New member in a spot of trouble...

[timmy190]

Hey guys, new member here. Was looking to get a proper hello post going, but MOT is needed this week and I have to change a brake bulb.

The problem is that the boot won't open!

Car is a 1989 190e 1.8 (W201). I bought it a few weeks ago, prior to that it has been standing for a bit. Battery had been taken out and refitted at some point if that makes a difference.

It sounds like the vacuum is trying to unlock the boot, but it doesn't get anywhere. It does not sound like a leak as the pump is only on for the few seconds to unlock the rest of the doors.

Key does not turn in the lock and pressing the button does nothing.

I've tried climbing through the first aid hatch, but I don't fit. Tried with tools to reach the release from inside (or what I assume the release is) but it doesn't move either way. I've compared the yellow thing with the one on my W124 and they seem the same. (see attached pic) Do those (10mm?) bolts attach to the lock in any way?

Apart from a) bashing the lock in or b) bashing the lights out, is there any other tips for getting in? I've seen a few topics about this saying that you have to hit it - didn't work, wiggle the lock with the key in - didn't work.


Any help would be very much appreciated!

Thanks

Tim

 

[rascalmaster]

im sure the experts will be along soon...

just a thought but that bright yellow thingie is just begging to be pulled/ pushed sideways ;-) reckon that might be it?

 

[timmy190]

Quick reply!

Yeah, that's the bar I've been trying to move. It doesn't.

On the W124 it moves easily, but I guess the lock is jammed or something.

 

[autopian]

have you tried wd or similar through the lock and on the latch, my 124 has done this on several occasions and needed doing
chris

 

[aircondoc]

Have you got the right key? i.e the one that does everything not just doors and ignition? Or, the right key for the boot, has it had a new barrel fitted? If it was deadlocked the central locking won't unlock it.

 

[timmy190]

I'm just wondering that myself. I have two keys - the original which works in the doors and a second Mercedes key for the ignition. Apparently the ignition barrel wore out and was replaced. I hear this is a common fault.

However the key that does all the other locks does not do the boot, and the other key does not fit. How do you "un-deadlock" it? Is this where you remove the key horizontal? The lock is currently vertical.

Have tried again to move the bar in and out but it does not move. I guess the lock has jammed maybe?

I know I'm from Bristol and should know this, but how does one "put the lock through"? Will this damage the actual mechanism or can it forcibly unlock? I'm thinking about having the lock removed all together and fitting a remote release cable into the front and filling the hole.

Thanks

 

[nick mercedes]

I know I'm from Bristol and should know this, but how does one "put the lock through"? Will this damage the actual mechanism or can it forcibly unlock? I'm thinking about having the lock removed all together and fitting a remote release cable into the front and filling the hole.

Thanks

Kick a rear light out, then you can get to the lock gubbins through the hole you have made, you'll do less damage doing that, rather than setting about the lock.

It's best to arm yourself with a replacement rear light before you start...

 

[Dec]

The 2 bottom nuts in your picture above, if the were removed with a 3 ft long extension bar via the First Aid box, then the boot may open, this will work on a W202, it might work on yours???

Picture of a W202 below.
Dec

 

[timmy190]

The 2 bottom nuts in your picture above, if the were removed with a 3 ft long extension bar via the First Aid box, then the boot may open, this will work on a W202, it might work on yours???

Picture of a W202 below.
Dec

Bingo! That worked!!!

Seems like the lock clasp is jammed somehow... the lever wont release the square ring. At least I can change the bulbs now!!

Cheers!

 

[trapperjohn]

Well done. Great forum this worth every penny!

 

[Dec]

Remove the lock from the car, I’m guessing , by removing the other 2 bolts in your picture should free it, you should then be able to trip the lock “jaws” and free the square ring/clasp… no key will be required.

Put the square ring back where it was. Soak/ flood/ or drench the removed lock with WD40 or a Penetrating oil, its very unlikely you have the wrong lock or key, its simply seized up through lack of use.
You’re never more than a mile from a seized boot lock.

Dec

 

[timmy190]

Just come back in from finishing the "repair".

The barrel is a) seized completely or b) broken, either way it isn't moving at all. Cant even open the "jaws" as the bit of plastic on the lock wont allow the metal release to move (i.e. it's locked)

Solution:

Remove the plastic at the rear of the lock, exposing the solenoid and push lock mechanism.

Removed C clip, spring and plastic push mechanism - barrel and key now has nothing to do with the release.

Tie string to the release lever and trail through first aid hatch! Pull string to release boot!

Ain't pretty but it'll get through the MOT this week!

Cheers for the help everyone!

 

[rascalmaster]

Just come back in from finishing the "repair".

The barrel is a) seized completely or b) broken, either way it isn't moving at all. Cant even open the "jaws" as the bit of plastic on the lock wont allow the metal release to move (i.e. it's locked)

Solution:

Remove the plastic at the rear of the lock, exposing the solenoid and push lock mechanism.

Removed C clip, spring and plastic push mechanism - barrel and key now has nothing to do with the release.

Tie string to the release lever and trail through first aid hatch! Pull string to release boot!

Ain't pretty but it'll get through the MOT this week!

Cheers for the help everyone!

get a slightly stronger string mate! (plastic/ nylon?)

 

[Mercsys]

get a slightly stronger string mate! (plastic/ nylon?)

Yea, that string aint going to last more than a year or so.

 

[pimpmyc250td]

You’re never more than a mile from a seized boot lock.

oh hoe true - just valeted the wifes old shopping car as it going up for sale, been stood for a 3 weeks, seized lock.. loads of oil , now fine, good job its a hatchback..

 

[pimpmyc250td]

You’re never more than a mile from a seized boot lock.

oh hoe true - just valeted the wifes old shopping car as it going up for sale, been stood for a 3 weeks, seized lock.. loads of oil , now fine, good job its a hatchback..