Trunk lid
SL/R230: Have Trunk Soft Close / Trunk Assist problems. Here is how to fix DIY.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Paradise Valley, AZ
SL 55 AMG
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2007 SL 550
2007 SL 550 - Trunk Release
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
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
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
04 sl 600
Question about the fix
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
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
I did this fix and everything works exactly per the original design.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2004 SL55 2011 CLS 550
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!
Last edited by garydawson; Nov 16, 2014 at 09:29 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 3
2005 SL65
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.
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.
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Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
550 sl
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
please advise 2007 550SL
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: California
MBZ SL 500 2005; E350Bluetek 2012; Porsche Traga Tip 911 964 1991
Remove push plugs
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2003 mercedes sl 55amg
2003 mercedes sl 55amg trunk latch
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?
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Detroit
2004 SL 500 2002 Vovo S80 T6
Great Pic of your SL55
There is only 1 pump that runs the pnuematics for the car. When the trunk mech has cracks and leaks air, the pump runs to long, the car senses a leak, and then trips an E-Fuse that wont allow solenoids on the trunk mech to open and close (recieving air). They instead remain closed which seals the pnuematic circuit, but won't allow it to reopen until it is reset (hince the trunk assist won't work until the system is reset, and then it will only work for a short time). Every other pnuematic function in the car will still work (seats, locks, etc.). The pump iteslf is not shut off, just the trunk mech.
I doubt you cut a line, because then the pump would continuously run and burn itself out in no time, and you wouldn't have the other pnuematic functions working.
This is why the trunk assist stops working. It is electronically separated from the pnuematic system in order to save the pump.
^Hope all this makes sense... Looks like you need to go buy some plastic epoxy and take about 30min-an hour out of your day to glue your trunk mechanism... Its an easy fix...
Nick
I doubt you cut a line, because then the pump would continuously run and burn itself out in no time, and you wouldn't have the other pnuematic functions working.
This is why the trunk assist stops working. It is electronically separated from the pnuematic system in order to save the pump.
^Hope all this makes sense... Looks like you need to go buy some plastic epoxy and take about 30min-an hour out of your day to glue your trunk mechanism... Its an easy fix...
Nick
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Sunny So Cal
Sl65, SL600 RENNtech, Verde Ithaca LP640, 3 highly modified Panteras, Maserati Biturbo, 300D turtle
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 11
2003 SL500
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...
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2004 SL55 AMG
Any issues with this Soft Close repair?
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?
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Sunny So Cal
Sl65, SL600 RENNtech, Verde Ithaca LP640, 3 highly modified Panteras, Maserati Biturbo, 300D turtle
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
W211 E63
air plugs
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,,
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,,
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 11
2003 SL500
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.
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.
