SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Trunk won't open

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 07-07-2016, 10:36 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Funky B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
03 SL500, 91 Jeep Wrangler with 3.5" BDS lift
Trunk won't open

I recently purchased a SL500 with 33k and it had an issue with the trunk latch not latching (among other things). As I was readjusting the latch the trunk closed before I attached the shaft and connected the left side electric connector.

With the trunk separator not latched, is there anyway to disable the separator warning or force the top to open through SDS so I can access the trunk again, or do I need to break the third taillight?

I've tried re-seating the fuse and using the key while pushing down on the trunk with no luck.
Old 07-08-2016, 08:23 AM
  #2  
Out Of Control!!

 
Plutoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Shepardstown, WV
Posts: 14,761
Received 1,052 Likes on 973 Posts
1999 E300TD
Hey bro your fooooooooked!! SDS ain't going to help----now its drill lock time!---He aha nô lâ kou `ano!!
Old 07-08-2016, 10:30 PM
  #3  
MBworld Guru
 
Rudeney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Received 1,004 Likes on 872 Posts
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Make sure that then you use the hard key, you insert into the lock, rotate it counter-clockwise and hold it there, then squeeze the handle. It's purely mechanical with no electronics or hydraulics used in this process, so it should work regardless of the top position, partition, etc.
Old 07-09-2016, 10:34 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Funky B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
03 SL500, 91 Jeep Wrangler with 3.5" BDS lift
Unfortunately the shaft is not connected so I don't have the handle. Drilling the lock is a bad idea because it faces the wrong direction and will be very expensive. I was thinking of drilling out the third brake light or the left license plate light. The left license plate light is very close, but there's probably more room with the third brake light.

Definitely not fooooked, there's always a solution.
Old 07-09-2016, 11:21 PM
  #5  
MBworld Guru
 
Rudeney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Received 1,004 Likes on 872 Posts
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Oh, I see. The strike has two bolts holding it on, so if you can get some access into the trunk, you could remove those. I don't think you'll get much going through the 3rd brake light opening. I think what I'd do is remove the license plate, and drill hole behind it large enough to get a hand and wrench in to remove those strike bolts. This can then be patched and the "damage" covered by the license plate.
Old 07-15-2016, 05:18 AM
  #6  
Member
 
DavidCA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Posts: 97
Received 18 Likes on 15 Posts
SL500 2009
Originally Posted by Funky B
Unfortunately the shaft is not connected so I don't have the handle. Drilling the lock is a bad idea because it faces the wrong direction and will be very expensive. I was thinking of drilling out the third brake light or the left license plate light. The left license plate light is very close, but there's probably more room with the third brake light.

Definitely not fooooked, there's always a solution.

Indeed there is a solution!

The procedure for opening the roof is as follows :-

You need to disconnect two wires from the Vario roof control module {N52}.
The module is located under the storage compartment behind drivers seat.
Disconnect Plug no 1 (52 way connector) from roof control module.
Remove pins 33 yellow/white and 44 violet/orange at Plug1.
Reconnect plug to control module.
The roof will now open using the roof switch.

I hope this will help you!
Regards
Old 07-21-2016, 12:58 AM
  #7  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Funky B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
03 SL500, 91 Jeep Wrangler with 3.5" BDS lift
Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it! Because the latch was secured I decided to take another approach but I'm sure that info will help someone.

I ended up successfully drilling out the 3rd brake light. I put a drop of Loctite on the tips of the new brake light and pressed on the old light for an approximate location of the screws. To cut, i had a 5/8" diamond hole saw and was able to separate the plastic housing from the metal frame. The sides popped right out, while the middle needed the red lens to be separated first. The shaft was right there and with a quick push the trunk opened.

Really easy, and absolutely no need to drill holes under the license plate.





The following users liked this post:
kuwabaram (08-31-2021)
Old 08-11-2019, 04:13 PM
  #8  
Newbie
 
Julie Ho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
E350 2007
Opened trunk

Originally Posted by Funky B
I recently purchased a SL500 with 33k and it had an issue with the trunk latch not latching (among other things). As I was readjusting the latch the trunk closed before I attached the shaft and connected the left side electric connector.

With the trunk separator not latched, is there anyway to disable the separator warning or force the top to open through SDS so I can access the trunk again, or do I need to break the third taillight?

I've tried re-seating the fuse and using the key while pushing down on the trunk with no luck.
Close all the doors with you inside and pop the trunk.
Old 08-31-2021, 09:48 PM
  #9  
Newbie
 
kuwabaram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 1
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2006 SL500
Thank you very much for your info. I had exactly the same problem, and now I could open the trunk by breaking the 3rd stop lamp. This lamp is available in AliExpress.com at the cost of 25 USD, and I believe this is the cheapest way. My case was PSE pump has gone due to water leak together with trunk soft closer's hinge was not connected properly (my mistake) and mechanical key did not work.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: SL/R230: Trunk won't open



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:26 PM.