Jun 12, 2015, 07:03 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
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- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Repair Power to the Trunk
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
No power to trunk, 3rd brake light, or license plate lamps
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 13
2003 E500 Sport
No power to trunk, 3rd brake light, or license plate lamps
Hi All,
If your vehicle has lost power to the trunk unit, and lights, there is a very simple fix. This is fairly common problem on W211 models. The wires get caught it trunk hardware and get severed. The dealer wanted to charge me $250 for something that took me 20 minutes and less that $10 to complete. Here's what I did.
1. Use the key to manually open the trunk.
2. Remove two plastic pins holding carpet/panel on the driver side of trunk. Pull carpet/panel away carefully.
3. Remove plastic cover on left trunk hinge by unfastening pin at top of cover.
4. Follow the wires until you find where they are severed.
5. Strip wires slightly.
6. Put a piece of shrink tubing over one side of the wires.
7. twist severed wires back together where you stripped and exposed the copper.
8. Solder the wires.
9. Pull the shrink tubing down over the exposed copper.
10. Heat the tubing so that it shrinks around the exposed wire.
11. rewrap wire so that it follows the left hinge in a manner that is will not get cut again. (I wrapped the at risk area in duct tape, not pretty, but it was effective).
12. Reinstall Panels.
Sorry for the lack of pictures, but this is a real easy fix. I hope this procedure saves some $$$ for someone.
If your vehicle has lost power to the trunk unit, and lights, there is a very simple fix. This is fairly common problem on W211 models. The wires get caught it trunk hardware and get severed. The dealer wanted to charge me $250 for something that took me 20 minutes and less that $10 to complete. Here's what I did.
1. Use the key to manually open the trunk.
2. Remove two plastic pins holding carpet/panel on the driver side of trunk. Pull carpet/panel away carefully.
3. Remove plastic cover on left trunk hinge by unfastening pin at top of cover.
4. Follow the wires until you find where they are severed.
5. Strip wires slightly.
6. Put a piece of shrink tubing over one side of the wires.
7. twist severed wires back together where you stripped and exposed the copper.
8. Solder the wires.
9. Pull the shrink tubing down over the exposed copper.
10. Heat the tubing so that it shrinks around the exposed wire.
11. rewrap wire so that it follows the left hinge in a manner that is will not get cut again. (I wrapped the at risk area in duct tape, not pretty, but it was effective).
12. Reinstall Panels.
Sorry for the lack of pictures, but this is a real easy fix. I hope this procedure saves some $$$ for someone.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
E320 CDI
Great Fix
Thank you very much for your post. I was looking all over for some clue as to why my license tag lamps, 3rd stop lamp and trunk opener all failed at the same time. The problem (and solution) was just as you described it.
One small piece of advice for others in the same boat - to remove the plastic pins that hold the carpet in place, pull out the center portion first. It will remove easily, and then the outer plastic circle will come out easily as well.
Thanks again.
One small piece of advice for others in the same boat - to remove the plastic pins that hold the carpet in place, pull out the center portion first. It will remove easily, and then the outer plastic circle will come out easily as well.
Thanks again.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E
Folks. Exact same symptoms, 2004 E320: trunk does not pop-up with remote, no lights to the 3rd break and license plate lights. Will follow the instructions above.
Questions:
Do I need any auto-specific tools to do the operation or a better arsenal of household tools, including electrical, would do it?
Any warning how I can make things worse or screw up the car accidentaly?
Do warranties cover this issue (not factory warranty)?
Thanks.
Questions:
Do I need any auto-specific tools to do the operation or a better arsenal of household tools, including electrical, would do it?
Any warning how I can make things worse or screw up the car accidentaly?
Do warranties cover this issue (not factory warranty)?
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 391
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
2005 E500, 2011 ML350
Basic tools.
Yes, many aftermarket warranties will cover the repair. Read your contract for coverage. Most warranties written as "ALL factory installed parts EXCEPT for listed exclusions..." should cover wiring replacement/repair.
Yes, many aftermarket warranties will cover the repair. Read your contract for coverage. Most warranties written as "ALL factory installed parts EXCEPT for listed exclusions..." should cover wiring replacement/repair.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
'05 E320 CDI, '94 SL600
Fixed!
Thanks - this saved a lot of time & money. I took me less time to diagnose & fix than it would have taken me to drive the car to the dealership & back.
