Trunk/Boot Won't Open
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 498
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
Trunk/Boot Won't Open
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
Likes: 55
From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
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).
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).
Banned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
1999 MB C43 2004 E55 AMG, 2004 Suzuki GSXR, gl63
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
Likes: 55
From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
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.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C 43 AMG
I had the same problem.
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 754
Likes: 12
...
Different procedure - remove the medical tray on the rear decklid. There should be a cutout on each side when the tray is out. Locate the trunk release wire underneath on either side and find something sturdy that fits through the hole to push down on the wire to release.
A good amount of pressure on the wires is required to release!! Take a jab at it.
A good amount of pressure on the wires is required to release!! Take a jab at it.
Last edited by RPB; Jun 25, 2018 at 01:40 AM.
