Sticking Hatch Release
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
C320 Coupe
Sticking Hatch Release
I'm selling my C320 and I'd like to fix the only two mechanical issues it has.
1. When it is cold (below 45 degrees), the rear hatch release sticks/doesn't work. The inside emergency release will still work, but the out side release does not. When it warms up, everything is normal. Is there something that needs adjustment or lubricated?
2. Again, when cold, the e-brake pedal will not release all the way. I can lift it with my foot and it releases fine. When it is above 45 degrees, it works fine as well. Any ideas.
1. When it is cold (below 45 degrees), the rear hatch release sticks/doesn't work. The inside emergency release will still work, but the out side release does not. When it warms up, everything is normal. Is there something that needs adjustment or lubricated?
2. Again, when cold, the e-brake pedal will not release all the way. I can lift it with my foot and it releases fine. When it is above 45 degrees, it works fine as well. Any ideas.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
2003 C320 4Matic
i had the same problem with my trunk release too, i sprayed it pretty liberally with some WD-40 and it stopped sticking (mine was sticking as if someone was holding the latch down to open it the whole time, i'd have to pry my finger nail behind it, pop it out, then pull it to open the trunk, i popped it into its normal place as i said with my fingernail, then soaked it with WD-40 and sat there with a towel wiping off the drips lol)
and also had the same thing with the e-brake actually. When i went in for my Service B i told them about it and they said that they tightened it/fixed it, but a couple days later it started sticking again too, and i haven't found a way to get it to release smoothly since then
and also had the same thing with the e-brake actually. When i went in for my Service B i told them about it and they said that they tightened it/fixed it, but a couple days later it started sticking again too, and i haven't found a way to get it to release smoothly since then
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
C320 Coupe
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Ont, Canada
2005 C230K coupe
For the e-brake issue, the problem is most likely under the back seat. Pull up the seat bottoms and remove the piece of carpet. Remove the access cover that's right between the two seats. You'll see the part that allows you to adjust e-brake cable tension and splits the cable from one to the front of the car, to two (one for each wheel). The splitter part has a pivot point that needs to be able to move. This gets rusty and stuck and prevents the e-brake from releasing without a little help. Lubricate the hell out of it and work it back and forth until it moves freely and this should solve the issue for you.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
C320 Coupe
For the e-brake issue, the problem is most likely under the back seat. Pull up the seat bottoms and remove the piece of carpet. Remove the access cover that's right between the two seats. You'll see the part that allows you to adjust e-brake cable tension and splits the cable from one to the front of the car, to two (one for each wheel). The splitter part has a pivot point that needs to be able to move. This gets rusty and stuck and prevents the e-brake from releasing without a little help. Lubricate the hell out of it and work it back and forth until it moves freely and this should solve the issue for you.
