SLK - permanently locked arm rest compartment

[Herbster]

My arm rest compartment is locked & wont open. any ideas??

 

[television]

It is vacuum locked, not easy, need to think

 

[jibcl500]

Is your SLK a R170 or R171?

jib

 

[jibcl500]

My r171 as ive just had a look, the lid needs some pulling to open it, place fingers on both sides on the tabs in the holes and lift with some force.

jib

 

[television]

I think it will be a 171 Jib and not vacuum locked, I was wrong on my above post, its an electric catch 65

 

[Herbster]

Hi, thanks I tried lifting it as suggested by Jib but it still wont budge! If I rest my hand on top I can feel the lock doing something when I lock & unlock it.

 

[television]

At this stage I would try a knife to see if you can unhook the latch, then one can see what is happening

 

[jibcl500]

Mine took some good force to lift it.

jib

 

[television]

Mine took some good force to lift it.

jib

Its all that money jamming it Jiles, you should find somewhere else for it

 

[Herbster]

Thanks guys, I opened it with a knife & all looks OK, catches nice & free etc. However I then closed it again & it still wont open !!! Guess I'll have to keep the knife in the glove box !

 

[television]

You can replace the lock, I can work out the details for you to change it

 

[Andy.M]

Just thinking outside the box, if its all working when open, hows the hole it locks into looking?

 

[television]

I do not know yet what way this box locks, it could just be a broken spring

 

[Monday]

No consolation I know, but I had two of these boxes/lids changed under warranty on an R171 SLK280. The lock kept jamming exactly like this, must be a weak point somewhere. MB solution is of course to throw away the old one and replace with a new one!

 

[ionod55555]

I have the same problem, can hear the lock but nothing happens. Where do I put the knife to release it? Help please!!!!

 

[Wighty]

I have the same problem, can hear the lock but nothing happens. Where do I put the knife to release it? Help please!!!!

He was last seen on the forum 6 years ago buddy . But maybe someone with the same car can send you a picture of the mechanism inside which might allow you to think of a solution

 

[ionod55555]

Many thanks Wighty, I don't want to force it, just bought the car so want to avoid damage just yet..

 

[Wighty]

@Blobcat has an SLK , maybe he could send a pic ?

 

[Blobcat]

I have the same problem, can hear the lock but nothing happens. Where do I put the knife to release it? Help please!!!!

The centre armrest box requires some force to open it. You get used to it though.

The outer 2 are the catches



View of the inside of the lid

 

[ionod55555]

Will give it a go tomorrow.
Many thanks