jprince

So it looks like my trunk release cable snapped and, as a result, I'm unable to open my trunk using the release button, remote key, or manual key. Unfortunately the cable decided to break just after I had put some groceries, including eggs and cheese, in the trunk.

It looks like my only option is to find an alternative means to accessing the trunk so that we can try to release it from the inside (or at the very least remove the food).

I've taken it into the shop and they've told me that it could take several hours to diagnose/access. Even they seem unsure as to how to get in there.

I'm hoping that perhaps someone can offer some guidance seeing as it's really not an option to leave that food back there. Eventually it will rot and the smell will enter the cabin, essentially ruining the car.

Hoping someone has an answer... thanks.

CLKCLK

Are all the fuses checked?

MIKESV8

+1, wow this is the first time i've heard of this issue, couldn't you bring the rear seats down though to get to your groceries?

jprince

I personally haven't checked the fuses - I'll do that when I pick it up from the shop tonight (having unrelated service done).

Bringing the seats down would be the ideal option, but I haven't been able to figure out how to do so from my searches just yet. Not even sure it's possible. I've even seen a couple of posts saying that the lever is, where else? In the trunk... that'd be just my luck.

petez1125

Yes, to fold the rear seats you have to do it from the trunk. There are levers on each side that you fold out.

I guess the trunk key, the actual metal key, does not work?

jprince

No - that's what I was referring to as the "manual key" in my original post.

jprince

Repair shop just called to say they got the trunk open (somehow) and have left the back seat folded down. Problem not quite solved, but at least I won't have food rotting in my trunk!

Thanks to all for the suggestions!

MIKESV8

that's awesome, keep us posted on what is costs to replace the cable.

chris.bachman

Are you sure the trunk uses a cable, I think its an electronic actuator that releases the lock.

Budget Baller

I was thinking the same thing. I don't believe the trunk uses a "cable" per say.

Interesting though, I've never heard of this issue before either. Did the shop happen to say what the problem was?

jprince

You're right, they confirmed that it's an actuator issue. I must have misunderstood them on the phone.

They said it would be around $300 to repair, for the part and labor.

I'm holding off for now, just glad to have gotten the food out.

FrankW

i'm curious how they got the trunk open.

the trunk lock on rmeuropean is $115 btw. from the pic you can see there is a manual release on it.

francoisisp

they probably just used the damn key (the one that manualy opens the door that detaches from the fob) to open the trunk it is an actuator that operate the trunk release. i found this out about 5 years ago when i need to access my trunk to get my jumper cables due to a dead battery caused by the infamous seat modduel problem its kind of tricky if you have no power going to the actuator you actually have to spin the key more than half a circle in the right direction or you will lock it instead of opening it so if the actuator was shot i would explain why he couldnt open it the way you would if you had power.

C230 Mulac

I think I need one of these to fix my trunk since I think I have the same problem. The latch as making a rattling noise when I would open it and when I tried to open it this weekend it didn't make any noise and would not open.

My one question is, there are two parts on rmeuropean, and one says it is for models with an "additional locking mechanism." What is the "additional locking mechanism" and how do I determine which one is for my car?

http://www.rmeuropean.com/mercedes-parts.aspx#Category

C230 Mulac

So I was able to open up my trunk manually with the key yesterday when I checked. I'm assuming this means the locking mechanism is shot, but I still can't find after searching all day what the "additional locking mechanism" is, can someone please help me?