Do you check the hydraulic fluid level, on my 1997 Sl 500, with the top up or down?

Sounds like you have blown a hydraulic hose that operates the top mechanism. You will probably need to find a local mechanic that is experienced with hydraulic operated tops or a dealership. But check you owners manual. Most manufacturers have a manual way of operating the top to allow you to secure it until repairs can be made.

check hydraulic fluid level in the hydralic motor pump behind left side trim panel in the trunk.look on side or end of the motor pump assembly.look for screw type check plug. first place rags under the check plug to catch fluid spill unscrew the check plug fluid level should be 1/4 inch bottom of check plug hole if low you need add correct level fluid. then screw in check plug back in place.to bleed air out hydralic system you need helper to hold switch while you raise and lower the top slowly by hand raise and lower top several times to remove air out hydralic system. see if your convertible top will open and close all the way.

"How do I get the air out of my hydraulic system"?

Remove the reservoir plug on the motor pump. Leave the plug out and do not put back until you have finished.

Fill the reservoir 3/4 full with fluid (to the bottom of filler plug hole). Put a rag under the hole to catch overflow that will occur as system fills.

Run the pump for 15-20 seconds. Stop. Check your fluid level and refill to bottom of filler hole. Continue running the motor in the same direction for an additional 15-20 seconds. When the top gets to the end of cycle, check your fluid level, fill to bottom of filler hole, and run the motor in the opposite direction.

You are literally running the top all the way up and down sereral times. Checking the fluid level as you go and fill as required, leaving reservoir 25% empty.

When you are no longer able to add fluid, put the top in the down position. Check the fluid level one last time, should be to bottom of filler hole. Put the plug into reservoir.
"How do I get the air out of my hydraulic system"?

Remove the reservoir plug on the motor pump. Leave the plug out and do not put back until you have finished.

Fill the reservoir 3/4 full with fluid (to the bottom of filler plug hole). Put a rag under the hole to catch overflow that will occur as system fills.

Run the pump for 15-20 seconds. Stop. Check your fluid level and refill to bottom of filler hole. Continue running the motor in the same direction for an additional 15-20 seconds. When the top gets to the end of cycle, check your fluid level, fill to bottom of filler hole, and run the motor in the opposite direction.

You are literally running the top all the way up and down sereral times. Checking the fluid level as you go and fill as required, leaving reservoir 25% empty.

When you are no longer able to add fluid, put the top in the down position. Check the fluid level one last time, should be to bottom of filler hole. Put the plug into reservoir.

The control module has set a fault and it will have to be reset. They are sensitive to voltage & must have 12 volts to operate properly.
The windows and top will need to be resync. I cannot find any information regarding the diagnostic procedure for the roof .. it states there is a procedure to diagnose the fault with the number of flashes the switch makes .. a dealer may be your best option on this fault .. I hope this helps some.

Do you find it does the same when engaging reverse gear ? if so it sounds as if you may have a hydraulic problem, Check the clutch fluid reservoir, and top up if low ( level should be on max level, if low there is a leak in the system ) once topped up,operate the clutch pedal up and down a dozen or so times, if the pedal now feels harder there was air in the system.It will happen again,fluid level will also drop again so you may have to renew leaking component ( adviseable to renew master and slave cylinders if that prove to be the fault )

Check and spin fuses, make sure is on flat level surface. Check hydralic fluid level, check for leaks in pistons for the top. Then follow owners manual.

Car must be on a level surface. Make sure hydraulic system is full and pistons dont leak and go from there.

Hi David:

First, check the fuses for the hydraulic motor; if they're blown, replace and monitor (why did they blow? Perhaps an overload, or ...) These fuses are located in the engine bay on top of the fender by the front right wheel housing.

Next check the voltage supply to the top switch, possibly a loose connection or broken wire.

Also check relays C (raising top) and D (lowering top) under the rear seat.

Lastly check for voltage at the pump, also under the rear seat, when the switch is actuated, and that the voltage polarity reverses when the switch is actuated the other way (up or down).

After that, it's a hydraulic/mechanical problem. Check the fluid level in the pump reservoir (use SAAB fluid to top up if low) Fluid level should be at the upper marker with top down, and at the lower marker with top up.

Check behind the rear seat side panels that the piston shaft is still properly attached to the roof mechanism bracket at one end, and the piston itself is still firmly attached to the body. Look for any leakage from the system.

If all tests out OK and looks good under the rear seat and behind the side panels, then there is the possibility that the piston seals have failed and the fluid is just circulating around without activating the piston. Pistons are available (http://www.convertibletopguys.com/cgi-local/displaycat.cgi?cat=584 - scroll down) but the entire system should be removed to avoid getting hydraulic fluid on the interior.

However, that fact that you can operate the hood using the bypass valve (manually) would indicate that the hydraulics are likely OK, and that it's probably an electrical or mechanical problem.

Good luck!

Saabreur

I had the same problem. One day I opened the hydraulic resevoir under the spare tire to check the level of the hydraulic fluid and voila' the top started to work fine. It opened and closed perfectly. It has worked fine now since July. The only thing I did was open the resevoir. Perhaps there was some kind of air block!

I solved my own problem by accident! I checked the hydraulic fluid under the spare tire and voila' the top started to work fine! It has worked perfectly now since July!