As I was preppimg the trunk area for some bodywork and paint I discovered 2 vac lines disconnected behind the trunk latch area. One had a piece of hose with a screw stuck in the end and the other was open. The actuator was not hooked to anything.
I am guessing the former owner did this because something was not right.
What is the procedure I should use to check this out starting with which vac line goes to which actuator nipple?
I have vacuum tester made by a USA company called Lisle that I bought 20 years ago for brake bleeding but it looks like a mityvac. However, I am not sure if it is still functional. Any ideas how to test it?
I am a complete novice when it come to vacuum so bear with my ignorance.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

I assume this is for your 240D. You can probably do some forum searches and find more details.

I'd assume the PO may have done all sorts of DIY on the vacuum system. He probably did this rather than replace a defective POD but I think I'd start with the vacuum lines. You didn't say so I am assuming the door locks work? If that is the case, one line should draw a vacuum in lock mode. I'd start with the one with the screw and attach the gauge and see if it goes from no vacuum to vacuum as you lock and unlock the doors.
I don't know all the trunk POD details. I do know you need to have the key hole in the horizontal position to use the central lock and unlock feature for the trunk. With the key in that position, I'd draw a vacuum with the mighty vac to determine if it will hold and what moves. You should be able to put the two together to determine the unlock feature.

Maybe others have more experience with this lock - mine has the original trunk POD and it still works so I'm guessing based on checking other PODs in the system.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

Hooked my vac gauge to each of the trunk lines and got no change from 0 vac when locking the doors which do work albeit slowly although as I am unfamiliar with the system I don't know what is the normal speed of locking; maybe 2 or 3 seconds?

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily