Need help with locked trunk!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

showme · #1 09-11-2008, 05:52 PM

My wife and I are on the road in Red Wing, MN and I've locked the trunk manually (with the key), and now I can't get it to open. We have a 1981 300D. I can't get the key to turn the button back to the horizontal position. I've tried locking and unlocking the drivers door, and followed the owners manual per the master door lock instructions, but it's not opening. I've locked it this way a few times before, and it opened, but not this time. I start a job tomorrow, an my tools are in the trunk, along with the rest of our personal belongings. I need some advice quick. Thanks for any and all ideas. Lee

tobybul · #2 09-11-2008, 06:16 PM

since you have locked and unlocked the trunk b4, I guess you know that you need to push in the button in order to unlock... thats all I can think of. sometimes it may seem like it is still locked but its really open. did you try lifting the trunk lid as you push the button?

what happens when you turn the key and push button?

engatwork · #3 09-11-2008, 06:28 PM

On mine I have to turn the key (if I remember correctly) as far as it will go counterclockwise and then push the button to open it.

zeke · #4 09-11-2008, 06:32 PM

So the key won't turn at all? If you turn the key all the way CCW (IIRC) it locks the trunk and disables the master lock (to protect the contents from a sketchy valet). If the key will turn, try to turn it all the way CW and then back to the unlock position and press the button.

zeke · #5 09-11-2008, 06:33 PM

Ok, so 1 vote CW and 1 CCW, but I think this is the problem. Try both.

showme · #6 09-13-2008, 11:48 AM

Here's the progress so far- I locked the trunk halfway on our trip up here to MN at a restaurant stop. I've read in the manual about the master lock sytem, and know that to unlock it, I have to turn it back to the left (CCW), to unlock. The key will not turn either direction, whether I push it in or leave it at flush level with the knob surface. I called AAA yesterday, and the locksmith tried for a half an hour to free it up. He was very confident that it is one or more of the tumbler blocks sticking, which is what the dealer in Minneapolis (Sears) and the dealer in St. Louis's receptionist (don't even say it, I know) told me. (Plaza Motors) The man that is knowledgeable with "the older" MB's at Plaza had gone home sick, I was told. But she seemed up on the subject and very sympathetic, and seemed to know that if I had already used WD-40 and wiggled it for a while, I needed to call a locksmith. So, back to the AAA call, and the guy couldn't get the thing open, but he seemed very positive that it would be nothing to do with the latch, but the sticking blocks or springs in the lockset. It has almost never been used, and he told me that this happens frequently with these types of locks, even though I haven't seen another 123 anywhere up here. (They're all over the place in St. Louis). His suggestion was to find out where the fastening bolts are behind the cover so we could drill the srews\bolts out without ruining the actual lock set. Thus he could save it and I could use the original key and only have to replace the black cover around it. Also, he had one blank to match my key, but after making a key for it, he bent it trying to use more force than I wanted to use on my lone key for the car. So the lock is really jammed tight. Could the master lock vacuum system be causing this? Everything seems to work, except the back drivers side door, which has it's plunger broken. ( The whole thing, plastic and threaded screw part, comes out). My work tools are in the trunk, along with my Haynes manual, auto oils and stuff, and repair tools, tire and spare. If I had to, how could I break in without doing massive damage to the car? Would forcing the knob with vice grips work? Thanks for any and all comments or tips. DOES ANYONE HAVE A PHOTO, OR COULD POST A PHOTO OF THE INSIDE OF THEIR TRUNK LATCH SO I COULD KNOW WHERE TO DRILL THROUGH THE BLACK LATCH COVER?? I'm having to visit the library to get on line, so if there are any ideas, please post them by 3:30 today(Saturday 9/13) I really appreciate it. Lee

tangofox007 · #7 09-13-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showme

Could the master lock vacuum system be causing this?

Not likely. The key lock should move from the locked position (vertical)regardless of the position of the vacuum locking mechanism.

RML · #8 09-13-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showme

DOES ANYONE HAVE A PHOTO, OR COULD POST A PHOTO OF THE INSIDE OF THEIR TRUNK LATCH SO I COULD KNOW WHERE TO DRILL THROUGH THE BLACK LATCH COVER?? I'm having to visit the library to get on line, so if there are any ideas, please post them by 3:30 today(Saturday 9/13) I really appreciate it. Lee

I'll post a picture in a moment. In the meantime, the black latch cover is 2.5 " across at the widest point and the bolts are 2.25" apart on center at the same point. This is on my 84 300D.

SD Blue · #9 09-13-2008, 01:33 PM

Does the W123 have an emergency trunk release like the W126?

I'm only asking because I don't know. Maybe someone here can answer. I will send a PM with the W126 emergency release in case they are similar.

RML · #10 09-13-2008, 01:46 PM

Here is a picture of the inside and outside. I think you want to drill

at the top of the latch cover at the widest point, as far to the outside as you can.

Stevo · #11 09-13-2008, 02:09 PM

All my family members that drive our W123s have strict orders to NEVER lock or unlock the trunk with the key, "unlock the driver door to get into the trunk". You have to hit the right combination turning the key, pushing the button and locking/unlocking the driver door (trunk vacuum actuator) It took me about 30 minutes of fiddling when it happened to me.

Stevo · #12 09-13-2008, 02:09 PM

[QUOTE=SD Blue;1963918]Does the W123 have an emergency trunk release like the W126?

Nope

RML · #13 09-13-2008, 08:03 PM

Hey Lee: Let us know how you resolved your trunk lock problem.

showme · #14 09-15-2008, 08:17 PM

Monday evening. Thanks for the updated replies.SD Blue, got your message just now, then read above to find out it won't be there if I do take it apart. I read on Benzworld's (?) forum that a guy took a vacuum hose from the back seat and blew or sucked and his trunk opened. I'd rather do that than ruin my latch, but from what I've read, the vac isn't the problem. (I'll try anyway, first). I've come to the point of taking a hammer and pin to the latch, but they're all in the trunk. Maybe this is best. My next step is to take it to a body shop. I really want to believe it will open every time I go by it, but it hasn't. Stevo, you've given me hope. I'll try your theory next. Then it's to the body shop, I guess. I'll keep you posted. One thing is an absolute...I'll never lock another Benz trunk again. Whose idea was it to bolt the back bench from the trunk side, anyway? I wonder if I could fit through a hole the size of the arm rest??

showme · #15 09-15-2008, 08:22 PM

Oh, and thanks so much for the pics, RML!! And the measurements!! The will really help, If I can just locate a drill. Lee