Not a very good way to route those wires... Not sure what the MB engineers were thinking when they routed the wiring the way they did!
Not a very good way to route those wires... Not sure what the MB engineers were thinking when they routed the wiring the way they did!
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
E320cdi W211
Brilliant post!!!
Hi All,
If your vehicle has lost power to the trunk unit, and lights, there is a very simple fix. This is fairly common problem on W211 models. The wires get caught it trunk hardware and get severed. The dealer wanted to charge me $250 for something that took me 20 minutes and less that $10 to complete. Here's what I did.
1. Use the key to manually open the trunk.
2. Remove two plastic pins holding carpet/panel on the driver side of trunk. Pull carpet/panel away carefully.
3. Remove plastic cover on left trunk hinge by unfastening pin at top of cover.
4. Follow the wires until you find where they are severed.
5. Strip wires slightly.
6. Put a piece of shrink tubing over one side of the wires.
7. twist severed wires back together where you stripped and exposed the copper.
8. Solder the wires.
9. Pull the shrink tubing down over the exposed copper.
10. Heat the tubing so that it shrinks around the exposed wire.
11. rewrap wire so that it follows the left hinge in a manner that is will not get cut again. (I wrapped the at risk area in duct tape, not pretty, but it was effective).
12. Reinstall Panels.
Sorry for the lack of pictures, but this is a real easy fix. I hope this procedure saves some $$$ for someone.
If your vehicle has lost power to the trunk unit, and lights, there is a very simple fix. This is fairly common problem on W211 models. The wires get caught it trunk hardware and get severed. The dealer wanted to charge me $250 for something that took me 20 minutes and less that $10 to complete. Here's what I did.
1. Use the key to manually open the trunk.
2. Remove two plastic pins holding carpet/panel on the driver side of trunk. Pull carpet/panel away carefully.
3. Remove plastic cover on left trunk hinge by unfastening pin at top of cover.
4. Follow the wires until you find where they are severed.
5. Strip wires slightly.
6. Put a piece of shrink tubing over one side of the wires.
7. twist severed wires back together where you stripped and exposed the copper.
8. Solder the wires.
9. Pull the shrink tubing down over the exposed copper.
10. Heat the tubing so that it shrinks around the exposed wire.
11. rewrap wire so that it follows the left hinge in a manner that is will not get cut again. (I wrapped the at risk area in duct tape, not pretty, but it was effective).
12. Reinstall Panels.
Sorry for the lack of pictures, but this is a real easy fix. I hope this procedure saves some $$$ for someone.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Elkhart, IN
2003 E320 1997 BMW Z3 2008 VW EOS
Thanks Great Post!!!
I printed the instructions and took them to my local Independent MB shop. When I picked up the car which they did cheap and they thanked me for the help!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
W211
Sorry to revive such an old thread but I have the same issue yesterday. I follow your instruction and I even remove all the carpet lining but I just cannot seem to find the severed wire. I attach picture in this post, if someone could point me where usually the wire is severed, I will really appreciate it.
I also post a video on Youtube when I follow through the wiring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JSfCliJA0o
I also post a video on Youtube when I follow through the wiring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JSfCliJA0o
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
'05 E320 CDI, '94 SL600
The problem area is not where you have taken out the paneling. It is deeper where you start & end the video. You need to take out the side panel. The problem area is where that hinge pivots, i.e. forward from where you are pointing your flashlight at the end.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
W211
Thanks guy! finally fixed my wiring issue. Since I don't have heat shrink tubing, I just twist the wire together and put electrical tape over it, hopefully it will lasts... Here's a pic of approx. location of the severed wire and after I fix it (I put electrical tape over the wiring near the hinges).
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
07E350
One more happy customer!
The trunk release won't work this morning and then the messages about the license plate and brake lights. I was convinced that it was another 250 dollar hit.
I followed the instructions and it was exactly like it was called out here - including the brown wire!
Thanks a bunch.
Ska
The trunk release won't work this morning and then the messages about the license plate and brake lights. I was convinced that it was another 250 dollar hit.
I followed the instructions and it was exactly like it was called out here - including the brown wire!
Thanks a bunch.
