Original symptom: Trunk lid handle did not retract.
Symptom #2: No interior trunk lights
Symptom #3: Back-Up Assist rods do not extend
Symptom #4: Vacuum-assist system closes trunk fully for roughly 20-30 seconds, then releases, trunk comes up 1/4"
Symptom #5: In complete sync with above symptom, front interior lights come on (at rear-view mirror)
Symptom #6: Symptoms 4 & 5 continue several times (6-7?) before finally stopping, seemingly giving up....trunk lid handle still not retracted.
Added notes: I attempted to retract the handle mechanically as instructed from the owners manual. It had an effect, but it never fully retracted. Problem is...now the auto-close mechanism seems to be disconnected from it entirely. Door closure assist seems to be working properly.
This is driving me insane, please help!

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold