Jun 15, 2015, 02:03 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
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Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Center Brake Light & Trunk Not Opening
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes Benz E220
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2004 E320
First time poster and the advice from this forum is awesome.
The trunk in my wife's 2004 E320 quick working one night after my 9 year old son got in the trunk to retrieve his baseball bag. She was certain he had done something to break it when it didn't work the next time. Well following your advice I found two broken and two badly damaged wires which I was able to fix quickly. Her trunk is now working and someone will be having crow for dinner!
The trunk in my wife's 2004 E320 quick working one night after my 9 year old son got in the trunk to retrieve his baseball bag. She was certain he had done something to break it when it didn't work the next time. Well following your advice I found two broken and two badly damaged wires which I was able to fix quickly. Her trunk is now working and someone will be having crow for dinner!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
CLS320
Very easy fix. I had the same problem on my 2006 CLS320 with no 3rd brake light or number plate lights. The problem is that the boot hinge arm plastic covers often foul the wiring harness. I had to remove the left hand side trim panel in the boot to inspect the harness. A brown wire within the loom was broken. I fitted an electrical crimp connector then wrapped that section of wiring loom in electrical tape so it would not snag on the hinge cover. Problem solved. The whole job took me about one hour.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2008 E63 Renntech
On the MONEY!!!
This is my first post even though I have read threads on MBworld for years. This thread was sooooo helpful. I would have never guessed broken wires would be the cause of a sudden stop to my trunk soft close working. Fuse was the first thin on my mind with fears of something much worse. After reading this blog. I was able to solve this problem in 20 minutes. One broken brown wire was the culprit. Thanks to everyone on this thread a huge thank you. I will try to help others as you have helped me today
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2007 Mercedes E350 4 Matic
I have the same problem, trunk won't open, 3rd light & license plate lights.
I can't check the wires either to see if they are disconnected or broken, coz I can't open the trunk at all (with the remote, switch in the door, or the manual key)
So how can I open the trunk to see if my wires have problems which seems to be the case with everybody else on this forum.
I am really frustrated and need to open my trunk, my golf clubs are in there and lot of my office papers that I need.
Can you please help????
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Belmont, CA
W211 E55, Porsche 996 Targa
Key Doesn;t work either
I have the same problem as the previous poster. The manual key won't open the trunk either! I know the wires are broken because the third brake light and the license plate lights are also out. But since the key doesn't work, I can't get the trunk open at all!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
The key has a trick.
You turn it and hold it turned. (I forget which way) and then while it is turned you pull the trunk release handle.
You turn it and hold it turned. (I forget which way) and then while it is turned you pull the trunk release handle.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
'09 E550
I had this issue, followed the directions, and now the dash warnings are gone and the trunk will close. However, it will not open no matter what I try (fob, trunk latch, or interior release button).
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Have you used the key before?
Did you try turning the key (holding it) and them pulling the release?
Newbie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E350
Same issue
I have the same issue but in my case the trunk light ,license plate light and emergency open in the trunk lid all have power. The emergency open in the trunk goes through the cycle but nothing happens to make the trunk mechanism open. It also occasionally makes the sounds with the key remote open but doesn't unlock. I chEcked the wires on the left drivers trunk at the trunk hinge and they all seem intact. Also the car door trunk lever will occasionally cause start the trunk opening mechanism to run but it never unlatches. I am currently stuck with the key inserted and turned left to use the trunk lever to open
Thoughts on why the mechanism might run but not unlock and why it only occasionally runs from the trunk lever but won't open?
Thoughts on why the mechanism might run but not unlock and why it only occasionally runs from the trunk lever but won't open?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
C63 AMG
I currently have the same problem.
I looked at some of the pictures here and I do not have the same setup or wiring.
2009 C63 AMG
My right license plate lamp will not work, center brake light "flashes" when pressing the brake, only twice and then it will not turn on again.
Reverse lights seem to be affected too, they flash for about two second and turn of for about 5 sec and it repeats.
Making it dangerous at night when trying to reverse into my garage. So, stopped driving it. I have a check schedules at the stealership Friday.
I really would like to find the solution before that day comes.
If anyone has the same problem with this same model please, let me know.
