SL55/63/65/R230 AMG Trunk latch problem in warm weather

May 29, 2012 | 09:12 AM

sukid35

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 20

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2003 SL55

Trunk latch problem in warm weather

I've got another weird problem that is finally annoying me to the point where I'm gonna bug you guys for help. Seems that all of my issues fall into the weird category lately. Ever since I've had my car, I've had an intermittent problem with the trunk latch, only in high temperatures (high 80s - 100). The close-assist engages and the latch starts to click but then the trunk pops up. Sometimes it takes several attempts to get it closed, sometimes I have to apply pressure to the trunk lid while pressing the lock button on the trunk. That usually latches it. I've had it to the dealer and they have been unable to reproduce the problem. Just a few days prior to taking it to the dealer for this problem last summer, the latch mechanism failed completely (air leak). Since the car is under warranty, they replaced the latch assembly, and while the car was there the PSE pump apparently failed and they replaced that too. To my surprise, my original latching problem still exists. I had an SLK that had a similar problem, except the trunk would not open in warm weather. I found that if I pushed down on the trunk lid while releasing the latch, it would open. I had always assumed it was some sort of expansion/contraction problem with the latch. Anyone had a similar problem? Is there an adjustment that can be made within the latch or striker that might resolve this? I don't think the latch mechanism or pump are an issue at this point. I'm tired of taking it in only to be told they can't reproduce it. And I've tried taking it in to them when the weather is warm, but I guess it wasn't warm enough.

May 29, 2012 | 09:55 AM

Duckman748

Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 33

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SL55

Sounds to me that the trunk latch is not able to get a good grip on the trunk and pull it down correctly. I believe their are 2 types of adjustments, a black screw out type and and a set of gray ones with a Torx head screw.. Try the black ones, screw in 1/2 turn at a time and see if that helps you. Just remember how many times you turn them so if it doesent work you can return them to the original position .

May 29, 2012 | 10:06 AM

alx

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 4,268

Likes: 253

in hot weather worn trunk struts work as expected thus requiring more effort for the soft close to pull the trunk closed. you need to adjust the trunk. look at the various bump stops- they are self explanatory.

in colder weather worn out trunk struts are weaker thus the soft close has an easier time pulling the trunk closed.