360 spider top won't open?

Is the engine running? I find that opening / closing the roof on battery power alone is less reliable.

 

Yeah................ a nice coupe.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Actually, you have my sympathies. I used to experience this problem and more with a very nice Alfa Spider with one flaw; I could never predict when the top would work. Unfortunately, even here in Italy, I was unable to find anyone who really understood the top or how to fix it. I sold it.

I can't add any suggestions other than to second the recommendation to try with the engine running and take a look at the obvious stuff like fuses, hydraulic fluid level, etc.

 

Initial diagnoses usually involve cutting/reconnecting the power (master reset) and checking the hydraulic reservoir level. Do you know how to do both?

 

FERRARI 360 SPIDER SOFT TOP ROOF HOOD HYDRAULIC LIQUID RESERVOIR HOW TO TOP IT UP - FerrariChat.com


A hand held oil can/filler w/ flexible hose and fitting make this job easier. (~$8 at auto parts store...)
Additionally, I found a 5mm STUBBY allen key that allows you to access the fill hole w/o the hassle of removing/replacing the cylinder / reservoir.
It's a tight fit, but I would rather use the stubby as I had a difficult time getting the cylinder/ reservoir to re-seat.

 

Yes, and it makes a difference if you have the hood up or down when you fill the fluid up to the prescribed level, but I cannot remember if the hood's supposed to be up or down when you check the level. Can anybody chirp in with the correct answer?

 

That's great news. Good idea to check the fluid -- it's a bit fiddly to top it up (if required) but not impossible.

 

I always filled mine with the top closed or up.

 

According to the service manuals the top should be open as far as I can tell:
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Does the workshop manual say what the prescribed fuel is?

 

That's in the owner manual.

 

Sorry, I mistyped: I meant "fluid", not "fuel", ie what is the prescribed type of hydraulic fluid (or "hydraulic oil") needed to top up the reservoir that operates the spider top?

 

This stuff will work for you, and it's available from any Mercedes dealer, which is a bonus. Because the Ferrari mechanism is made by the same people who manufacture Mercedes' hoods you shouldn't be afraid to use this stuff. It's what I topped-up my system with.
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I think the ASR message may be causing the Capote control unit to think the car is moving and disabling the top control. Have you driven the car lately? Does the ASR message go away?

Bottom line, if you get a beep when the top switch is engaged, it is a warning that you cannot perform that function at that time; the car is moving above the maximum speed or some other condition is not met. If the side windows do not go down, then the control unit is stopping all top function. The windows must be down before the pump will turn on to begin top retraction.

 

Terrific. All's well that ends well. The fchat community can be a real wealth of knowledge, with many contributors who are happy to give of their time and experience.