2005 CL55 AMG: Persistent Trunk Noise + Shifter Locked Issue
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
CLK430
2005 CL55 AMG: Persistent Trunk Noise + Shifter Locked Issue
2005 CL55 AMG: Persistent Trunk Noise + Shifter Locked Issue
**Car Details:**
- 2005 CL55 AMG @ 155k miles
- Running on coilovers (previous owner converted from ABC)
- Horizon Blue color
**Parts Already Replaced:**
- Front suspension overhaul (removed driver side sag issue)
- Lower ball joints/control arms
- New front rotors
- Rear lateral tie rod thrust arms
- Trunk support struts
- Upper coilover bolts torqued to spec
**Issue #1: Persistent Trunk Noise**
I'm experiencing a loud noise coming from what sounds like the upper trunk area. The noise is particularly noticeable when going over bumps. Initially thought it might be the trunk struts, but replacing those didn't solve the problem. The noise seems to originate from the upper trunk area rather than from the actual suspension components.
I've already checked the basic suspects: trunk latch, loose items in the trunk, spare tire, etc. The noise persists and is quite loud - definitely not just a minor rattle. I've heard this could potentially be related to the rear subframe bushings or possibly remnants of the ABC system (though all ABC components have been removed and converted to coilovers).
**Issue #2: Shifter Locked in Park**
While working on the car, I jacked it up without setting the parking brake. Now my shifter is locked in Park and won't move. I'm guessing this is related to the shifter interlock system getting confused about the car's position. Has anyone dealt with this issue before? Any suggestions on resetting this without requiring a tow to a dealer?
Any insights would be greatly appreciated. This is a great car and I'm working through the issues one by one, but these two have me stumped.
Thanks in advance!
**Car Details:**
- 2005 CL55 AMG @ 155k miles
- Running on coilovers (previous owner converted from ABC)
- Horizon Blue color
**Parts Already Replaced:**
- Front suspension overhaul (removed driver side sag issue)
- Lower ball joints/control arms
- New front rotors
- Rear lateral tie rod thrust arms
- Trunk support struts
- Upper coilover bolts torqued to spec
**Issue #1: Persistent Trunk Noise**
I'm experiencing a loud noise coming from what sounds like the upper trunk area. The noise is particularly noticeable when going over bumps. Initially thought it might be the trunk struts, but replacing those didn't solve the problem. The noise seems to originate from the upper trunk area rather than from the actual suspension components.
I've already checked the basic suspects: trunk latch, loose items in the trunk, spare tire, etc. The noise persists and is quite loud - definitely not just a minor rattle. I've heard this could potentially be related to the rear subframe bushings or possibly remnants of the ABC system (though all ABC components have been removed and converted to coilovers).
**Issue #2: Shifter Locked in Park**
While working on the car, I jacked it up without setting the parking brake. Now my shifter is locked in Park and won't move. I'm guessing this is related to the shifter interlock system getting confused about the car's position. Has anyone dealt with this issue before? Any suggestions on resetting this without requiring a tow to a dealer?
Any insights would be greatly appreciated. This is a great car and I'm working through the issues one by one, but these two have me stumped.
Thanks in advance!
Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 247
Likes: 57
From: Fort Worth
2005 CL55 AMG || 2005 CL65 AMG || 1989 560SEC
My cl55 makes that noise and it's the top of the rear tower struts for me. Jack the car up on one side just enough to get the rear tire off the ground, then move the rear tire up and down by wedging a 2x4 or crowbar between the tire and ground and lifting.
Listen to see if there is a noise from the shifter when you press the brake. If so, there is a plastic parking pall that snaps in half after a while and leaves you stuck in park. You can take the shifter knob off and smack the top of the shifter with a boot heel while your foot is on the brake, then see if you can shift out of park. If so, it's the parking pall.
Listen to see if there is a noise from the shifter when you press the brake. If so, there is a plastic parking pall that snaps in half after a while and leaves you stuck in park. You can take the shifter knob off and smack the top of the shifter with a boot heel while your foot is on the brake, then see if you can shift out of park. If so, it's the parking pall.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
CLK430
My cl55 makes that noise and it's the top of the rear tower struts for me. Jack the car up on one side just enough to get the rear tire off the ground, then move the rear tire up and down by wedging a 2x4 or crowbar between the tire and ground and lifting.
Listen to see if there is a noise from the shifter when you press the brake. If so, there is a plastic parking pall that snaps in half after a while and leaves you stuck in park. You can take the shifter knob off and smack the top of the shifter with a boot heel while your foot is on the brake, then see if you can shift out of park. If so, it's the parking pall.
Listen to see if there is a noise from the shifter when you press the brake. If so, there is a plastic parking pall that snaps in half after a while and leaves you stuck in park. You can take the shifter knob off and smack the top of the shifter with a boot heel while your foot is on the brake, then see if you can shift out of park. If so, it's the parking pall.
Also, the shifter issue happened last night, and then this morning, I was able to apply some pressure and move it to reverse, drove it round the block, then pulled into my driveway to park. after parking I could not shift anymore. they got stuck again. with that being said, does it sound like that plastic mechanism inside the shifter needs to be replaced? what baffles me is. the shifting was working before I put the car on jack stands
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
CLK430
My cl55 makes that noise and it's the top of the rear tower struts for me. Jack the car up on one side just enough to get the rear tire off the ground, then move the rear tire up and down by wedging a 2x4 or crowbar between the tire and ground and lifting.
Listen to see if there is a noise from the shifter when you press the brake. If so, there is a plastic parking pall that snaps in half after a while and leaves you stuck in park. You can take the shifter knob off and smack the top of the shifter with a boot heel while your foot is on the brake, then see if you can shift out of park. If so, it's the parking pall.
Listen to see if there is a noise from the shifter when you press the brake. If so, there is a plastic parking pall that snaps in half after a while and leaves you stuck in park. You can take the shifter knob off and smack the top of the shifter with a boot heel while your foot is on the brake, then see if you can shift out of park. If so, it's the parking pall.
