SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL550 2007

Old Jan 6, 2024 | 05:10 PM
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SL550 2007

I goofed up and installed starter battery without disconnecting the consumer (trunk battery). Now both batteries are dead. Read through some chats and it sounds like I need to disconnect them both and reconnect in proper sequence. Here's my problem- I cannot get into the trunk. I have a key for the trunk and seems to turn properly but nothing happens after that. Any idea if there's another way to get into the trunk or a way to charge the consumer battery without getting into the trunk? It's a 2007. I would appreciate any suggestions.
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Old Jan 6, 2024 | 09:06 PM
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Originally Posted by BitterMonster
I goofed up and installed starter battery without disconnecting the consumer (trunk battery). Now both batteries are dead. Read through some chats and it sounds like I need to disconnect them both and reconnect in proper sequence. Here's my problem- I cannot get into the trunk. I have a key for the trunk and seems to turn properly but nothing happens after that. Any idea if there's another way to get into the trunk or a way to charge the consumer battery without getting into the trunk? It's a 2007. I would appreciate any suggestions.
... Recommendations
Highly suggest you open your private msg to recieve info. 2. Being that this is a new year gonna do what was told to me when I first came to the forum. Check the interweb, and other sources, however as stated this ahould help your cause:
See #2 video
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/he...trunk.3117736/
R,
2Merks
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Old Jan 7, 2024 | 12:14 AM
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moved to R230 forum...
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Old Jan 7, 2024 | 06:29 AM
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There's a pretty complex vacuum actuator system in the trunk that controls all of the doors, locks, etc.

Unfortunately, if the blade key is not doing anything, there are not great options. When I encountered this issue on a 2003 SL500 a few years back, I had to remove (i.e. break) the center rear brake light lens and manually toggle the lever with a flat blade screwdriver.

This was after 1) a automotive locksmith tried and 2) I let it soak with penetrating oil. Might be best to start with the latter.

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Old Jan 7, 2024 | 07:15 AM
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How is the starter battery dead? It's not wired into the circuit when the car's at rest. Dead rear batteries are common though.

I have a key for the trunk and seems to turn properly...
Are you holding up the lock handle while you turn the key? Both must be done simultaneously.

Connecting the batteries out of sequence won't damage anything, you'll just get the red battery warning which will clear after the first start, or clear with scanner if it persists.
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Old Jan 7, 2024 | 09:35 AM
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You can connect a charger at the alternator output. That cable goes directly to the rear battery (through the 200A fuse). If it doesn't charge that way, the 200A fuse is probably blown and you will have to access the firewall fuses. If you have to do that, just charge directly on the cable that goes to the rear battery. As long as the PSE pump is working, you shouldn't have to break anything.
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Old Jan 7, 2024 | 05:22 PM
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[QUOTE=BitterMonster;8903933. I have a key for the trunk and seems to turn properly but nothing happens after that. [/QUOTE]

Nothing will happen after turning the key.

With the key turned 90 degrees, you then pull the latch, and the trunk (boot) should then release and you can then lift it open.
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