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To Lower The Top:
WARNING!
Top operation can be suspended for a maximum of 10
minutes. Thirty seconds before the end of this period an
audible warning will begin to sound continuously. At
the end of this period, hydraulic pressure will be
released and the top and tonneau cover will slowly
collapse. In order to re-initialize the top cycle, the
tonneau cover must first be moved and held in its full
open position manually. The convertible top should
then be carefully lowered into its storage compartment,
and the tonneau closed. Hands should be kept away
from moving parts of the top and top compartment
mechanisms to avoid injury during this operation and
as hydraulic pressure is reestablished. The hydraulic
pressure can be reestablished by turning the ignition to
the ON/RUN position and pushing down on the con-
vertible top switch twice. Refer to Convertible Top
Emergency Operation in the What To Do In Emergen-
cies section of this manual.
CAUTION!
To avoid possible damage to the tonneau cover and
convertible top, do not allow the convertible top to
remain in the suspended position. After approxi-
mately 10 minutes in the suspended position, the
hydraulic pressure will be released which will allow
the top and the tonneau cover to lower. The convert-
ible top switch can be pressed to cancel this
operation.
70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE:Once the release handle is rotated, the windows
will automatically go down.
5. Push up on the convertible top latch handle to create a
gap between the header and top of approximately 8 in
(200 mm). As soon as the top is free, rotate the latch
handle counterclockwise just over one quarter turn and
push it up into the stored position.NOTE:Failure to perform any of these steps will
prevent the top from operating with the convertible top
switch and will cause an audible information signal to
sound.
6. Push down on the rear of the convertible top switch to
begin top operation. The rear of the top will unlatch and
the tonneau cover will open before the top begins to fold.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73
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Hold the switch down until the convertible top is com-
pletely lowered into its storage compartment and the
tonneau cover is closed and latched. A single audible
signal will sound to indicate completion of the top
opening operation.
NOTE:Once the top is lowered and the audible signal is
heard, you can continue to push the convertible top
switch down or push it within two seconds to raise the
windows.
The windows can also be closed/opened later using the
power window switches.
74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 77 of 358
CAUTION!
To prevent mildew, the convertible top must be dry
before lowering it into the storage compartment.
Do not lower a frozen convertible top until thawed
and dry. Doing so may result in damage not covered
by the DaimlerChrysler Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Do not place anything on the tonneau cover.
The tonneau cover must never be used as a seating
area.
To Raise The Top:
1. Make sure the rear cargo compartment divider is still
secured in the vertical position.
2. Make sure the decklid is closed.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position and
press down on the front of the convertible top switch.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
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4. If the windows are raised, they will lower as soon as
the convertible switch is pressed down. The tonneau
cover will open, and the top will then close until it
reaches approximately 8 in (200 mm) from the header.
The tonneau cover will then close and the rear of the top
will close and latch. At the completion of this cycle, a
single audible signal will sound.
NOTE:If the top is latched to the windshield header
before the rear of the top is properly latched, an audible
warning will sound and the top raising operation will
stop.
5. Pull the latch handle down from the storage position
and turn it clockwise just over one quarter turn.
6. Pull the latch handle and convertible top down to
engage the top with the header.7. When the top engages to the header, turn the latch
handle counterclockwise just over one quarter turn to the
lock position and push the latch handle up to the stored
position. The top is now secured in the closed position.
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NOTE:The convertible top switch indicator will light
up and an audible warning will be heard if you start
driving the vehicle without the top fully locked in the
closed position.WARNING!
To prevent possible accidents, drive the vehicle only
with the convertible top either completely closed and
locked, or fully lowered into its storage
compartment.
8. Once the top has been raised and locked, the cargo
compartment divider can be unhooked and folded for-
ward to increase the cargo compartment capacity. Follow
the steps shown on the label affixed to the decklid trim.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
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Convertible Top Lamp and Audible Signal Chart
Below is a table containing all of the visual and audible
signals that can be seen or heard during top operation or
if a fault is present.
Visual and Au-
dible
SignalsOperation Mode or Fault
Single audible sig-
nal is heardRoof reaches fully open position
Roof reaches fully closed position
Convertible top
switch lamp
flashes slowly and
a slow audible
beep is heardDecklid open
Cargo compartment divider not se-
cured in vertical position
Top latched at windshield header
before top cycle complete
Top unlatched but not pushed up
from windshield header
Vehicle speed greater than 9 mph (15
km/h) while trying to initiate top
operation
Battery voltage less than 10.6 Volts
Convertible top
switch lamp
flashes quickly
and a quick au-
dible beep is
heardMaximum hydraulic pump run-time
reached
Power window motor(s) or rear
spoiler inoperative
Vehicle speed greater than 9 mph (15
km/h) during top operation
Top operation suspended longer
than 10 minutes
Convertible top
switch lamp
flashes rapidlyGeneral top control module fault
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79
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CONSOLE FEATURES
The console has a power outlet/cigar lighter, an ash tray
with a coin holder, a cupholder (if equipped), and the
passenger airbag light. In addition, there are switches to
control the heated seats (if equipped), rear spoiler, elec-
tronic stability program (ESP), hazard flashers, central
locking, rear defroster and towing alarm.
Operating controls for the heating and air conditioning
systems, power windows, power mirrors, convertible top
switch (if equipped), and the automatic transmission
program mode selector switch (if equipped) are also
located in the console.
Storage Compartments (If Equipped)
There is a storage compartment in the console. To open
the storage compartment, lift the lid with the finger
depressions on either side. To close, lower the lid until
the lock engages.
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE