Guys, I just got back from out of town working on my other project, to discover that I cannot get the trunk of the W140 93 500SEL open. The handle pops out but the trunk will not open. Any clues, somehow this has caused the battery to drain also. OF course the battery is located in the trunk so I cannot jump start either. So the last question is the there a way to jump start the car other from the trunk.


Wow, this W140 is starting to be a lot of fun.



Cardude:p

Under the passenger side carpet is the battery connection terminal, we use a trickle charger OR connect a jump box for at least 15 minutes before trying to start.

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Thanks, I will give it a try today. Any clues on getting the trunk open?



Cardude

blade key. I think you have to turn the key counter clockwise then push on the 140 (never think about it, i just do it).

does the trunk lid stick up? If it does, check the latch for looseness (where it bolts to the rear panel, 10mm head bolts behind the little 1/2 moon looking covers) I've seen these loose and the C/A will runn until it cycles out. If your battery is already weak, it'l finish it off.


Joe

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Anytime the trunk handle is popped out, the trunk lights are on. This could run your battery down. I had a problem with mine. After closing, the handle would suck in but then immediately pop back out. The trunk would stay closed but the handle would be out. Would do it only intermittently. The trunk lights would be on and the dash trunk light would be on. It would run the battery down. Have not solved the problem yet, but I think it is in the pump under the rear seat.

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Sorry I'm getting OT here, but OldSouth, I love your picture!

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Thanks guys, the trunk is open and the lock is functioning properly again and I have it started again. Now to go charge up the battery.



Cya

Cardude

i had the same problem..the battery died so i went under the passenger side and got the power back but the trunk still wont open. i noticed that the vacuum system isnt working on the doors..is this whyt he trunk isnt opening?

thanks

Doors and trunk are seperate systems. Here's some info on the doors...

http://v12uberalles.com/Closing_Assist_Pump.htm

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Help!

Perhaps someone can throw me a lifeline.

The trunk on my 98 CL500 won't open. The battery is now dead. I am out in the boonies and not near mechanics or help. I think of myself as mechanically literate, but am stuck and need help to get free.

The puzzle pieces:
The trunk is released - showing about a half inch of upward travel.
The chrome trunk handle has extended
The remote doesn't help - as the trunk is already "released"
The trunk release button on the dash is lit indicating the lock has "released"

I have tried to push in the lock, turn the lock every direction and "play" with it, and try every combination with key in and out without getting the trunk to release or affecting any change in the situation. It sounds/feels like there is a hard stop - a catch - holding the trunk lid closed once it moves 1/2 in up; the trunk refuses to move up farther and won't reset and lock when pushed down.

Of course, the battery is now dead, meaning the trunk light must be on as well.

I pulled the rear passenger's side seat forward enough to see there is no easy access to the trunk through the rear seats.

I have the MBUSA DVDCD repair manual but can't find anything listed to diagnose the fault or get the trunk open. There doesn't seem to be anything in the owner's manual either.

I have read there is an electrical contact under the carpet on the passenger's side where I might be able to charge up the battery - but still can't access the trunk. I have scanned the owner's manual for details without success. Will head out and try pulling stuff up shortly.

Ideas? Thoughts? Recommendations are all appreciated.