a gap between the header and top of

approximately 8 inches (200 mm). Once the top is free, rotate the release handle back to its stored

position.

4. Open the decklid and unlock the rear bow by inserting an allen wrench into the rear bow latch

and turning counterclockwise

5. Close the decklid.

6. Lift up on the rear bow and secure in the vertical position

7. Insert the multifunction tool (supplied with vehicle) into gap in front of the tonneau cover and rotate counterclockwise until the tonneau cover is released.

8. Lift the tonneau cover up and support in the vertical position.

9. Lower the top assembly into the top storage compartment.

10. Lower the tonneau cover.

11. Insert the multifunction tool (supplied with vehicle) into gap in front of the tonneau cover and rotate clockwise until the tonneau cover is locked.



STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANUALLY RAISE TOP

1. Lower the windows and open the doors.

2. Insert the multifunction tool (supplied with vehicle) into gap in front of the tonneau cover and rotate counterclockwise until the tonneau cover is released.

3. Lift the tonneau cover up and support in the vertical position.

Note: Do not let go of the convertible top as it may fall back into the cargo compartment area.

4. Pull up on the upper section of the convertible top to move it out of its storage area until top is fully extended.

5. Lift the rear bow until it is in its vertical position. CAUTION: The tonneau cover flaps will automatically extend while lowering the tonneau cover. The flaps can be damaged if not allowed to extend automatically.

6. Lower the tonneau cover.

7. Insert the multifunction tool (supplied with vehicle) into gap in front of the tonneau cover and rotate clockwise until the tonneau cover is locked.

8. Lower the rear bow into the tonneau cover.

9. Open the decklid and lock the rear bow by inserting an allen wrench into the rear bow latch and

turning counterclockwise.

10. Press the button on the release handle and fold down.

11. Turn the release just past one quarter turn clockwise and pull the convertible top frame carefully

down until it meets the windshield header attachment points.

12. Turn the release handle counterclockwise to the stop in order to lock the convertible top.

13. Fold the latch handle up until the release button engages. The convertible top is now locked onto the windshield header.

14. Open the decklid and lock the rear bow by inserting an allen wrench into the rear bow latch

and turning clockwise.

 

We have followed all those steps with no success.

 

Sorry, new one on me.

 

Hi, are you using the actual Crossfire tool or a 10mm wrench?
The reason I ask is because if you watch in the video, when he starts the wrench handle is at about the 2 o'clock position (1:54 of the video). When the top unlocks the wrench it is at about the 11 o'clock position (2:03 of the video).
I originally didn't have the tool and did it with a thin 10mm wrench that had an angle where the wrench end is.
Make sure that you have the wrench correctly placed on the cam. Use a flash light to look in the space and verify where the cam is.
Here's the video I was talking about:

 

Yes, we did follow the video and we are using the crossfire tool. I have now ordered a 10mm with a bent end that will maybe enable us to turn it further without hitting that metal bracket. What is weird is that it worked fine when the salesman did it. The cam is vertical now so I can only attach the wrench at about a 12:00 position and I can only bet a half turn. Hopefully the wrench with the different end will help

 

Sounds like you are using a WRENCH and not the Top Tool that Mercedes intended for you to use. The shape down by the "nut" end is critical, you must have that curve.
If you ARE using the right tool, know that, as you pull the tool towards you, you must pull hard enough to LIFT THE LID, slightly, it is HEAVY.
Watch my video to know which way to move the cam.


Pictures of tool options:
OEM Crossfire Tool (that lacks the Hex Key for the Bow latch so you had to go to a dealer to get the top fully closed):




Proper Mercedes tool that I carry:





Crappy Mercedes tool that ya gotta cut some of the hex key off in order to latch/unlatch the bow. The hex key is circled in red cause it's too long for Crossfires!

 

I think you are totally correct. I have browsed mercedes parts suppliers and I cannot find the ones in your pictures. Any suggestions on where I can find the proper one?

 

Not really. Our car's platform (along with the Mercedes products it was coped from) are old now and while a lot of parts are available, specialty tools, it seems, not so much.

Easy way out is to order the last one and then buy a metric hex key it for the hex key nut on the bow latch. Or, cut the hex key down on the tool itself, but I'd be afraid of screwing up the female part of the hex bolt's head.

YOu might call/email Rob at Needswings.com, he often has the odd item laying around.

 

Here is a link for one:

 

Thanks for the link!

 

No problem I hope it helps.