CL-Class (W215) 2000-2006: CL 500, CL 600

2001 CL600 HELP PLZ my trunk won't open

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 07:40 AM
  #1  
BenzBaby91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
2011 C300, 2001 CL600
2001 CL600 HELP PLZ my trunk won't open

I just purchased a 2001 CL600 and the trunk won't open. The seller said it just opened last week, maybe the lock was stuck. Mechanic has no idea.

The key fob does not pop it. The button inside doesn't either. The valet key inserts but does not twist, and the slot is in the vertical position which I read somewhere indicated the trunk is locked in "valet mode". *** Update, I tried yesterday with pliers and did get the key to turn, it turns left, but it doesn't unlock or pop anything. It twists all the way around to the vertical position without triggering any trunk opening mechanism. I don't think it is connected. ***

I am wondering about this valet mode, and if there is a way to unlock it ? The key will not turn in any direction when inserted, but the button does press in (but does not open).

If not, is there a safe way to get into the trunk without breaking anything... the inside seats do not fold down, the only idea I have is the panel behind the license plate may come off pretty easily and expose some hole into the trunk? I tried this today but the bolts are very rusted and I can't do it myself.

I read on your forum all the time and fixed other problems through advice here so I thought I'd throw my own question out here and finally joined a forum. Thank you in advance!





Reply
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 11:36 AM
  #2  
slonar21's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 254
Likes: 17
From: America
CL600 2003

The lock does not look like the correct unit, I don't think rear cameras existed on 2001 mercedes, and the license plate lights are missing as well, I think someone did some kind of modifications probably to bypass the pneumatic lock actuator system. This is what the lock should look like
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 04:30 PM
  #3  
tusabes's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,151
Likes: 533
Mercedes
If you got the key to turn with pliers , you also need to push up when turned to pop it . Just turning does not pop it . Twist the key then push up to pop.

If that doesn’t work You’ll have to take off the plastic license plate piece then drill a hole behind it to pull the release
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 06:15 PM
  #4  
pmercury's Avatar
member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,093
Likes: 807
CL
Originally Posted by BenzBaby91
I just purchased a 2001 CL600 and the trunk won't open. The seller said it just opened last week, maybe the lock was stuck. Mechanic has no idea.

The key fob does not pop it. The button inside doesn't either. The valet key inserts but does not twist, and the slot is in the vertical position which I read somewhere indicated the trunk is locked in "valet mode". *** Update, I tried yesterday with pliers and did get the key to turn, it turns left, but it doesn't unlock or pop anything. It twists all the way around to the vertical position without triggering any trunk opening mechanism. I don't think it is connected. ***

I am wondering about this valet mode, and if there is a way to unlock it ? The key will not turn in any direction when inserted, but the button does press in (but does not open).

If not, is there a safe way to get into the trunk without breaking anything... the inside seats do not fold down, the only idea I have is the panel behind the license plate may come off pretty easily and expose some hole into the trunk? I tried this today but the bolts are very rusted and I can't do it myself.

I read on your forum all the time and fixed other problems through advice here so I thought I'd throw my own question out here and finally joined a forum. Thank you in advance!





here you go, next time use "search before posting the same questions over and over"
good luck

https://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-...unk-no-op.html
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:38 AM
  #5  
BenzBaby91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
2011 C300, 2001 CL600
Thanks for the replies, Pmercury I've been searching this question for ages and missed that post. Thanks for the link. I'd totally see you on your "opening trunks tour 2019". I haven't had time (or tools) to do much with it but now it overheated so time to take it back to a mechanic I think. There was water coming in under the glovebox and a forum search helped me clear debris from the hood vent. I appreciate you guys!
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:40 AM
  #6  
BenzBaby91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
2011 C300, 2001 CL600
Originally Posted by tusabes
If you got the key to turn with pliers , you also need to push up when turned to pop it . Just turning does not pop it . Twist the key then push up to pop.

If that doesn’t work You’ll have to take off the plastic license plate piece then drill a hole behind it to pull the release

When I turn the key and push in, nothing clicks, nothing happens. If I need to push open the trunk, I can try that. As far as drilling and pulling release, where would I drill and where is the release? Sorry I am not car savvy and would end up on the wrong side of the trunk with a huge hole and no way to grab the release.

Thanks!
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:45 AM
  #7  
pmercury's Avatar
member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,093
Likes: 807
CL
Originally Posted by BenzBaby91
When I turn the key and push in, nothing clicks, nothing happens. If I need to push open the trunk, I can try that. As far as drilling and pulling release, where would I drill and where is the release? Sorry I am not car savvy and would end up on the wrong side of the trunk with a huge hole and no way to grab the release.

Thanks!
Hi

I solved that here
https://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-...unk-no-op.html
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:52 AM
  #8  
BenzBaby91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
2011 C300, 2001 CL600
Well gawd damn is there anything you can't do?? Thanks Pmercury I hope Europe is beautiful today
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:57 AM
  #9  
BenzBaby91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
2011 C300, 2001 CL600
Also I actually had seen that post previously to posting mine, and was going to go the "under the car cut through the plastic spare tire area" route but I have nothing to cut it with so had to wait on that. I will try disconnecting the battery for 30 mins later today. Thanks ! I think I skipped past that thinking "battery in the trunk, can't open to disconnect."

Blonde moment Thanks again
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2019 | 07:04 PM
  #10  
pmercury's Avatar
member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,093
Likes: 807
CL
Originally Posted by BenzBaby91
Also I actually had seen that post previously to posting mine, and was going to go the "under the car cut through the plastic spare tire area" route but I have nothing to cut it with so had to wait on that. I will try disconnecting the battery for 30 mins later today. Thanks ! I think I skipped past that thinking "battery in the trunk, can't open to disconnect."

Blonde moment Thanks again
my pleasure
Reply

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


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:47 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE