'97 E320 TRUNK WON'T OPEN & FOOD INSIDE...PLZ HELP!
 

I'm having the hardest time getting my trunk to open (trunk release doesn't work nor does the key). Have NEVER had this problem and have been back from the grocery store for over 2 hours trying everything from checking the fuses to lubricating the lock with graphite lube... is there ANY type of emergency opening device or any other suggestions? I've called a locksmith "service" with my insurance company but they can only have it towed somewhere WTF? I told her I CAN STILL DRIVE THE FRIGGIN THING but need to get into my trunk... I can hear the motor going,etc when I hit my trunk release switch but it doesnt pop up like usual & when manually doing it all my doors lock and unlock but when I push in the lock it still acts as though its locked and doesn't catch for me to pull up the deck. I REALLY have to get this stuff out ASAP before I have a smell problem on top of this UGH! Any help out there or has anyone had this problem? I wish I could access it from my rear seats! Is there ANYTHING I can do besides destroy my lock (and potentially screw up something else in the process I'm sure)?

Have you tried your mechanical key?

The lock may be jammed (maybe a plastic grocery bag?). Did the 97 210 chassis have a emergency release inside the lid...if so you could access through the ski sack in the rear armrest. Worse comes to worse you'd need to remove the rear seat. No 60/40 split seats either back then. Just be patient...I'd try to push down on the lid and then push the lock in to open the trunk.

The 97 210 has the emergency trunk release just above the lock on the rear panel. Straight back, dead center.

In which case...use a coat hangar or fish tape.

Yes I have been using my mechanical key :( ... It can't be s grocery bag because they're up against the seat (and paper) with the non slip material and I only went around the corner slowly thank God! I'm watching the clock as this friggin fish & poultry is going to screw up my baby if I don't get in asap since its pretty hot. I pulled her into the garage and still tinkering with it to no avail. Oh exactly where above the lock are you referring to when you say dead center? near my rear headrests area or ???? Please keep the suggestions coming as I am in dire straits right now

Try some downward pressure on the trunk lid while using the manual release or the key fob button. You've also tired using the center console switch?

The emergency release button is inside the trunk on the rear panel, where the lock and license plate are. From the drawing, it looks about 4-5 inches above bottom edge of trunk lid.

If the lock is somehow jammed though, I don't think that's going to work.

Are you using the mechanical key correctly?

Turn key to position 1 (at 11:00), hold, then push. Simultaneous downward pressure on the trunk lid sounds like a good idea too.

I was finally able to get her open by just hopping my butt on the lid and then pulling up on the lid (used a chair so I could be higher for quicker access) as I turned the key to unlock over and over as I've been doing (without the chair) but am relieved that I can put these groceries in the freezer now! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the help though guys!

The one thing I did notice as well is that my trunk release light is back on (it wasn't on before and I initially thought it may have been the switch). I will also put graphite aaalllll over the locks right now and take my hard drives out right now before I close it back to see if it opens up...keep your fingers crossed :o

According to the timeline on these posts, your food has been in that hot trunk for 4 hours. I wouldn't just put them in the freezer if I were you...

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/How_Temperatures_Affect_Food/index.asp

Thanks for that gmercoliza and I thought about it but its only 77 degrees overcast (but when the sun would peek out I thought it would burn up but didnt happen that way thankfully and the trunk wasn't hot at all especially in the garage) and gladly the meat is still frozen (though I can tell it was STARTING to thaw). I had em all wrapped plastic bags and had that in the paper bag just so it wouldn't make the paper bag wet if I ended up out later than I expected (although not this long ha ha). I'm cooking the chicken and wash it before I cook it and noticed that I STILL had to put in water to help thaw out the breasts so I think I should be ok but again I surrrrrely appreciate you sending that ;)