I need to replace the trunk lock actuator rod and can't remove the old rod from the acuator motor. The curved end of the rod is attached to the lock itself. The straight, threaded end of the actuator rod is attached (screwed into) to a yellow part on the actual actuator motor. The rod pushes/pulls that yellow part in/out which activates the locking vacuum. I cannot figure out why the old rod will not unscrew from the yellow part of the actuator motor, or how I am supposed to remove the old rod so as to screw in the new one. The rod and/or the yellow part rotate freely in counterclockwise and clockwise but the the rod does not screw in or out. It just rotates. I suppose I could just replace the actuator motor, but it works perfectly well. Any ideas on why I can't get the rod unscrewed and what to do? Thanks.

It does not screw in. The yellow part is tapered on the outside, there is a lock-ring that slides on to compress it and capture the rod inside if I remember correctly. Same thing on the fuel-door lock if that one is easier to see.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Interesting. Thank you. There does appear to be a "lock ring" or something inside the yellow part, and the rod goes into that ring -- or, as suggested, the ring goes around the rod then into the yellow part. Can this ring be removed so as to remove the rod? If so, how? The whole point of this exercise is to be able to remove the existing rod and insert a new one without needing to replace a perfectly functional actuator. Also, the rod mechanism is sold separate from the actuator so there must be a way to put the two together. If the two can be put together, I am thinking the two can be separated. Interesting that the straight end of the rod which attaches to the yellow part is threaded. That suggests to me it is so the rod can be adjusted to the proper tension so the mechanism works properly. Also interestingly, someone on another M-B forum said the technique is to pull the rod/actuator to the "out" position, push the yellow part toward the "in" position while holding the rod "out," which then allows that ring, which has a slit in it such that you see two parts around the rod from the outside, to come together, which then allows the rod to screw out. Have yet to try. Thanks again for the input.

Problem solved! As noted, the rod is not "threaded." What appear to be threads are rings that allow the black lock ring to grip onto the rod. The rod is removed by holding the rod in the "out" position while pushing the yellow part to the "in" position. The "lock ring" becomes exposed, which exposes an open side to the lock ring. Then you simply push the rod sidways (rather than pull) out of the lock ring. Installation is reverse. Be sure to leave the lock assembly unscrewed so as to be able to position and install the rod. The last part of the procedure is reinstalling the 8mm lock screws to the trunk. Here's a link to the instructions:

http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?p=154788#post154788