importfan21

So this is a side issue (unrelated to the accident...I think). So my trunk won't open via remote (good batteries - tried multiple fobs) or key (both blades don't fully insert in to be able to turn).

The red light on the trunk release switch stays lit all the time (except when fuse is pulled, obviously).

I've pulled the #7 fuse for the trunk and checked it (ok) and even swapped it. Same results.

When the car was in the body shop, the tech said he put some parts in there but couldn't get it to open again (neither have I).

Need some help getting in there to get those parts out!

I read through all of this and tried all methods: http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...=103090&page=3

vinceC

Have you tried opening it with the metal key blade? If that doesn't work you have a problem with the latch itself.

I was able to open a W202 once by removing the back seat. With the side bolster on the right side removed I was able to access the vacuum lines on the right trunk hinge. I cut them and applied pressure and the latch opened (pressure opens/vacuum closes). That was on a wreck with an undamaged rear clip though (no keys were available).

speedyc43

I had the same problem, I ended up removing the rear seat and squeezing myself into the trunk and removing where the lock latches. Then I took the entire lock assembly apart cleaned it lubed it and put it back together. Has worked fine since. Not easy or quick.

vinceC

I'm not sure where you could squeeze in, but that does I've give me another idea. The C43 has the folding rear seat (the W202 I worked on did not). Assuming the C43 rear bulkhead is the same as the W202 I worked on, if you can remove the rear seat side bolster and work through the same access I mentioned earlier (warning - it is small - I could just squeeze my arm in through a triangular opening), you might be able to reach the latch to release the rear seat back. Once folded down access to the truck interior is pretty easy. From there the fun begins.

speedyc43

Yes, my seats were locked so the difficult part was accessing the latch to release them, but once you manage that, it is possible

mercedes4ever

This demonstrates the importance of using a good quality silicon or teflon spray, on all latches, door hinges / hood and locks regularly, to keep them free & functioning properly. I do mine every 3 months, if you live in a high humidity / rainfall area do it once a month.

importfan21

Jeez, shoving my arm behind the bolster is gonna be a PITA.

DRBC43AMG

Put some silicone grease on your arm before...

flippyfloppy

Hi importfan21,

I having been dealing with the same ordeal as mentioned with my '99 C43 AMG. Today I decided to take a nontraditional approach to open the trunk, which I did with success. On my car, I was able to remove the rear speaker covers, grills, and the speakers themselves which gave me a 5 in. circular access to the trunk. I then fished around until I located the seat release lever which, depending on your car, should drop your seat if you can reach it (more importantly, if you are bendy enough...). Due to complications, I found it easier to remove the lever mechanism all together, and then deal with it once I had pulled it through the speaker hole. I was able to tighten the mechanism and drop the seat! Now that I have access to the trunk, it is possible to replace the relay/vacuum pump (depending on your situation).

Hopes this helps! Let me know if you have questions.

Flippy Floppy

RPB