CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Please help - Is my car useless now?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 13, 2017 | 01:56 PM
  #1  
Spang's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2000 CLK430 Brabus
Please help - Is my car useless now?

I have a serious problem...

So - I left my car in the garage a few months to spare it the harshness of a Swedish winter.
I was stupid. The reason for this is that I did not think to remove the battery before storing the car.
Now the battery is dead, and I can't seem to get to it because of the placement in the boot. The small metal key in the remote works fine to unlock the door, but the lock in the trunk is completely stuck. I can push the tumbler, but not turn the key either way.

It seems only the electronic release button works - but i have no power! So I thought I should try to connect jumper cables from another car to the "+" location in the engine bay. But it does not seem to do anything, and the key won't even turn in the ignition! I tried to wait a while for the battery to get some charge - no luck. I tried to connect a battery charger overnight - still no luck!

So, please, do you guys have any ideas?

My car: CLK430 - 2000 - w208 - coupe
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2017 | 09:51 PM
  #2  
GatorMB's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 100
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
Get a can of spray lube and work that trunk lock over good with it, into the key hole.

Drink a few pints and give the key a try. With suitable pliers gently wiggle the key back and forth. Forcing in 1/4 turn will unlock the trunk. If not

Drink a few more pints spray is moderately and try it again. It works mate

When you get it open do not drive the car the police will get you for drunk driving.

Last edited by GatorMB; Mar 13, 2017 at 09:55 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2017 | 08:31 AM
  #3  
A1EK's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
Strange, so you can get into your car and engine but when you connect another battery into the engine nothing happens?? Are you connecting correctly by lifting the plastic cover on the right side as you face the engine for the positive, negative is just the engine hook or chasis. This power should allow you to start the car or at least get power to the boot release?
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2017 | 02:01 PM
  #4  
mickey13's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 46
From: New Jersey
1999 AMG C43
when you connect battery to the + under the hood (dont forget to connect to good ground), you should be able to pop trunk
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2017 | 02:41 PM
  #5  
Spang's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2000 CLK430 Brabus
Thank you for all replies!
Today I actually managed to open the trunk using the "lock spray/oil and beer"-method. My car with it's *** in the air was a very welcome sight!

However, the battery was leaking acid and seemed to be in a very bad way. So, I bought a fresh new one and installed it. Tha car started immediatly. God - I have missed that sound!

The bad thing is that it now indicates errors in the BAS, ABS and EPS -systems... What do you think I can do about it? Is it just because I switched batteries and the computers went absolutely bananas?
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2017 | 05:55 PM
  #6  
mickey13's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 46
From: New Jersey
1999 AMG C43
you have to reprogram all the systems when you replace battery.

so the windows, the sunroof and the steering angle sensor.
turn the wheel all the way to lock, hold it there. wait. then turn the other direction to lock. hold it there. wait. driving should also clear some of your codes
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2017 | 06:11 PM
  #7  
Serndipity's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
When the battery is replaced, the resulting removal of power, erases the memory settings for the BAS/ABS, power windows and radio code.

This, as well as the reset procedures, are explained in your owner's manual.

For example, to reset the BAS/ABS system, just start the car and then turn the steering wheel, lock to lock (e.g. fully left and right).

As A1EK correctly pointed out, the trunk can be opened, using the center console switch, by connecting 12volt power to a terminal, located inside a plastic box behind the windshield washer fluid container, in the engine compartment (e.g. + to the terminal and - to a good ground).

Happy to hear that GatorMB's "lock spray/oil and beer", finally opened your trunk worked for you.

Both methods should have worked, following is why 'not'.

1. Opening the trunk is via the central locking system, which is pneumatically controlled.

After a flat (i.e. dead) battery condition, upon connecting power to the engine compartment terminal correctly, the center console switch will typically activate the central locking system and open the trunk. Occasionally, there may be a delay, required for the pump to restore the correct pressure.

What then should then occur, is under pneumatic control, the locking catch will release from the strike plate.

2. As a backup, MB provided a method, using the provided mechanical key, to open the trunk.

To use this method, all that is required is to be able to turn the mechanism 45 degrees counter clock wise.

Then push in the key, which moves a lever (e.g. same as the pneumatic system does), that will unlock the catch and release it from the strike plate.

Although I like the couple of beers method, hopefully this note will end the frequent postings regarding, "I can't open my trunk".

Last edited by Serndipity; Mar 14, 2017 at 06:15 PM.
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 10:11 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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