So when I bought the 79 300TD, there was a key stuck in the rear hatch and had been for a few years. The rear hatch was inoperable (hasn't mattered to me as its been a garage queen so far). Today I managed to get the rear door open by taking off the panels from the inside and fiddling with the locking mechanism. I opened the door and took the lock out by unbolting all the trim. I had to cut part of the key with a grinder to isolate the cylinder from the trim.

The key and cylinder will not turn at all but I did get the "button" to move in and out.



Anyone know what the best plan of attack is? I already tried pulling it out with pliers. Sprayed Wd40 into every thing. There is a screw on the inside and it does move but it seems to stop at a certain point of withdrawing it with a screwdriver and I don't want to wreck the head.

Would taking it to a locksmith be of any use? Could they extract it and get my lock functional?

Thanks,
Ryan

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD