W209 CLK ignition issue! Kindly assist me!

[Captiva]

Greetings to all

I possess a 2003 CLK that I have kept for an extended period, and it has consistently performed well; nevertheless, as it ages, I anticipate an increase in potential concerns.


This morning, I dropped the children off at school and observed that the trunk would not open using the handle release. I activated the boot release button within the vehicle, and it opened successfully. Upon returning home, I attempted once more, although the handle remained inoperative. Curiously, the boot release button within the vehicle no longer illuminates or functions, and the remote key also fails to unlock the boot. I must operate the key manually.

Although I am uncertain of any correlation, my wife, who was waiting in the car after my shopping trip yesterday, remarked that the vehicle appeared to be locking itself autonomously.


Has anyone encountered a similar experience? Where should I commence my search?


Any feedback would be very valued.


Thank you in advance.

[Mezuzzi]

I possess the same model and year of the vehicle, although I have not encountered this issue; the car automatically locks itself if not secured with the key fob after use. It appears that the issue with the boot may stem from a defective micro switch on the handle or a potentially severed wire within the wiring loom near the hinge, as the repeated opening and closing of the boot might lead to wire damage.

Simply retract the rubber boot on the loom to inspect the wires.

[NameInterest]

A code scan may be beneficial. Depending on the scan instrument utilised, it may be possible to conduct actuation tests on the central locking control modules.

[Captiva]

Thank you for your response – I sincerely appreciate it. I attempted to utilise the key to operate the boot several times, and miraculously, it resumed functionality. Remarkably peculiar! It has been functioning adequately since that time; therefore, I remain hopeful that it will continue to do so.

[Captiva]

😍

[Captiva]

😇

[NameInterest]

A sticky lock actuator appears to be a plausible explanation.

[Lemmand]

I also owned a CLK; the trunk lock is infamous for accumulating debris over time. It is essential to use WD40 and a quality lubricant annually to maintain its functionality.