Do you remember a situation when the trunk of your Mercedes failed to open even when you pressed the button? It’s frustrating, right? To Mercedes owners, a bad electric trunk latch is one of those inconveniences that are part and parcel of car ownership. If you ever come across this problem, you will understand the embarrassment of not having access to your trunk when you need to load some groceries or when you want to pick something at the back.
The good news is that you don’t have to press the panic button yet– there are some simple tricks you can use before going to a mechanic. Here is a step-by-step guide on the most frequent problems of Mercedes electric trunk latch and how to fix them.
How the Mercedes Electric Trunk Latch Works
The latch is a component of your car’s central locking system and is intended to open or close the trunk when a button is pressed. This system uses wiring, actuators, and sensors and all these parts must work harmoniously for the trunk to open smoothly. In the event any of these parts is faulty, the whole system is at risk of developing a problem. A trunk latch is made of a mechanical as well as electrical system, so there are two facets of the problem that could cause the trunk to cease functioning.
Common Causes of Trunk Latch Failure
There are so many reasons why the electric trunk latch in a Mercedes can fail. The first is a dead key fob battery. If the battery is low Your Mercedes might not send the appropriate signal to unlock the trunk. Another cause might be a trunk actuator issue – the motor controlling the engagement and disengagement of the latch. Sometimes the wiring that is linked to the actuator can be problematic and may cause the failure of the system. Lastly, clutter can make it difficult to operate the latch depending on the size of debris or dirt that might be on the path of the latch.
All of these are fixable but they each need a slightly different approach to correct, however, if you can diagnose the problem it will save you much time and frustration.
A Simple Guide to Trunk Latch Repair
- Check Key Fob Battery: If the key fob trunk release button is not responsive, you need to check the batteries. Try to replace the battery with a new one and see if the trunk will open.
- Inspect Trunk Actuator: If the key fob is working but the trunk is not responding then the problem might be in the actuator. The actuator is the engine that pushes the latch in or out, to lock or unlock the door. This means that in order to inspect it, one has to open the trunk from the inside. If this actuator doesn’t move when you press the button, then it is likely that it will require replacement. This is a slightly complicated repair for DIY enthusiasts but can be easily managed by a professional mechanic.
- Check Wiring: The next trick is to look at the wire that connects the actuator to the trunk release system. If there is a wire that has developed a loose connection or a frayed wire, then that is where the problem is likely coming from. A thorough examination of the wires should be done to ascertain if there are any noticeable points of damage. If the wiring is burnt, then one needs to get a technician to replace the wire.
- Clean the Latch Mechanism: There are times when the problem is not electrical but mechanical. Dirt, debris, or rust may settle on the latch and hamper its ease of operation. Check the underside of the latch for any sort of debris. Clean the surface gently with a brush or cloth to remove dust or any types of deposits. If the latch is rusty, you may need to use some oil to help it to work again as expected.
Where to Get Help For Your Mercedes
As suggested above some of the tricks 
may be done at home, but there are instances when one requires the assistance of a professional. In case of a faulty actuator or wiring, it is probably cheaper to take your Mercedes to a good auto shop like Momentum Motorworks. At Momentum Motorworks, we deal with cars like Mercedes and we have the right tools and personnel to fix any problems whether it is electrical or mechanical. Our garage is located in Birmingham, AL, and our professional hands are extended to drivers from places like Alabaster, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Helena, and Vestavia, AL. Call us now!