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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Auto trunk open/close when freezing temps
Anyone have problems with the automatic open and close feature on the trunk lid when the temps are freezing out? Eventually it will close and latch, but only after a couple of tries. And opening also needs manual assistance. Later, when temps warm up (or the trunk has been accessed several times) the problem disappears.
I want to make sure the problem isn't some imminent failure of the mechanism. Also, is the trunk partition supposed to retract automatically when opening the trunk with the Vario roof down?
Anyone have problems with the automatic open and close feature on the trunk lid when the temps are freezing out? Eventually it will close and latch, but only after a couple of tries. And opening also needs manual assistance. Later, when temps warm up (or the trunk has been accessed several times) the problem disappears.
That sounds like an issue with the support struts.
They could just be weak or the oil inside them is thickening. Freezing temps in Stuttgart, may be different than freezing temps in Alaska. 😄
Originally Posted by JettaRed
Also, is the trunk partition supposed to retract automatically when opening the trunk with the Vario roof down?
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by crconsulting
That sounds like an issue with the support struts.
They could just be weak or the oil inside them is thickening. Freezing temps in Stuttgart, may be different than freezing temps in Alaska. 😄
Only on the 2017+ Facelift cars.
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
Some have replaced the gas filled struts when this problem arises with success.
Here is a link….
I'm pretty sure freezing is freezing wherever you go. Somewhere around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Haha, As a Californian anything in the 50’s is “freezing” 😀
Actually metal and rubber expansion/contraction rate and oil viscosity is directly correlated to temperature. HOT or COLD
Hence a part like those support strut’s, which contain oil internally, rubber seals, and steel rod will be MUCH stiffer in MINUS-60F Fairbanks Alaska than it would be in pleasant the Stuttgart at 30 degree F. It’s Basic Engineering ( first clue is your trunk has issues when it’s COLD). Colder it gets the more issues it would experience. Just swap them out you’ll be good to go. 👍
Gas Spring Tech As a rule of thumb, gas spring force increases by approximately 3.5% per 10° C temperature increase and reduces accordingly when the temperature falls.
Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 24, 2021 at 09:35 PM.
Actually guys, there is a thread elsewhere on the forum regarding this exact issue. It references replacement of the lock mechanism in the trunk lid. There is apparently a microswitch in there that is lubricated. The lubricant gets thicker with cold temps and prevents the switch from actuating properly, giving these exact symptoms. Recently acquired a new lock mechanism online for $230. Have not yet installed it. I am fairly confident however it will take care of the problem
Can you link the thread regarding this issue?
I can understand how a "bad" piston may prevent the trunk from opening but I don't see how it would stop it from closing. If it is weak then there would not be much resistance upon closing. Just an off the cuff thought. I Would think a defective "latch" would allow it to not close. BTW, I have had trouble with my trunk not closing but because the car is in storage for the winter I'll deal with it in the spring.
Actually guys, there is a thread elsewhere on the forum regarding this exact issue. It references replacement of the lock mechanism in the trunk lid. There is apparently a microswitch in there that is lubricated. The lubricant gets thicker with cold temps and prevents the switch from actuating properly, giving these exact symptoms. Recently acquired a new lock mechanism online for $230. Have not yet installed it. I am fairly confident however it will take care of the problem
Originally Posted by Another Car
Can you link the thread regarding this issue?
I can understand how a "bad" piston may prevent the trunk from opening but I don't see how it would stop it from closing. If it is weak then there would not be much resistance upon closing. Just an off the cuff thought. I Would think a defective "latch" would allow it to not close. BTW, I have had trouble with my trunk not closing but because the car is in storage for the winter I'll deal with it in the spring.
Originally Posted by JettaRed
And opening also needs manual assistance.
Chances are the micro switch at the lock would store a code that could show up in XENTRY.
As far as the support struts go, with lower temps I’m thinking stiff, as in friction. The charge in the strut not being able to overcome the friction in the seals and thicker oil. Not necessarily weak.
But lock is definitely a possibility too as well as multiple issues (lock and struts) converging at the same time.
Strange things happen to cars in the cold 🥶
Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 25, 2021 at 10:53 AM.
I do not have that link. I was browsing the forum when I found it. I can and will post the part number for the part. There was a stored code but it was a generic “malfunction” code for the trunk operation according to my independent shop. I will be installing soon and will update.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by DrMongo
Actually guys, there is a thread elsewhere on the forum regarding this exact issue. It references replacement of the lock mechanism in the trunk lid. There is apparently a microswitch in there that is lubricated. The lubricant gets thicker with cold temps and prevents the switch from actuating properly, giving these exact symptoms. Recently acquired a new lock mechanism online for $230. Have not yet installed it. I am fairly confident however it will take care of the problem
That sounds a little more logical. However, the strut shocks were $50 and worth having on hand anyway.
Eventually it will close and latch, but only after a couple of tries.
Thats why I think you MAY have multiple issues. Opening (lifting) of trunk is performed by the support struts and latching by the lock.
Scanning with XENTRY will reveal any stored codes for the latch. Typically it will show a hardware part number and software revision number. The micro switches in these cars will store a code. Even the speakers show up in XENTRY!
As I mentioned earlier, strange things happen to cars in the cold 🥶
Below is a an example window switch code that was stored in a car.
Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 28, 2021 at 11:21 AM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Well, it's been warmer lately and I've had no problem. I'm going to keep an eye on it and try to notice when there is a problem versus not. Thanks for the advice.
Well, it's been warmer lately and I've had no problem. I'm going to keep an eye on it and try to notice when there is a problem versus not. Thanks for the advice.
Intermittent and temp related electrical issues are among the toughest to track down.
Good luck, and follow up if you find a definitive cause. 👍
Just replaced my struts with the Stabilus ones that JettaRed suggested above. Absolutely the easiest repair I think I’ve ever made. Literally less than 5 minutes and under $50. Have no doubt that it would have been well over $100 at the dealer.
Just replaced my struts with the Stabilus ones that JettaRed suggested above. Absolutely the easiest repair I think I’ve ever made. Literally less than 5 minutes and under $50. Have no doubt that it would have been well over $100 at the dealer.
Did it solve your problem?
What were the symptoms?
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by SteveL1
Just replaced my struts with the Stabilus ones that JettaRed suggested above. Absolutely the easiest repair I think I’ve ever made. Literally less than 5 minutes and under $50. Have no doubt that it would have been well over $100 at the dealer.
Closer to $300. Or at least that's what a dealer quoted the previous owner of the 2004 SL500 I had, and that was essentially the same level of effort.
Thanks to this forum, I now have a trunk that opens and closes properly in freezing weather. Replaced the struts with new ones purchased from Amazon from the post above and issues are gone. Thanks to all who have posted.
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