2002 CL 55 AMG flat battery and locked out

[Dennis Warriner]

Hi ,I have a flat battery but worse I am also unable to open the boot or any doors to access the boot to recharge it.
I have used the key but none of locks will release or open!!!
Has anyone had this problem and can anyone help,I have fears of major damage to either boot or doors

 

[peterws1957]

The key will open the lock eventually. Needs the lock filling with Silicone WD40, PB Blaster or similar and a lot of perseverance. Pull the handle at the same time as turning the key and keep on doing it, using ( very carefully!) a pair of pliers or mole grips if necessary for added torque.

 

[Dennis Warriner]

Thanks Peter ,will give it a go

 

[Dennis Warriner]

Hi Pete, sprayed with silicone and used pliers as suggested but not had any luck. Problem is that the car is in my garage and the boot is close to the cupboards also impeding access.

 

[Blobcat]

The key needs to turn 90' and it's only the last few degrees that actuate the lock.

 

[Dennis Warriner]

So frustrating tried for the last 30mins and nothing , the boot or the doors just not opening

 

[Blobcat]

So frustrating tried for the last 30mins and nothing , the boot or the doors just not opening

Keeping a battery conditioner on the rear battery and lubricating and exercising the drivers and boot lock every 6 months is what you need to be doing once you get past your current predicament.

 

[Dennis Warriner]

Yes , strangely i do normally keep it on trickle charge but used it recently on one of my other cars and forgot to change it back.
Looking on you tube looks like i may have to remove a panel that the rear number plate is attached to and access the boot lock from there.
Drastic and costly I suspect, will keep you posted on the outcome.

 

[Chrishazle]

I've seen in the past a suggestion to use an electric toothbrush (with the brush removed) to vibrate the emergency key while occasionally spraying WD40 or similar into the lock, apparently the vibration jiggles the lock so the WD40 gets into the mechanism and with patience the lock will eventually work. This method IIRC came from Television (Malcolm Watford, RIP), much respected for his encyclopaedic knowledge of things MB.

 

[Dennis Warriner]

Result, after much jiggling and spraying and not getting anywhere i called the AA. The guy came out and also tried all of the conventional methods suggested above with no success.
He then decided to jack the car up and remove the under panels and managed to connect a 12v charge to the starter motor and success all the doors opened including the boot. The guy was at it for well over one hour but the car is now on charge and after a battery check a new one on order.
Thanks for all you comments and suggestions ,I will always from now on keep the car on trickle charge .
I have only praise for his commitment to solving the problem

 

[Blobcat]

Result, after much jiggling and spraying and not getting anywhere i called the AA. The guy came out and also tried all of the conventional methods suggested above with no success.
He then decided to jack the car up and remove the under panels and managed to connect a 12v charge to the starter motor and success all the doors opened including the boot. The guy was at it for well over one hour but the car is now on charge and after a battery check a new one on order.
Thanks for all you comments and suggestions ,I will always from now on keep the car on trickle charge .
I have only praise for his commitment to solving the problem

When you get a good experience breakdown tech they like a challenge and will keep at it. Applying 12V is a good method if you can get to a suitable point - Porsche fit a 12V post inside a panel by the drivers feet so you can open the front boot to get to the battery - just lubricate the locks regularly so the key works - they also disconnect the keys after 2 weeks so the car stops using battery listening for the key - still recommended to keep on conditioners though - Porsche dealers generally connect all their cars to optimates in the showrooms

 

[Dennis Warriner]

What I found strange is that if you cannot open the boot were the battery there is no way of jump starting the car from under the bonnet.
The car is not fitted with a positive charge point anywhere.

 

[mioba]

I was going to say you can access the alty from the bottom. Had similar once in my W220 and a call to my indy gave me the solution.

Indeed no charge points under the hood - same chassis as the W220.

As a side, give the key locks a lube, totally overlooked with modern cars where we all use remotes. After 21 years of possible non use may well be your locks are a tad stiff.

 

[EmilysDad]

..

Indeed no charge points under the hood -.



.

And what about under the bonnet?

 

[peterws1957]

Result, after much jiggling and spraying and not getting anywhere i called the AA. The guy came out and also tried all of the conventional methods suggested above with no success.
He then decided to jack the car up and remove the under panels and managed to connect a 12v charge to the starter motor and success all the doors opened including the boot. The guy was at it for well over one hour but the car is now on charge and after a battery check a new one on order.
Thanks for all you comments and suggestions ,I will always from now on keep the car on trickle charge .
I have only praise for his commitment to solving the problem

Glad you got it sorted but I'm very surprised the AA couldn't open the locks. I know with one obstinate lock I had to spray several times inserting the fine tube right into the lock over a couple of days. Even then I had to grit my teeth and mole grip the key to eventually get it to turn. Learned my lesson after that. It's a particular problem with R230's as well and we keep the locks well lubed with graphite powder and the consumer battery connected to a CTEK.

 

[Larkone]

You could fit one of these tucked under the car connected to the battery

IP67 Waterproof 2-Pin Panel Mount Connector Socket (12/24V DC, 20A)

2-pin waterproof connector socket rated 20A & 12/24V DC. Waterproof to IP67 & for use with our 2-pin waterproof connector plug (product code P02068).

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

and connect to it from a charger with this

IP67 Waterproof 2-Pin Panel Mount Connector Plug (12/24V DC, 20A)

2-pin waterproof connector plug rated 20A & 12/24V DC. Waterproof to IP67 & for use with our 2-pin waterproof connector socket (product code P02069).

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Easy way to guarantee you can get 12v to the battery and at worst at least get the car unlocked.

 

[mattkh]

.... keep the locks well lubed with graphite powder

I would like to know how does one get this powder all the way into the lock. Thanks.

 

[Larkone]

I would like to know how does one get this powder all the way into the lock. Thanks.

Put it on the key and push in

 

[Blobcat]

I would like to know how does one get this powder all the way into the lock. Thanks.

They normally have a long thin nozzle on the end, you squeeze the container and it blows the powder into the lock.
Graphite powder is the best as it doesn’t act as a grinding paste to wear the mechanism

My graphite power:

 

[peterws1957]

You could fit one of these tucked under the car connected to the battery

IP67 Waterproof 2-Pin Panel Mount Connector Socket (12/24V DC, 20A)

2-pin waterproof connector socket rated 20A & 12/24V DC. Waterproof to IP67 & for use with our 2-pin waterproof connector plug (product code P02068).

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

and connect to it from a charger with this

IP67 Waterproof 2-Pin Panel Mount Connector Plug (12/24V DC, 20A)

2-pin waterproof connector plug rated 20A & 12/24V DC. Waterproof to IP67 & for use with our 2-pin waterproof connector socket (product code P02069).

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Easy way to guarantee you can get 12v to the battery and at worst at least get the car unlocked.

Yes I've always thought that this was a good idea.