C240 2001 W203 Rear Trunk Wont Open
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'01 C240 SPORT 6SPD
C240 2001 W203 Rear Trunk Wont Open
Trying to figure out how to open rear trunk on '01 C240. 
The tech indicated if I could hear the latch trying to cycle and could open via the key fob or the interiro door unlock, not the key and manual latch handle then I may need to replace the "latch". Looking to confirm and seek alternative non-destructive" method to access trunk. 
The tech indicated if I could hear the latch trying to cycle and could open via the key fob or the interiro door unlock, not the key and manual latch handle then I may need to replace the "latch". Looking to confirm and seek alternative non-destructive" method to access trunk.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Trying to figure out how to open rear trunk on '01 C240. The tech indicated if I could hear the latch trying to cycle and could open via the key fob or the interiro door unlock, not the key and manual latch handle then I may need to replace the "latch". Looking to confirm and seek alternative non-destructive" method to access trunk.
The tech indicated if I could hear the latch trying to cycle and could open via the key fob or the interiro door unlock, not the key and manual latch handle then I may need to replace the "latch". Looking to confirm and seek alternative non-destructive" method to access trunk. 
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 131
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The rear release handle works like "drive by wire" meaning the release handle is not mechanically attached the latch mechanism.
Instead, a servo actuates a steel cable which unlocks the latch. A passive spring is responsible for pulling the latch back into lock position.
On my 2001 W203, the latch mechanism needed to be lubed since the return spring was not able to pull back the lock 100% of the time. I started wit silicon spray grease just to be able to get some penetration into it and then finished it off with petroleum grease. Now my trunk shuts 100% of the time! Even in freezing cold weather!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
I had the same problem.
The rear release handle works like "drive by wire" meaning the release handle is not mechanically attached the latch mechanism.
Instead, a servo actuates a steel cable which unlocks the latch. A passive spring is responsible for pulling the latch back into lock position.
On my 2001 W203, the latch mechanism needed to be lubed since the return spring was not able to pull back the lock 100% of the time. I started wit silicon spray grease just to be able to get some penetration into it and then finished it off with petroleum grease. Now my trunk shuts 100% of the time! Even in freezing cold weather!
The rear release handle works like "drive by wire" meaning the release handle is not mechanically attached the latch mechanism.
Instead, a servo actuates a steel cable which unlocks the latch. A passive spring is responsible for pulling the latch back into lock position.
On my 2001 W203, the latch mechanism needed to be lubed since the return spring was not able to pull back the lock 100% of the time. I started wit silicon spray grease just to be able to get some penetration into it and then finished it off with petroleum grease. Now my trunk shuts 100% of the time! Even in freezing cold weather!
