2000 SL500- trunk won't open

[turbozeke418]

I just went out to open my trunk to get by brief case and gym back and it won't open. Tried locking and unlocking multiple times. PLEASE tell me there is a manual trunk release somewhere in the car?

[97 SL320]

Did you use the key in the cylinder or unlock the car door then push the button on the trunk? Unlocking the car door operates the vacuum trunk locking and the key mechanically operates the lock so try both.

My 97 SL does not have a extra manual release.

[turbozeke418]

I've tried every option possible. When I use the remote you can hear the lock engaging and disengaging in the trunk but when I press the button is appears to still be locked. WTF do I do to get my stuff out?

[turbozeke418]

Trunk is fixed

[97 SL320]

Please post a solution to help others.

[turbozeke418]

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Please post a solution to help others.

I can't...it was my own stupidity letting a woman go in my trunk. She used the key to open it when I only use the remote. I had no idea that even though you lock it with a key. The remote won't open it. You need to unlock it with the key. After playing with it for 10 mins I came to that conclusion.

[97 SL320]

FIXED ERROR IN THIS POST

In the best Microsoft tradition, " That isn't a defect, its a feature! " ( the trunk lock not the woman )

Take a look in your owner manual for how to "program" the trunk lock. The condition your was in was the Valet position.

From my 97 manual, your 2000 is likely the same.

Position 1 slot vertical ( 12:00 position ) , push button to open the trunk if the doors are unlocked.

Position 2 slot turned counter clockwise ( 10:00 position ) then back to vertical. This manually unlocks the trunk. ( just like using the remote unlock or manually unlocking the doors )

Position 3 slot turned clockwise ( turned to detent 2:00 position ) then back to vertical. This manually locks the trunk. ( just like using the remote lock or manually locking the doors )

Here is the condition you car was in.
Position 4 slot turned clockwise past detent to horizontal ( 3:00 position ) then key removed. This forces the trunk into the valet locked position. From the manual " When the trunk is separately locked, it remains locked when unlocking any door. "

There was no way for someone unfamiliar with the car to know the subtleties of the locking system. In fact, newer cars are getting so complex with "features" learning the car is becoming a full time job.

[turbozeke418]

Thanks... I never knew there was such a thing as a programmable lock!