For a nominal fee ALLDATAdiy.com should have a lot of schematics and repair information for your vehicle.
Other owners have mentioned a wiring short in the area where the wires are flexed when the trunk is opened and closed.

 

reddog- On your recommendation, I purchased an alldata subscription. There is not a single wiring diagram or schematic for the 2002 CL500. Maybe I'm not looking in the right section. Is this something that you think is there or that you know is there and I'm just looking in the wrong section. The repair and troubleshooting section is very, very limited. I'm pretty disappointed. I wonder if it's better for other models or years. I'm sort of tempted to just buy one of those DVDs off of eBay, they at least say they have schematics. Any thoughts?

 

Hi Bill,
When I access the alldata site for info on the trunk for my 2003 CL500 I go to the "search" window and put in "trunk". This opens a window which lists +20 subsections showing latches, liftgate motors, hinges, photos of the related parts and wiring, repair procedures, etc. Usually, i've had quicker success using the "search" procedure. The information for your 2002 CL500 may be different at this site.

 

That's exactly how I searched. It pulls up about 20 sections in mine too but not one has a wiring diagram or schematic (or any troubleshooting information, for that matter.) Thanks for helping Reddog, I think its time to hit eBay.

Bill

 

Hi Bill,
The STAR Service Manual Library DVD , part #P-2700-220/215-07,for models 215/220 is available from Mercedes at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES. Once you purchase the DVD scroll down to "External Applications". Click on "ETM- Electrical Troubleshooting Manual concentrates electrical service information within wiring diagram environment. This may be what you're looking for.

 

Reddog- I've been emailing ALLDATA, they keep telling me to follow their online tutorial but they can't show me any electrical or troubleshooting diagrams for the CL either. Their samples for other cars show loads of wiring schematics and troubleshooting. I think that maybe they made a mistake and didn't load most of the data for the 2002 CL. Much of the data that is there for the wiring connectors is incomplete or for the CL 600 only. I've asked for a refund and will be purchasing a disc instead. Thanks for your help.

Bill

 

hello, i have exactly the same problem on my cl 500 and was wondering if you ever found the fault causing it. any help or suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

 

It turned out to be a broken wire in the retractable harness that connects to the trunk. I just opened up the harness and spliced in a new wire. The only way to keep the retractable feature operating really smoothly is to replace the entire wiring harness. If you have any questions, give me a call today as I may be leaving the country tomorrow. I'm currently in New Orleans and you can call me on my mobile at 206-778-7863 if you like.
Good luck,
Bill