SL320 door locks

[jeffery]

Have 97 sl320, the doors will lock and unlock with the the dash panel switch, but won't with the key. any ideas? Thank you

[97 SL320]

When you say " won't work with the key " does the key not turn or does it turn but won't operate the lock ?

[jeffery]

key turns in both directions,and feels normal. just nothing happens. thanks

[97 SL320]

Have a look at any C / E / S / SL shop manual from that era. There is a 4 or 5 mm allen bolt near or behind the weather strip. Unscrew this and the lock cylinder / rectangular trim will pull out of the door. ( I'm pretty sure the bolt stays captive in the door ) I'm thinking the end of the cylinder broke off. The end is a shaft and a flattened tab.

If this isn't the problem, look through the hole for broken linkage. If that does not turn up any broken parts, the interior door panel must come off.

[jeffery]

Yes haven't check that. Good idea, will do this. Thank you, good place to start.