What Causes a Mercedes Trunk Door Not to Open Fully?

[IsabelLee]

Mercedes trunk door not opening fully is due to trunk switch failure, linkage rod or lock cylinder issues, or mechanical component failure. Trunk switch failure: An emergency opening method can be used. Most vehicle models have a small slot inside the trunk. Use a key or another sharp object to pry open the outer cover. Once the cover is removed, you can see the trunk locking mechanism inside. Simply pull it slightly by hand to easily open the trunk door. Linkage rod or lock cylinder issues: If you frequently use the key to open the trunk, the linkage rod may be broken, and you should go to a repair shop. If you always use the remote control to open the trunk, the lock cylinder may be dirty or rusty. Spray some rust remover into the lock cylinder a few times to open it. Mechanical component failure: The trunk itself may have issues, such as a broken wire or other reasons causing the trunk not to open.

[RonanAnn]

Last time I drove my wife's Mercedes GLK, I also encountered this issue and spent quite a while figuring it out. The trunk not opening fully is most commonly caused by aging support rods, especially in vehicles over five or six years old. Those slender hydraulic rods tend to leak or lose elasticity over time, making them unable to support the tailgate's weight. Another possibility is excessive dirt buildup around the hinge area, making it hard to rotate. Also, avoid overloading the trunk—my buddy insisted on storing a full set of camping gear inside and ended up denting the roof slightly. If all else fails, have a mechanic check the hinge screws; sometimes loosening can affect the opening angle. Oh, and remember to press the unlock button on the key fob before opening the tailgate—some Mercedes models have a double-locking mechanism.

[DeAubree]

Three Mercedes-Benz owners in our neighborhood have all experienced issues with their tailgates not opening fully! The new C-Class owner mentioned it's particularly noticeable in winter, later discovering it was due to the sealing strip freezing and hardening. The older GLE owner had a funnier situation—he stuffed golf clubs in the trunk and insisted on using the automatic mode, resulting in the tailgate getting stuck halfway with a creaking sound. If an electric tailgate suddenly only opens halfway, it's usually because small stones or leaves are stuck in the tracks. Those who are handy can clean the tracks themselves; spraying WD-40 on the hinges also helps. A reminder to everyone: pay extra attention to rinsing the gaps around the trunk when washing the car, as accumulated dirt and sand are the most common causes of problems.

[VonKimberly]

After ten years in auto repair, I've encountered over twenty Mercedes-Benz vehicles with this issue. Insufficient tailgate opening angle mainly falls into three scenarios: insufficient pressure in the hydraulic struts—remember to replace both sides simultaneously; hinge deformation requiring specialized tools for correction; and sticking limiters, which is particularly common on rainy days. The newer models with sensor functions are even trickier—last week, an S-Class couldn't open fully because a parking ticket was stuck on the radar sensor. The wiring layout in Mercedes-Benz trunks is unique, and improperly installed dashcam wiring can interfere with the soft-close function. It's advisable to first read the fault codes before making any judgments—don't rush into replacing parts.

[MacBeau]

Ladies, remember not to overload your trunk! My bestie's GLA could only open its tailgate 45 degrees because she stuffed six storage boxes in there. Last week during maintenance, the technician warned that cars often parked under trees need special attention: fallen leaves can clog the drainage holes in the trunk's water channels, and accumulated water may cause electrical shorts. Also, those with thick PPF wraps—if the film edges lift near the rear bumper, they can jam the tailgate mechanism. If you hear the motor sound but the door won't budge, release the button immediately. Don't force it—my colleague damaged the gears and paid over 8,000 yuan for repairs.