The trunk lid on my '88 420SEL, will not latch. I think this happened a few years ago and I fixed it by adjusting the catch on the lid, but I can't remember. The catch on the lid shows a lot of wear on the side facing the lid exterior. This suggests that the catch has been rubbing a lot on the locking mechanism. So, I'm about to adjust the catch on the trunk lid and I want to know if there is a way to determine how far I should move it in or out. I can make a guess, but I don't want to end up with the trunk locked and I'm unable to open it. Or, does this indicate a problem other than the catch position? I'd appreciate any tips you all might have.

Edit I moved the lid catch so the trunk lid now locks and opens okay. However, it seems that the vacuum pump runs longer than I recall it every running. The door locks close, as does the trunk lid lock but the pump keeps running after locking. I'm guessing it runs 10 or 15 seconds. Should I be concerned?

If it stops running and only restarts if you lock/unlock it again you probably have no leak.

It is possible that the pump is a bit worn, your car is not brand new anymore.

Rob

you may want to readjust the top lid latch,.just move it up or down in very small increment,so that you can close the lid,then with very light pressure get it to lock,as far as the pump,it should not run more than just a few seconds,when i turn my key i cant even hear the pump i just here the vacum actuators opening and closing the locks,if you continue hearing it run excessively it may be leaking,like the other guy said its not a new car anymore.goodluck