I have checked everything that I can in the truck and everything seems fine.
Replaced the bulbs on all sockets and nothing has changed.
I'll post some pictures.
Thanks for the help!
I looked at some of the pictures here and I do not have the same setup or wiring.
2009 C63 AMG
My right license plate lamp will not work, center brake light "flashes" when pressing the brake, only twice and then it will not turn on again.
Reverse lights seem to be affected too, they flash for about two second and turn of for about 5 sec and it repeats.
Making it dangerous at night when trying to reverse into my garage. So, stopped driving it. I have a check schedules at the stealership Friday.
I really would like to find the solution before that day comes.
If anyone has the same problem with this same model please, let me know.
I have checked everything that I can in the truck and everything seems fine.
Replaced the bulbs on all sockets and nothing has changed.
I'll post some pictures.
Thanks for the help!
Last edited by AMG6N3; Mar 25, 2018 at 03:54 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
I currently have the same problem.
I looked at some of the pictures here and I do not have the same setup or wiring.
2009 C63 AMG
My right license plate lamp will not work, center brake light "flashes" when pressing the brake, only twice and then it will not turn on again.
Reverse lights seem to be affected too, they flash for about two second and turn of for about 5 sec and it repeats.
Making it dangerous at night when trying to reverse into my garage. So, stopped driving it. I have a check schedules at the stealership Friday.
I really would like to find the solution before that day comes.
If anyone has the same problem with this same model please, let me know.
I have checked everything that I can in the truck and everything seems fine.
Replaced the bulbs on all sockets and nothing has changed.
I'll post some pictures.
Thanks for the help!
I looked at some of the pictures here and I do not have the same setup or wiring.
2009 C63 AMG
My right license plate lamp will not work, center brake light "flashes" when pressing the brake, only twice and then it will not turn on again.
Reverse lights seem to be affected too, they flash for about two second and turn of for about 5 sec and it repeats.
Making it dangerous at night when trying to reverse into my garage. So, stopped driving it. I have a check schedules at the stealership Friday.
I really would like to find the solution before that day comes.
If anyone has the same problem with this same model please, let me know.
I have checked everything that I can in the truck and everything seems fine.
Replaced the bulbs on all sockets and nothing has changed.
I'll post some pictures.
Thanks for the help!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
Likes: 99
From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
Hi all,
I have 2007 E63 Amg and my trunk is acting up. At first the electronic trunk closer stopped working: it wouldn't light up and didn't work. But I could open the trunk just fine with remote, although it would only pop up half the way, and the 3rd brakes worked fine.
In my attempt to fix it, I pulled the driver side trunk cover off. I inspected the wires and didn't see severed wire. The wires go into a plastic tube at the end, and I am not sure if wires get severed there or not. I had W211 E350 several years ago and the wires were broken right where the trunk arm is. Anyways, then I played with fuses. Replaced few with the same color and Amp that I had as spare. I gave up and installed everything back only to find out that actually the 3rd light stopped working now. And the remote won't open the trunk. So I made it worst.
Can anybody tell me where the wires usually break? Or what else can be the issue? Also which fuse is in charge of the trunk opener.
I have 2007 E63 Amg and my trunk is acting up. At first the electronic trunk closer stopped working: it wouldn't light up and didn't work. But I could open the trunk just fine with remote, although it would only pop up half the way, and the 3rd brakes worked fine.
In my attempt to fix it, I pulled the driver side trunk cover off. I inspected the wires and didn't see severed wire. The wires go into a plastic tube at the end, and I am not sure if wires get severed there or not. I had W211 E350 several years ago and the wires were broken right where the trunk arm is. Anyways, then I played with fuses. Replaced few with the same color and Amp that I had as spare. I gave up and installed everything back only to find out that actually the 3rd light stopped working now. And the remote won't open the trunk. So I made it worst.
Can anybody tell me where the wires usually break? Or what else can be the issue? Also which fuse is in charge of the trunk opener.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Venezuela, US Embassy
2003 E320, 1985 190e 2.3, 2007 E320
Hi guys.
