My W202 C280 Estate tailgate will not open

[RobinC280]

Can somebody help me please? The tailgate on my C280 estate has become increasingly difficult to shut. By this I mean the lock mechanism does not seem to engage. Yesterday in a fit of pique I slammed the tailgate and it shut - problem is I cannot now open it. When I use the tailgate release handle it lifts up but it is not releasing the tailgate catch. I have also tried using the key but that does not work either. The central locking is working fine. I have searched the threads but I cannot find anything to help me. It would appear something may have broken but with the tailgate now firmly shut I cannot fathom out how I can open it?

 

[Cabe]

Humm mine does this but not often, usually locking then unlocking and giving it a good tug free's it.

Opening the mechanism and giving it a good clean is on my list of jobs, lord knows when I will actually get around to doing it. I am still driving around with no LCD gauges.

 

[RobinC280]

Thanks Cabe. I have tried locking and unlocking and giving it a good tug - problem is I am not sure how hard I need to tug! As soon as I can get the thing open I too will be cleaning the mechanism!

 

[Cabe]

I would say as hard as you can without the use of mechanical aids. The point at which the real wheels come off the deck is usually the point at which to stop tugging

I haven't yet pulled off the handle.....