PROBLEM SOLVED: just wrenched until it clicked a couple times. Thought if I had to replace it, might as well go all out. Seems to work ok again.


For Reference: 1986 300E

As you can see below, my driver's side door lock is missing. Bought it that way. Maybe someone tried breaking into it years ago. Anyways, I always use the trunk lock to unlock my car, by inserting the door key and turning it to the left and release it by returning it to the vertical position before pulling it out. I'd assume we all have the same vacuum lock system, at least the 124's. My 2 year old son wanted to lock my car the other day, so he took my door key and inserted it in the trunk lock. We turned the key together to the right, however he ripped it out before returning the lock to the vertical position. As you can also see below, besides my awesome plate, this lock is stuck in the horizontal position and the lock is frozen. I can insert the key, however it will not budge. I've tried it with the locks open and closed with the same result. So, not only is my trunk permanently locked, I also only have one way into my car - through the passenger door lock. I want to try inserting the key and wrenching it a little, but wanted to hear what some experts have to say first. I don't want to hurt the lock any more than it is. Any ideas?

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'86 300E (241K)

If I need to get into a trunk at the junk yard, I remove the rear seat, find the large yellow vacuum tube (with a green stripe, if memory serves me) and give it a suck. That usually unlocks it. You can always mend your tube again with some rubber vacuum tube.

Once you have the trunk open, you should be able to remove the lock and put in a working one.

Good luck!

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Wouldn't the same affect happen when I pull up on one of my door locks? In either case, assuming this is something I need to do, can you give me an idea where the vacuum hose is in the trunk. It will be hard enough laying down in the dark navigating around baby strollers ect. Thanks

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'86 300E (241K)

The vacuum lines run up behind the rear seat on the passenger side. Within the trunk, they would also be on the passenger side, in the area between the spare tire well, and that cubby hole (behind the wheel well) on the right.
There shouldn't be any laying around involved, as all lines are inside the vehicle.

Yes, pulling up a door lock, ought to unlock it. Has this worked for you prior to the key breaking incident?

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

With the trunk lock in the horizontal position the trunk lock will stay locked even when the rest of the car is unlocked.

Vacuum (suction) on the line to the trunk lock should have no effect and will not unlock it. Larry's suggestion would work great if the lock was stuck but in the vertical position.

You might want to lubricate it to prevent sticking in future.

You can order the drivers side lock cylinder from the dealer which will work with your original key OR install a remote keyless entry for added convenience.

Acky