Trunk jammed shut
01-24-2024, 10:54 PM
#1
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1999 MB E430 1998 SL500
Trunk jammed shut
I can no longer get my trunk open. The remote trunk switch does not work and my metal key won't do the job. Any ideas? What does the dealer do in this case? I assume that
they wedge it open with some kind of a crowbar placed in a very special place. I have sat on the trunk while using the key but no luck.
they wedge it open with some kind of a crowbar placed in a very special place. I have sat on the trunk while using the key but no luck.
01-25-2024, 02:01 PM
#4
Super Member
Is it safe to assume that the trunk lock has an interior release, and that it doesn’t work either?
01-25-2024, 08:24 PM
#5
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I'd double check that the key doesn't in fact work. Lube, shove it all the way in there, and maybe (carefully) use pliers. Don't break the lock mechanism, or you can cry in a corner.
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tim687 (01-26-2024)
01-26-2024, 02:07 AM
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CL 600 '00 5.8L V12
The lock of the trunk mechanism isn't user friendly at all. On my CL it requires pliers to be able to turn the key and whenever you do so it still feels like you're breaking the thing.
01-28-2024, 11:24 PM
#7
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The PSE controller monitors how long each operation takes. If the time is longer that permissible by the programming, the controller stops performing that operation. Restarting that operation requires resetting the controller, usually by pulling and replacing the 20-Amp yellow fuse in the rear SAM.
I realize that you did not do that reset - but I wonder it the unlock operation is taking too long, and opening the latch manually might have freed the latch up enough that the operation can be performed in the allotted time. The first thing that I would try is to lubricate all moving parts of the latch. After doing that, I would have the trunk lid open, and use a round steel rod (e.g., a Phillips screwdriver) to move the latch to the closed position, and see if anything moves for the soft-close operation, and if there is any faint hiss of an air leak. I would then use the key fob to open the latch, seeing if it opens very slowly, and if there is any faint hiss.
Another possible problem is a broken wire in the harness that winds up on a drum in the forward right corner during opening/closing. It is not unusual for a broken wire to cause intermittent latch operation as it makes intermittent contact.
I realize that you did not do that reset - but I wonder it the unlock operation is taking too long, and opening the latch manually might have freed the latch up enough that the operation can be performed in the allotted time. The first thing that I would try is to lubricate all moving parts of the latch. After doing that, I would have the trunk lid open, and use a round steel rod (e.g., a Phillips screwdriver) to move the latch to the closed position, and see if anything moves for the soft-close operation, and if there is any faint hiss of an air leak. I would then use the key fob to open the latch, seeing if it opens very slowly, and if there is any faint hiss.
Another possible problem is a broken wire in the harness that winds up on a drum in the forward right corner during opening/closing. It is not unusual for a broken wire to cause intermittent latch operation as it makes intermittent contact.
