Trunk problem on '96
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 2
From: Mesa, AZ
2011 E350 Bluetec, 1996 S320 & 2006 E320 CDI Sold to my son & 2017 GMC 2500 Diesel Pick up
Trunk problem on '96
I can't get the trunk to open except with the key at the trunk. with out the key the button pushes in but it will not open. The switch on the dash worked untill recently but even then I had to switch it a few times before it opened. now nothing. Did I set some lock unknowingly or is it just broke. I couldn't find a bad fuse but unsure what fuse it is. Any davice ??? This is in a '96 S320
Thanks Rod
Thanks Rod
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
trunk release
The trunk is released by the "infamous lock, lumbar, headrest, gas door, HVAC backup , pump under the rear passenger seat. If all of those things work there is a electrical vacuum valve in line to the tunk release. I would think either the switch, the diaphram at the lock or, the control valve seem to be defective. There could be a chance there is a leaking hose. Toubleshooting the vac system requires a "handi-vac" it allows you to draw a vacuum and see by a guage if it holds, typically $50
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
1997 S600 Sedan
Since it seems all your other locks work, your pump is probably fine.
I would first suspect an air leak in the line going to the trunk release (could be a bad actuator at the latch or just a separated connection). Or the latch release could be mechanically stuck. You'll just have to dig in there and take a look to see what's up. Remove the trunk liners around the latch and on the right hand side. The line runs down this side of the car. With the trunk open, use your thumb to close the latch, then push the button and observe. You should hear the hiss of any air leaks. You can disconnect a line to see if you're getting air from the pump at all.
Good luck,
Brett
Good luck,
Brett
