Trunk won't open! Suggestions pls.
 

Hi,

I suddenly cannot open the trunk of my 82 300SD. Any suggestion on how to go about opening it?

TIA

When you say you cannot open it, can you tell us what you have already tried? The trunk lock has a couple of functions with the central locking system, but it has a means to separate it from the central locking system so you can lock the trunk and leave the doors unlocked, or give the valet key to someone and lock the trunk so the valet key is not able to make the trunk contents available to anyone else. Jim

I cannot open the trunk even when I insert the proper keys while I am outside. My vacuum locking doesn't work anymore. I can turn the keys (while inserted) and push the keytube. But it won't lift or budge a bit.

Sounds like it is stuck in the locked position. I had that happen with mine. Turned out a leak on the passenger lock element was keeping the rest from operating.

Get a miti vac and start chasing the offending part.

if its cold out, are you sure the seal isnt stuck?

Well, from your location it seems you are not likely subject to ice causing the whole trunk to stick to the gasket. So, it might be the lock. Just to be sure, insert the key with the squared black plastic head on it, turn it all the way clockwise, then all the way counter clockwise. It should stop just slightly before the key/keyhole is vertical in one direction. With the key held against the stop in the direction where it is off vertical, push the cylinder/button in and see if the lock opens.

If you have already tried this, I would try it again, and remember to hold the key against the stop while you do it. Let us know if that worked or not. Jim

An earlier thread recommeded placing 2X4 against button and hitting with a hammer.

NO. Not button. Nowhere on the actual trunk lid. On the metal just above the liscense plate. Where the lock mechanism is. Iv'e done it on my W123's a few times. Takes an awful big hammer. The blow is enough to move the mechanism enough to let go of the trunk lid. Someone else pulling up on the trunk helps alot too.

I have done this with my cars, bang away at yours at your own risk.

have you done it on your sel?
the sd lock is different than the D 123 lock.
turn the key all the way to the right, push the button in, then let it go, turn the key all the way to the left, and remove the key. the button should have some resistance as it is pushed, if it feels the same as it did when you turned the key to the right, more than likely the seal is stuck to the trunk, or the lock mechanism is damaged.
report back.
john

Take it over to Olongapo City. The last time I was there, the sidewalks were full of lads who could break into anything!!!

I would go with JimSmith's advice, and rub key with a pencil lead [graphite] first, as a lubricant. Do your door locks work with key? Fuel door? The latter can be accessed from inside the trunk, see how helpful thoes German engineers are?

Are you on the inside, or the outside of the lid ? If you are on the inside, just email your wife to come and open it. On the other hand..If she's on the inside and you're on the outside....:book:

Why do you think I emphasized in red...at your own risk. Merely a suggestion if all else fails. But now that you mention it. I'll try.

Hi Jim,

Tried your suggestion this morning several times. No resistance when i turn it either way. There is a clickeng sound as if the lock is opening when I turn it while pushing the key cylinder. I tried to puch further against the stop (while pushed) I can't push it any further. But the lock like clicking sound is there. Can the lock be accessed if you remove the back seat or it's a firewall behind the back rest?

Yea.. I know