Battery Dead Can't open trunk to get charger - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

CamelotShadow · #1 07-06-2012, 06:45 PM

I tried to open trunk by turning key to left but won't unlock.
I guess it needs power to unlock? I can't charge the battery as the darn charger is locked in the trunk.

Is my only option to call AAA to jump start car?

Its a W 126 83 SEC

Help

I'm afraid to jump it from my volvo but if I get jumper cables & hook neg to neg & pos to pos can I get some poer without starting the car just to open the trunk???

I don;t want to hurt anything

Hirnbeiss · #2 07-06-2012, 07:50 PM

As long as you are confident you can get polarity correct, why not jump from the Volvo?

CamelotShadow · #3 07-06-2012, 07:53 PM

jumper pos to dead battery
pos to good battery
neg to good battery
neg to dead battery

is that the sequence?

Mike D · #4 07-06-2012, 08:12 PM

Unless you left the lights/stereo on and drained the battery why not replace it? Running around with a bad battery is the quickest way I know of to cook the diode pack in the alternator.

This would also be a good time to clean all the battery corrosion underneath the battery tray. Don't be surprised to find the corrosion has eaten through the inner fender wall. Pretty common problem with the W126's. Relatively easy fix using some fiberglass mesh and an application of POR-15 or similar product.

colincoon · #5 07-06-2012, 09:21 PM

Or why not just hook up the volvo to the SEC, use what power it has to unlock the trunk, and then get your charger?

Gilly · #6 07-06-2012, 11:12 PM

NO you can open the trunk without power, you have to turn the key then push in, it will unlock. Not sure which way, try it both ways.

CamelotShadow · #7 07-07-2012, 01:53 AM

Tried it both ways w key ad finitum

no good
So out for jumper cables
$10 ouch
so instead I got a $15 Peak charger from big lots

hooked it up

wow, not a bad charger for the price

yeah huston we have lift off

I figured buy a charger to open the trunk & return it but going to give this lil gem a shot

Lesson
do not store charger in trunk

Its a car that sits alot
too long but good news is alarm which is a kill switch reset
I think thats why it won't open as kill switch was engaged???

Anyway thanks alot!

Battery is a MB about a year old from MB serivice & the guy gave me a big deal

they told me they won't cover the car as its a gray market

what sucks is the car is a euro & mb won't cover it!!!
How do you fight that?
Why is only a US purchased car covered?

compu_85 · #8 07-07-2012, 05:39 AM

I guess the euro cars could have a different security system... on my GenII US car you can unlock the trunk with the key even when the central locking isn't working. Perhaps the deadbolt is different on the euro car?

-J

Gilly · #9 07-07-2012, 06:54 AM

I think the trunk lock is either bad, or you are trying to unlock it with the valet key. If you lock out the trunk from the central locking system (meaning it won't unlock when you unlock the doors), and give a valet attendant the valet key, it will not allow access to the trunk with that key.
I know that if you have the correct key, you can turn the key I think to the left, while holding the key to the left you press in on the button. But again it could be a worn lock or latch.
Now that you have battery power does the trunk unlock when you unlock the car?
I'd get it fixed, some time it might be something more important than a charger that you need out of the trunk!
Gilly

Gilly · #10 07-07-2012, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

I guess the euro cars could have a different security system... on my GenII US car you can unlock the trunk with the key even when the central locking isn't working. Perhaps the deadbolt is different on the euro car?

-J

Correct, it is designed so if the battery goes dead you can still access the trunk, I have never heard of a different system in other parts of the world.
You can "lock out" the trunk from the central locking system for valet purposes as I previously mentioned. To open it from the locked out position is the same as manually opening the trunk.

CamelotShadow · #11 07-07-2012, 07:27 AM

Car unlocks fine as long as it has some power.

Had the right key .
Read the manual to turn the key to the left.
Tried it in all positions jiggle in out in case something wasn't just right
but couldn't open the trunk.

Not sure how my security system is working but I can't open the trunk or start the car if its tripped.
Seems no power can trip it as its being disturbed & it cuts power to ignition & locks trunk.

I have to try to use it more.
Get it on the road this weekend

Hirnbeiss · #12 07-07-2012, 08:40 AM

Just for clarity (and this is the W210, but I think Huf was making the same lock for decades), position 2 is where you press to open, bypassing the automatic/pneumatic system. In position 3, the trunk is toally locked and can't be operated remotely or by inside switch.
And, back to post 3, that's the correct sequence.

Gilly · #13 07-07-2012, 09:45 AM

Right, but don't forget the valet key, I think the 210 had some type of valet system as well.
On the 126 the valet key should have a red plastic dot on the key head or on the shaft just under the key head. If you only have the valey key, this could be why you are having problems.

compu_85 · #14 07-07-2012, 10:33 AM

Actually the red dot key is the master key. The valet key has an oval head.

Main key is in igntion, valet key is on the ring:

-J

Mike D · #15 07-07-2012, 01:27 PM

My '85 500SEL trunk won't unlock with a dead battery either. Doesn't matter which, how or where you use the keys. Might be a fluke with the 1st gen models. Probably a problem with a leaking vacuum system somewhere.