Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-11-2008, 05:52 PM
showme's Avatar
Mama's 300D
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 482
Need help with locked trunk!!

My wife and I are on the road in Red Wing, MN and I've locked the trunk manually (with the key), and now I can't get it to open. We have a 1981 300D. I can't get the key to turn the button back to the horizontal position. I've tried locking and unlocking the drivers door, and followed the owners manual per the master door lock instructions, but it's not opening. I've locked it this way a few times before, and it opened, but not this time. I start a job tomorrow, an my tools are in the trunk, along with the rest of our personal belongings. I need some advice quick. Thanks for any and all ideas. Lee

__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

***********************************


1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-11-2008, 06:16 PM
tobybul's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 2,077
since you have locked and unlocked the trunk b4, I guess you know that you need to push in the button in order to unlock... thats all I can think of. sometimes it may seem like it is still locked but its really open. did you try lifting the trunk lid as you push the button?

what happens when you turn the key and push button?
__________________
the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth...
2007 Honda Accord EX
2007 Honda Accord SE V6
96 C220
97 Explorer - Found Another Home
2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home
85 300D - Found Another Home
84 300D - Found Another Home
80 300TD - Found Another Home
Previous cars:
96 Caravan
87 Camry
84 Cressida
82 Vanagon
80 Fiesta
78 Nova
Ford Cortina
Opel Kadet
68 Kombi
Contessa
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-11-2008, 06:28 PM
engatwork's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Soperton, Ga. USA
Posts: 13,646
On mine I have to turn the key (if I remember correctly) as far as it will go counterclockwise and then push the button to open it.
__________________
Jim
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-11-2008, 06:32 PM
zeke's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: The Alamo City, TEXAS
Posts: 1,189
So the key won't turn at all? If you turn the key all the way CCW (IIRC) it locks the trunk and disables the master lock (to protect the contents from a sketchy valet). If the key will turn, try to turn it all the way CW and then back to the unlock position and press the button.
__________________

Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed


Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-11-2008, 06:33 PM
zeke's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: The Alamo City, TEXAS
Posts: 1,189
Ok, so 1 vote CW and 1 CCW, but I think this is the problem. Try both.
__________________

Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed


Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-13-2008, 11:48 AM
showme's Avatar
Mama's 300D
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 482
Here's the progress so far- I locked the trunk halfway on our trip up here to MN at a restaurant stop. I've read in the manual about the master lock sytem, and know that to unlock it, I have to turn it back to the left (CCW), to unlock. The key will not turn either direction, whether I push it in or leave it at flush level with the knob surface. I called AAA yesterday, and the locksmith tried for a half an hour to free it up. He was very confident that it is one or more of the tumbler blocks sticking, which is what the dealer in Minneapolis (Sears) and the dealer in St. Louis's receptionist (don't even say it, I know) told me. (Plaza Motors) The man that is knowledgeable with "the older" MB's at Plaza had gone home sick, I was told. But she seemed up on the subject and very sympathetic, and seemed to know that if I had already used WD-40 and wiggled it for a while, I needed to call a locksmith. So, back to the AAA call, and the guy couldn't get the thing open, but he seemed very positive that it would be nothing to do with the latch, but the sticking blocks or springs in the lockset. It has almost never been used, and he told me that this happens frequently with these types of locks, even though I haven't seen another 123 anywhere up here. (They're all over the place in St. Louis). His suggestion was to find out where the fastening bolts are behind the cover so we could drill the srews\bolts out without ruining the actual lock set. Thus he could save it and I could use the original key and only have to replace the black cover around it. Also, he had one blank to match my key, but after making a key for it, he bent it trying to use more force than I wanted to use on my lone key for the car. So the lock is really jammed tight. Could the master lock vacuum system be causing this? Everything seems to work, except the back drivers side door, which has it's plunger broken. ( The whole thing, plastic and threaded screw part, comes out). My work tools are in the trunk, along with my Haynes manual, auto oils and stuff, and repair tools, tire and spare. If I had to, how could I break in without doing massive damage to the car? Would forcing the knob with vice grips work? Thanks for any and all comments or tips. DOES ANYONE HAVE A PHOTO, OR COULD POST A PHOTO OF THE INSIDE OF THEIR TRUNK LATCH SO I COULD KNOW WHERE TO DRILL THROUGH THE BLACK LATCH COVER?? I'm having to visit the library to get on line, so if there are any ideas, please post them by 3:30 today(Saturday 9/13) I really appreciate it. Lee
__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

