[RichDD]

Hello all.
My wife's CLK320 has a hydralic leak. She was out and attempted to open the top, and the top only opened an inch. The back deck, and rear top were up, but some good helpers pushed them down. Now, the top is unlocked in the front, and I cannot get the truck open to put fluid in the reservoir to get it operational enough to diagnose what is leaking, or at least close the top so that the car can be used.
My question is, is there a bypass for the trunk? I tried the key, and that was a no go. I feel as if I'm out of options.

Thanks in advance.

Rich D.

 

[W208 Hawkwind]

The metal key is your best option if the remote and the interior switch do not work.

What happened when you tried the key? 'no go' is a bit vague.

In all probability, the trunk lock is seized from lack of use, it needs to be lubricated regularly. I would try using a spray lubricant and work the lock gradually and carefully with the metal key. If you can't get any movement at all, grip the key with some pliers, but go extra careful, the last thing you want is to snap the key in the lock!!!

You will need to get inside the trunk to latch down the soft top cover and also de-pressurise the hydraulic system.

If you do manage to open the trunk, take care when opening it, if the soft top cover is too high it can clash with the trunk lid.

 

[RichDD]

I got the key to turn last night using pliers. But the latch is a no go. It seems there is a pull up handle in the trunk, that does not move. And when I turn the key, it goes so far, I hear a click. but the trunk does not open.

 

[W208 Hawkwind]

Did you turn the key to the left (anti-clockwise)?

 

[RichDD]

No... clock wise. It would only turn in that direction. And..... what opens the lid? The handle next to the lock, or the lock it self???

EDIT: I'm sorry. I went down stairs and checked. Yes.... the key turns counter clockwise.

 

[W208 Hawkwind]

OK, that's a problem.

It can take an awful lot of jiggling and lube/rust dissolver to get it to operate.

alternatively, I think maybe the next option is to try to open the top manually, if it's not yet closed fully. That way, if you get it partially open you might be able to reach inside the trunk, through the hood stowage compartment and release the lock from inside.
Go very slowly and carefully, because the system is still pressurised, normally you'd open the pressure relief valve, but that can only be accessed via the trunk.

There are some videos here that might help you to see what to do and what the latches look like and their location.

 

[RichDD]

Ok. Thank you. I'll keep you advised to my progress.

 

[serndipity]

RichDD

This forum is for the A208 class CLK320 cabriolet, which was produced through 2003.

The 2005 cabriolet is a A209 class, which has a very different design and operation and you'll find much more accurate help in this forum .

Here is the correct method for manually closing or opening the power roof for your 2005 CLK320 power roof.

 

[W208 Hawkwind]

DOH!! Well spotted Serndipity.

 

[rudeney]

Moving this to the correct forum...

 

[RichDD]

THANK YOU... THANK YOU,....... THANK YOU!!!!! Got the top locked, which allowed the trunk switch to work. Then, I put fluid in the reservoir, and the top works. I found the assembly that would allow the key to open the trunk is broken. There is a plastic tumbler which a tab on it strikes a pin. The plastic tab is broken, which does not allow the tumbler to contact the pin to actuate the trunk latch. At least it appears to be so.
Now, I just have to find where the leak is coming from.... I do not see any visible fluid anywhere yet. I guess I'm going to have to remove all of the covers to see where the leak may be.

On another note, I found that the soft top where it meets the back glass is not folding into the rubber lip of the glass. Leaving some of the soft top exposed. The elastic inside that pulls it in, has deteriorated. I guess I'll be looking to replace the soft top as well.

Again, thank you for your help.

 

[rudeney]

If either of the main lift cylinders are leaking, the fluid will end up deep in the bottom of the rear fenders.

 

[RichDD]

If either of the main lift cylinders are leaking, the fluid will end up deep in the bottom of the rear fenders.

Thank you.... I'll look there. I may take the rear seats up to see if there is fluid there as well.