Trunk buttons inoperative
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, VA
E320 Bluetec
Trunk buttons inoperative
2008 E320 Bluetec. All the way up to about 100K miles, I was able to close the trunk by simply pressing the trunk close button on the bottom of the trunk lid. When the trunk lid was in the up position, the buttons would be illuminated. Now the system is inoperative--buttons no longer illuminated and when I press--nothing. The trunk opening latch in the driver side door still works, although it will not close the trunk when I push on it. I can also open the trunk using the latch above the license plate. I have checked the fuses in the left side of the trunk, and they seem to be good. Any ideas? Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 889
From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
This is a well known issue; a search of this site will yield much info. Hell, just scroll down the thread titles in this sub forum. You won't have to scroll far to find the right title. The wires buried in the trunk's left hinge get brittle and crack/break/disconnect. Take it apart, find the broken wire(s) and fix 'em.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Yeah many threads on here about it. Take it to the dealer, about a $600 fix. DIY about a few dollars for some splices.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Sp...342S/202894306
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ate-lamps.html
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Sp...342S/202894306
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ate-lamps.html
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, VA
E320 Bluetec
Thanks to all who pointed me in the right direction. Must admit I was a bit timid at the thought of pulling the trunk shields out and unwrapping the wiring bundle, but as I was doing so the trunk light and buttons flickered on and I realized it was indeed the infamous broken "brown" wire. Found the break, stripped the ends and crimped on a connector. Wow--how easy!