***********************************


1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-13-2008, 12:29 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,971
Quote:
Originally Posted by showme View Post
Could the master lock vacuum system be causing this?
Not likely. The key lock should move from the locked position (vertical)regardless of the position of the vacuum locking mechanism.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-13-2008, 01:22 PM
RML RML is offline
Out of Garage Space
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southwest PA
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by showme View Post
DOES ANYONE HAVE A PHOTO, OR COULD POST A PHOTO OF THE INSIDE OF THEIR TRUNK LATCH SO I COULD KNOW WHERE TO DRILL THROUGH THE BLACK LATCH COVER?? I'm having to visit the library to get on line, so if there are any ideas, please post them by 3:30 today(Saturday 9/13) I really appreciate it. Lee
I'll post a picture in a moment. In the meantime, the black latch cover is 2.5 " across at the widest point and the bolts are 2.25" apart on center at the same point. This is on my 84 300D.
__________________
85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-13-2008, 01:33 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: West of Ft. Worth. TX
Posts: 4,186
Does the W123 have an emergency trunk release like the W126?

I'm only asking because I don't know. Maybe someone here can answer. I will send a PM with the W126 emergency release in case they are similar.
__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-13-2008, 01:46 PM
RML RML is offline
Out of Garage Space
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southwest PA
Posts: 1,034
Pictures

Here is a picture of the inside and outside. I think you want to drill at the top of the latch cover at the widest point, as far to the outside as you can.
Attached Thumbnails
Need help with locked trunk!!-inside.jpg   Need help with locked trunk!!-outside.jpg  
__________________
85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-13-2008, 02:09 PM
Stevo's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NW WA
Posts: 6,299
All my family members that drive our W123s have strict orders to NEVER lock or unlock the trunk with the key, "unlock the driver door to get into the trunk". You have to hit the right combination turning the key, pushing the button and locking/unlocking the driver door (trunk vacuum actuator) It took me about 30 minutes of fiddling when it happened to me.
__________________


1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Last edited by Stevo; 09-13-2008 at 03:25 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-13-2008, 02:09 PM
Stevo's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NW WA
Posts: 6,299
[QUOTE=SD Blue;1963918]Does the W123 have an emergency trunk release like the W126?


Nope
__________________


1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-13-2008, 08:03 PM
RML RML is offline
Out of Garage Space
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southwest PA
Posts: 1,034
How did it turn out

Hey Lee: Let us know how you resolved your trunk lock problem.
__________________
85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-15-2008, 08:17 PM
showme's Avatar
Mama's 300D
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 482
Monday evening. Thanks for the updated replies.SD Blue, got your message just now, then read above to find out it won't be there if I do take it apart. I read on Benzworld's (?) forum that a guy took a vacuum hose from the back seat and blew or sucked and his trunk opened. I'd rather do that than ruin my latch, but from what I've read, the vac isn't the problem. (I'll try anyway, first). I've come to the point of taking a hammer and pin to the latch, but they're all in the trunk. Maybe this is best. My next step is to take it to a body shop. I really want to believe it will open every time I go by it, but it hasn't. Stevo, you've given me hope. I'll try your theory next. Then it's to the body shop, I guess. I'll keep you posted. One thing is an absolute...I'll never lock another Benz trunk again. Whose idea was it to bolt the back bench from the trunk side, anyway? I wonder if I could fit through a hole the size of the arm rest??
__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

***********************************


1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-15-2008, 08:22 PM
showme's Avatar
Mama's 300D
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 482
Oh, and thanks so much for the pics, RML!! And the measurements!! The will really help, If I can just locate a drill. Lee

__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

***********************************


1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page