2004 clk 500 trunk latch
 

Can anyone help me with a problem I have with my trunk? I have a 2004 CLK 500 Cabriolet and the trunk will not open, I keep getting a red warning on the dash stating the trunk is open. I cannot raise the top to access because the partition is not pulled forward. The open trunk button is a steady red color and nothing happens when i push it. I have tried the key in the back lock to no avail and have pulled down the armrest in backseat but I do not see access to trunk. I really do not want to take it to the dealer. Has anyone had the same problem?

Jut to clarify, when you tried the mechanical key, did you rotate it in the lock AND then pull the release handle? Remember, the mechanical key doesn't actually open the latch - it only engages a mechanical lever so the handle will work manually.

Mechanical
 

I did and it still did not open. When I engage the trunk lever I can feel that there is no pressure on it or tension. Any ideas how I can get into the trunk ?

OK, I'm not trying to suggest you don't know what you are doing, but I myself had the same problem and didn't properly manipulate the mechanical key to open the trunk, so I'm just trying to make sure we've covered the "easy" stuff. When you rotate the lock with the mechanical key, it goes two directions - turning it clockwise (toward the right) will enable valet locking. Turning it toward the left (counter-clockwise) is what enables the handle for manual opening.

Hi Rodney,

I tried it again both ways and nothing , I do hear a mechanical winding every time I lift on the trunk hatch. I think the latch itself is broken. Any ideas how I can get into the trunk?

It must really be physically broken. When you turn the key in the mechanical lock, it engages a cog so that when you pull the handle, it engages with a physical cable that mechanically opens the latch - it's completely mechanical and overrides all the electronics. I've had mine apart to repair a defective latch, and seeing how all this works, I just can't imagine a scenario where the mechanical override doesn't work.

You say you hear a mechanical winding when you lift on the trunk lid? It almost sounds as if the latch isn't fully engage. What if you push down on it?

Do you know how I can get into the trunk via the back seat?

I don't think that's possible on the cabriolet because the seat back has the roll bar mechanism in it.

Guys,
I don't know the W209 model features but when I could not get into my trunk using either the remote, the console button or the mechanical key, I, eventually, removed the rear seat on my cab. Once removed I could see the light shining from the green emergency trunk release button. This is the emergency trunk release button that was installed to make sure that Little Timmy could escape the kidnappers who locked him in the trunk and were attempting to drive away with him. All Little Timmy has to do is push the well lit green button and he can bail from the trunk and run for help. I ran a stiff thin rod through the access holes in the wall that separates the trunk from the passenger cabin in my W208 cab and pushed the button and the trunk popped open. Pulling the rear seat was so easy on my W208 that I would say try it on your W209. Worse case you have peace of mind knowing that you explored the possibility and it was a no go. Best case your inside of your trunk in under 20 minutes. Good luck.

Hi City Rat,

Can you tell me how you removed the seat. I have looked and have not been able to figure out how to pull them.

Thank you,

Kirk

Sorry for bumping this old thread. But I have a question for opening the trunk manually.

I can open the trunk from inside the car, by using car FOB. Now my question is, is there a manual button on the trunk to pop up the trunk? I can see there is a key hole and I can insert the key in it, I can see key is moving either clockwise or anticlockwise, but nothing is happening?:nix:

In short, how can I open the truck manually? Thanks for the help.

Just turning the key doesn't open the trunk. You turn he key clockwise, hold it there, and then pull the handle to open the trunk manually.

Yeah Rudeney, thanks. It worked like a charm :)

My handle is pulled in and will not come back out.
Turning the key dose not make any difference.