Ska
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
From: NC
1991 350SDL, 2006 E320CDI, 1999 F250 7.3L Crew Cab 4X4
I had this same issue on my 1985 SD and my 1991 350SDL. You would think they would have corrected this issue by now! I guess the 2006 CDI is next.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: SF bay area
slk55 2005; e320 2004 sport
thanks for this great thread you saved me a trip to the shop. It was exactly as described. A brown wire tied to the trunk hinge was cut in half. I have no idea what is cutting it, so I just spliced it together and bought some rubber electrical tubing and covered the whole bundle to protect it.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2004 E500
Thanks! Another Sucess
Just as posted - I dug into the LH side of my trunk lid hinge to find a single wire severed. After stripping both sides, and twisting together - everything was back in order (trunk popped with key, brake light and license plate lights working, etc.) Of course, I soldered the wires together and added some heat shrink tubing to complete the repair, and used a little extra tape and tie-straps to be sure the wire didn't get hung up again. My case was with a 2004 E-500.
Thanks again!!!
Thanks again!!!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
E320
Cut wires in trunks - Thank you forum and internet.
What did we do before the internet and the various forums to repair our cars?
I found several wires in the trunk area that prevented my right side tag light to work, my third brake like and the trunk to close.
Thanks to all.
I found several wires in the trunk area that prevented my right side tag light to work, my third brake like and the trunk to close.
Thanks to all.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2007 E550 Sports
This is such a great post, but I hit a snag.. Not sure if they added tubing on the 2007 cars. but my wires are protected inside the black tubing and the tubing seems in excellent condition, there is not wear and tear from the opening and closing of the trunk. Not sure where to look for the broken wires now. 
BTW, I have the motorized trunk closer if that makes any difference.
EDIT: Fixed, took me a while to find the broke wire. But at the end, it's really not that much different than what the OP stated. The broken wire was actually located inside the very top of the tubing. I can't believe the wire will still break inside the cloth tape and tubing.
Once again Thanks go out to the OP and all other people who chimed in with photos. You have saved many people's $250 from the dealers.
Happy Holidays!
BTW, I have the motorized trunk closer if that makes any difference.EDIT: Fixed, took me a while to find the broke wire. But at the end, it's really not that much different than what the OP stated. The broken wire was actually located inside the very top of the tubing. I can't believe the wire will still break inside the cloth tape and tubing.
Once again Thanks go out to the OP and all other people who chimed in with photos. You have saved many people's $250 from the dealers.
Happy Holidays!
Last edited by Pekkle; Dec 18, 2011 at 02:31 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1999 C43
THANKS!! It;s fixed
My E63 trunk would not close with the button on the bottom of the lid. Fuses are all okay.
This post was a huge help! The brown (ground) wire attached to the drivers side trunk hinge was frayed and almost broken. Wiggled the brown wire and the car alarm went off. BINGO! used these instructions and fixed the frayed wire and the lid closer now works!
BTW, my fuse box has no reference to which fuse does what..? Is there a legend supposed to be attached somewhere in the box?
Thanks Again,
This post was a huge help! The brown (ground) wire attached to the drivers side trunk hinge was frayed and almost broken. Wiggled the brown wire and the car alarm went off. BINGO! used these instructions and fixed the frayed wire and the lid closer now works!
BTW, my fuse box has no reference to which fuse does what..? Is there a legend supposed to be attached somewhere in the box?
Thanks Again,
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I have a 2004 E500 with the same problem. The first time, last year, I took it to the dealer and they did a poor job fixing it because the wire snap again after about 12-15 months. I don't remember how much I paid but I'm thinking about $300. Not sure the Tele Aid alarm going off is related. I would get the alarm every time I opened and closed the trunk. Waiting to see what happens next week. My daughter uses the trunk every morning for her school book bag, band instrument, and lunch box when I take her to school.
My fix.... I went to home depot and picked up some splices, electrical tape, and small spool of 14 guage electical wire (black). They actual have a crimping tool with some splices for about $5. Nice deal. I spliced in about 10 inches of the new electrical wire. Wrapped up the spliced areas with electrical tape. I hope this will hold for at least 2 years.
I hope to upgrade to the 2014 S class.
My fix.... I went to home depot and picked up some splices, electrical tape, and small spool of 14 guage electical wire (black). They actual have a crimping tool with some splices for about $5. Nice deal. I spliced in about 10 inches of the new electrical wire. Wrapped up the spliced areas with electrical tape. I hope this will hold for at least 2 years.
I hope to upgrade to the 2014 S class.