I was unable to open the pictures that everyone quoted as being a lifesaver! The thumbnail remains black screen. I have the same symptoms. Couldn't open trunk and had to remove seats and enter from the cabin, made a direct connection and the trunk only opens via a toggle inside the car, on the rear deck. Also, I haven't third brake light, no trunk courtesy lights but license plate lights are fine,HOWEVER, i have no rear lights! Emergency flashers and turn signals are fine, one stop light, a very, very dim running light and one reverse light. All bulbs are fine as I had them checked and personally saw them working. Do the tail lights also become affected by the hinge wiring problem? I am in Venezuela, there are no MB mechanics here anymore as all have fled the dictatorship but I am a USAF Major and am assigned here for another 2 years, so my only joy and distraction is my 2003 E320. Any suggestions, guys? Thanks in advance!
I was unable to open the pictures that everyone quoted as being a lifesaver! The thumbnail remains black screen. I have the same symptoms. Couldn't open trunk and had to remove seats and enter from the cabin, made a direct connection and the trunk only opens via a toggle inside the car, on the rear deck. Also, I haven't third brake light, no trunk courtesy lights but license plate lights are fine,HOWEVER, i have no rear lights! Emergency flashers and turn signals are fine, one stop light, a very, very dim running light and one reverse light. All bulbs are fine as I had them checked and personally saw them working. Do the tail lights also become affected by the hinge wiring problem? I am in Venezuela, there are no MB mechanics here anymore as all have fled the dictatorship but I am a USAF Major and am assigned here for another 2 years, so my only joy and distraction is my 2003 E320. Any suggestions, guys? Thanks in advance!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
Likes: 99
From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
Hi guys.
I was unable to open the pictures that everyone quoted as being a lifesaver! The thumbnail remains black screen. I have the same symptoms. Couldn't open trunk and had to remove seats and enter from the cabin, made a direct connection and the trunk only opens via a toggle inside the car, on the rear deck. Also, I haven't third brake light, no trunk courtesy lights but license plate lights are fine,HOWEVER, i have no rear lights! Emergency flashers and turn signals are fine, one stop light, a very, very dim running light and one reverse light. All bulbs are fine as I had them checked and personally saw them working. Do the tail lights also become affected by the hinge wiring problem? I am in Venezuela, there are no MB mechanics here anymore as all have fled the dictatorship but I am a USAF Major and am assigned here for another 2 years, so my only joy and distraction is my 2003 E320. Any suggestions, guys? Thanks in advance!
I was unable to open the pictures that everyone quoted as being a lifesaver! The thumbnail remains black screen. I have the same symptoms. Couldn't open trunk and had to remove seats and enter from the cabin, made a direct connection and the trunk only opens via a toggle inside the car, on the rear deck. Also, I haven't third brake light, no trunk courtesy lights but license plate lights are fine,HOWEVER, i have no rear lights! Emergency flashers and turn signals are fine, one stop light, a very, very dim running light and one reverse light. All bulbs are fine as I had them checked and personally saw them working. Do the tail lights also become affected by the hinge wiring problem? I am in Venezuela, there are no MB mechanics here anymore as all have fled the dictatorship but I am a USAF Major and am assigned here for another 2 years, so my only joy and distraction is my 2003 E320. Any suggestions, guys? Thanks in advance!
I had trunk issues too. You will need to open the trunk manually using the metal key that is inside the main key. You will need to remove few plastic covers. It is an easy job. Good luck
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Venezuela, US Embassy
2003 E320, 1985 190e 2.3, 2007 E320
Thanks, Rovel. Still Couldn't open the thumbnail but nevertheless, I am almost certain where the trouble is by reading the prior posts. I can open my trunk electronically but manually. In other words, I connected a wire to the trunk mechanism directly and ran a wire from the battery and placed a button inline that activates the mechanism. Been like that for a couple of months. My main problem is no power to taillights! In summary, no center brakelight, no rear running lights, only one reverse light. All other lights work. Bulbs are fine, tested them and actually lit them. Turn signals and emergency flashers are fine. But now, today, 2 of the 3 rear headrests refuse to go down! I hear the mechanism activate but they dont go down. Is there a way to manually make them go down? I love this car but am at my wits end with these little details...
