Hello Everyone,

Let me first say hi to everyone I'm new. I'm the original owner of a 1997 C280 Sport. I went to check the engine last night, popped open the hood and then tried to close it and it doesn't latch. I keep pressing down and can hear the click but it doesn't engage. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I hope I don't need a new hood ($$$). I'm also wondering if anyone has any experience replacing the battery in the trunk as well as potential suppliers where I can get a new one cheap. Again, thanks in advance.

J

 

the cable might be sticky and not going back to free position.(my english is getting worst, i don't know how to explain this)

try pushing back that release lever to check if this cause the problem.

 

Clean the primary lock with some simple green and a toothbrush, check to see that the cable is secure and then spray the lock with white Lithium grease and move it back and forth by hand. Run your fingers under the panel the cable is routed and see it there are any kinks or bends in it. Inside the car pull the handle all the way back and spray the cable with SILICONE as Lithium with ruin the plastic cover and rub it on the cable with your fingers. If this doesn't work, you probably need a new cable, not an easy DIY job.

 

I'm having the exact same problem with my C280 Sport. We thought perhaps the loop part wasn't getting far enough down into the lock mechanism, and added a couple of washers to extend it. That didn't work. I've tried cleaning the area completely, no help there, either. I have a call into the local dealer (we just moved here a few months ago, and I haven't been there yet). Will let you know what happens!

 

try this:

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/91A0FD52474748AEB5E3F599E574F816.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/8015057FBEA44CB9A56C9B7B04151B22.jpg[/IMG]

 

...

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/5B2E3B1BB6FF4A82A2D540B497C411C7.jpg[/IMG]

 

OK, I'm embarassed to say that I took my car in for it's regular service, in addition to the hood closure issue, and the service manager said they cleaned the mechanism thoroughly, and it worked fine. I have a fully closed hood now!

Best of luck... td [8D]

 

BTW, I forgot to say THANKS for the detailed adjustment info. I appreciate the information, and will check back if the issue ever arises again. Hmm, probably in another 7 years or so, it'll need cleaned again [:@]

thanks again! TD