360 top leak and 'still open' alert. Need help.

Gang,

My '03 360 Spider has the common top leak coming from the cylinder mechanism where hydraulic fluid spews out heavily when you try to operate the top. I think I've diagnosed that issue, which involves removing the cylinder and having it rebuilt. I'll do that soon.

But the current problem involves the top not closing fully. I tried to operate the top and it did not open, probably from the heavy loss of hydraulic fluid. It also would not close completely, so I had to use the emergency wrench in the tool kit to close the forks onto the strike plate to clamp down the top. That was ok but the 360 still thinks the top is in mid-operation and the "top is open" dash alert is on now. When I drive more than 20mph there is an incessant beep that only goes off when I slow to under 20mph. Oh, and I'm getting a flashing CEL now also. Not sure if related.

Here's the video:

What is a good fix for this? Is there a position sensor I need to manipulate so the 360 understands that the top is closed and I don't get the alert/incessant beeping? Or, if that fails, can I override the beep/alert so I can at least drive the thing while I sort out the other issues with this car?

Thanks all
ketel

 

Thanks, Qavion. Here's where I'm at:

Before I niggle with microswitches I want to eliminate the obvious stuff. Because the leak is so severe, there is not enough hydraulic fluid in the system for the top is to function at all. So, my first thought is to top off the hydraulic fluid with enough fluid to at least get one open/close sequence done so the microswitches can open and close they're supposed to, which I am hoping will clear this fault.

However, I'm running into another roadblock. Filling the top fluid reservoir seems impossible. The reservoir is located behind a panel behind the passenger seat and is deeply offset such that it seems impossible to access the filler plug. See pic.

So, can anyone tell me how one fills the top hydraulic reservoir? Does one need to unbolt the entire assembly from the firewall? Can you spin the reservoir toward you to access the filler screw? I'm at an impasse.

ketel

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Very helpful, Qavion and GCalo. Especially the Ratarossa step-by-step on reservoir top up procedure. I'll tackle this tomorrow (Sunday) and provide updates.

Like everything else with this 360, it'll be a process. Eliminate one problem, find another one. Rinse and repeat. Hoping that topped up fluid will allow me to run an open/close sequence enough to clear this "top still open" alert and incessant beeping when driving.

ketel

 

Gang,

I spoke too soon. I was able to get through steps 1-5 in Ratarossa's write-up on topping up the hydraulic fluid for the top but upon closer inspection I was not 100% sure the fluid I had on hand would be compatible with the Mercedes fluid recommended for the 360. I have Pentosin 11S which I've used without incident on my 355 Spider. Does anyone know if this is ok to use with the 360? I'd rather not risk it unless I'm sure it's ok. I've had too much drama already with this 360.

If anyone can get back to me today with clarification that Pentosin 11S is ok to use with the 360, I have time to tackle this project today. Otherwise, I will need to order the Mercedes fluid and lose a couple weeks before I can tackle this job again.

Thanks,
ketel
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Thanks, GCalo. I went ahead and order the Mercedes fluid anyway. My Pentosin can is getting low. Amazon should have it here in a few days and I'll try again. Really appreciate the fast response!

ketel