Artero

Great post!! I recently had the dealer replace the trunk latch mechanism before I read the forum ($475). Then about three weeks later same issue, trunk would not fully lock. Back to the dealer. They said a new problem. Apparently, according to dealer the storage compartments behind the seat also have a locking system which locks the same as the trunk. They also said there are two thers as well, the center console and the glove box.

So $385 later dealer said they replaced the two storage compartments locks which operate off of the PSE (air pump). Now after a week same issue trunk will not lock, clearly the pump timed out. I performed the simple fuse reset per the post here and now it works. For how long, I don't know. However, the real question for me was this 4 additional air locks operating off the system for the glove box, console and two storage compartments. I have not read any comments at all about these.

Do they really exist?? I will try to check the electronic service manual I have on a computer to confirm but maybe a forum member would have the answer.

BTW, I made sure they returned to me the trunk latch when replaced but forgot to ask for the storage compartment latches. I will inspect my trunk latch for the typical cracking. The one I just replaced (trunk) Was also a replacement from prior owner only 2 years ago.

Jeff2008sl550

Awsome!!

I did this on my 2008 SL550 and it worked!!

Thanks for the detailed instructions!

MB SCV

Hello,
i have a similar problem that perhaps I may solicit some assistance. In my case we purchased the car used and so I am not aware that we have the trunk assit to close the trunk. Perhaps I have two issues, prior to reading this post which has some excellent work instructions by the way - very impressive. My issue is the release, recently it stopped working so in order to open the trunk we have to use the small key inside the key case to open the trunk.

I took the car to MB yesterday and they gave me an estimate of 787.00, 350.00 for the lock and the balance was labor.

If anyone has had a release or opening problem with their trunk and could offer some advise it would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jeff

Donte29

Thank you for your step by step instructions with pictures on how to fix trunk lid issue.

clrockford

I was. Wondering after u did this fix by gluing all the ports did ur trunk still open the same meaning via the key and inside and the keyless way or did u have to start opening it with the metal key any info would really help me out

next2pool

I did this fix and everything works exactly per the original design.

garydawson

I just did the epoxy repair to my vacuum powered trunk latch on my 2004 SL55. Works great so far! Before I had to disconnect the convenience battery, reconnect and close the trunk to make my top work. Then I couldn't open the trunk or the whole process had to be repeated. This is a wonderful piece of info and saved me hundred$$ of dollars. I assume the OEM replacements will all go bad in the same way so a dealer repair would be a bad gamble. You Rock!

TTtodd

Thanks for the great DIY. I am new to the car and didnt even know I had a soft close. Everything seemed to work fine, no problems with the top or anything. So I pulled the fuse behind the passenger seat. forth one over on the 65. When I did the trunk I could hear lots of air then I knew.

I removed the latch assembly and saw a nice big crack. Glued up all five locations and now the soft close works perfectly.

The only thing I could add is that if you want to remove the entire carpet, open the top first. Then the wings are out of the way to remove.

lasttortuga

cannot open my trunk with the blade key is there more than one battery disconnected but didn't reset pump

next2pool

The blade key should be just mechanical and not rely on anything else. Does the blade key turn? If so, you need to turn it and then release the pull handle as well.

lasttortuga

fuse was blown replaced the 20amp fuse was missing one plug on ports in the trunk lid applied silicon and inserted a screw waited overnight and soft top closed works however the trunk warning still is shown and the red light is still lit on the trunk release lever on the drivers side door remote works have disconnected each battery to reset but that does not work also cannot locate the fuse box that contains the rest of the fuses this is a left hand drive car
please advise 2007 550SL

randjoy

How do you get the 5 small round push plugs out surrounding the trunk latch. I'm trying to fix the latch mechanism.

dis6933

Use a flat bladed screwdriver or a dinner knife, and put it under the smaller
round plug and lift -- it will come up about 1/4 inch. This will release the expansion and allow you to remove the entire plug.

randjoy

I've got the latch partially out bot there is a snap to pull out before the latch mechanism will come out so I can glue the air holes. How do you get the snap off?

randjoy

where is the convenience battery for the trunk locking mechanism?

next2pool

It's the large battery under the trunk floor mat

Rafdaddy

It makes my 2004 SL500 AMG wannabe look weak.

Jan T

Ha ha, now another member experiencing my first no trunk close issue. I reset by undoing the negative battery cable and connecting again and that did work; however from what I see here, it seems I may need to get into the process mentioned above to do some epoxy work. But on that first descriptive photo above for those 5 small round plastic clips holding the big plastic piece on, how are those removed? I started to lightly pull on them with a screwdriver thinking maybe they just pop off, but stopped and figured I would ask first, as maybe they really screw in.

cyglee

Carefully pry out the center smaller piece. I take them completely out. Then pry out the larger outer piece. The small center piece acts like a stem to expand retaining wings of the outer piece. Hope this helps...

rmk-raven

I've been wrestling with this for five years. It's an issue only at the start of the driving season and I assumed it was due to not having the trunk all the way closed all winter due to the trickle charger cord being there. I blow a fuse or two, cycle the roof and then it seems to be good until I hook the trickle charger back up and the Soft Close can't pull the trunk shut. But I'm game to give this repair a try; any problems now that it's been a few years since you did the repair? And does it make more sense to run the trickle charger on the front battery?

Jan T

Mine seems to be ok now after reconnecting the battery. I had also noticed that my trunk lights were out, so maybe I just tripped a fuse or something. I suppose if it happens again, then I would be sure it is the trunk fix needing to be done as described here.

Rmk-raven, check my other posts if you just want to run your trickle through the bottom of your trunk. Easy to do. You can either keep the trickle in the trunk and run the cord out the bottom, or have the battery connect coward run through the floor and hook up the trickle on the outside. I have 2 SL did both differently as described.

kj217

thank you for the great post,,
i want to give this a try,, but i wanted to first know how to remove the grey air tube plugs so i can have the whole mechanism free,,
sorry for the noob question,,

cyglee

Hey, we are all noobs... just differing degrees. If you are referring to the gray connectors from the skinny air tubes to the black plastic latch component tubes, the gray connectors just unclip off and press back on. Just be sure to reattach the correct connector to the same black plastic tubes... it helps to take a photo for reference.

kj217

followed the procedure,, epoxied everything,, now trunk closes but trunk warning light is on,,
restarted the battery trunk light on and yellow warning light on in dash,,

please,, help,,

cyglee

Try resetting by disconnecting negative battery terminal, or pulling/replacing yellow 20A fuse under passenger side rear storage bin.