Soft Top Doesn't Raise

[Slim Jim]

Took the hard top off of my 1999 SL500 Sport. When I pushed the red button on the center console to raise the soft top, it flashed red but the soft top did not come up. The engine was running and the transmission was in park.

Someone told me to check the hydraulic fluid level. I would if I knew where the reservoir was.

Any thoughts on what could be causing the problem? I can raise it manually if I have to. But I prefer to find out what the problem is and fix it. Thank you.

[bkc]

Reservoir should be under the spare tire. A 1999 should be relatively easy to diagnose if you can get access to a scanner that reads the MB codes.

Also check for any signs of the most common hydraulic fluid leaks above the visors and behind the coverings in the trunk (upper left, upper right, behind where the manual access slots are).