You guys are really scaring me. I think I will go make sure my locks are still working... Seriously, I have no clue, but it sounds pretty wierd, especially 420 benz. Fish4stripers could be just a wire disconnected, but I don't have the diagrams.

Mike

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Jeff: Did you give the whole door latch assembly a GOOD looking at when you changed them out? Everything look the same????? If everything was the same what about a good lubing into the tumblers on the lock itself, maybe some crap or a dead bug in there keeping the key from turning in the lock direction.
Most of the locks I have seen have those tiny little cylinders that fit the key, something could have locked one up, no pun intended. Some areas of the country seem to be harder on lock sets than others, humidity, salt, dust, whatever. I know in Fla. If you don't use that lock for a while it feels like it's full of grit. Ya never know if it will work before the key breaks. Always use a premium grade lock lube for in there. Dry type if you can get it.
Keep us posted.

__________________
Den
1993 MB 300D 2.5
2001 VW Jetta TDI 5 spd.
2001 new bug TDI 5 spd.
Motorcycles

Hi Den,

To tell you the truth, I just did a quick swap for a number of reasons; heard from here replacement with my key is expensive, swapping sides is easy and I'd likely not unlock on passenger side.

I'm not sure if I have an alarm problem. When I had the tumblers in the right location, if I opened the passenger door, the alarm would go off. The drivers door and trunk lock/unlock were fine with the alarm. Don't know if this is normal or not. Does anyone know?

I did not investigate why tumbler wont turn toward or try to lube. I may try lube or take it out and see if a locksmith can fix it ,then swap back if I can't figure out this alarm thing.

Thanks, Jeff

Jeff:
Gee, I have not had an alarm system problem for, abt. 3 or 4 months, It just quit working and I have not had the time to try and figure it out.
Da da, NEW PROJECT :
Under alarm system comes on while driving OR Alarm intermittently arms itself.
Ground connection, terminal 2, of alarm system control module 14 pin connector is spread apart and has poor or intermittent contact. Carefully tighten socket with pliers. Do not replace switches for this problem. Alarm control module is located in passengers footwell under floorboard.
ALSO,Trunk lock element out of adjustment causing central locking system to arm alarm system. ?????? (Maybe you should start with this one, when you use your key it sounds off, right?) Stepping on brake pedal or turning on the ignition switch sets off alarm. Adjust trunk lock element properly..

ALL E-CLASS Alarm intermittently arm by itself. Moister in alarm system electrical connectors in harness channels under front floor mats causes short circuits. Clean connectors and relocate to pillar areas.
WOW.
Much talk of corrosion and moisture. Think I'll start there, bout U??
Maybe this project will drive us nuts.
Later
Den

__________________
Den
1993 MB 300D 2.5
2001 VW Jetta TDI 5 spd.
2001 new bug TDI 5 spd.
Motorcycles

fish4stripers,

The alarm system needs to know if the door was opened with a key, or some other way (break in). Being that the alarm is electrical, generally there is an electrical switch somewhere on the lock mechanism to detect that the tumbler was turned with the key. So you need to find this switch and make sure it is connected, working, and the signal is getting through. A wiring diagram will be invaluable probably.

420 benz

Dressermans' advice sounds like it might apply to you also.

Mike

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

On the 124 chassis when you open the door, look at the area just above the latch assy., there should be three black plastic/rubber grommets, two round, the top one being oval in shape. Pop it out and check for a bare wire in there, this is part of the alarm system electrical stuff. One white wire goes right into the key door handle assembly, could be a problem in there.
Fun, wow.

__________________
Den
1993 MB 300D 2.5
2001 VW Jetta TDI 5 spd.
2001 new bug TDI 5 spd.
Motorcycles

Thanks Guys, some good leads to start with

more investigation needed, now ...been getting home from work after dark lately, taking off for the weekend....no time!!

have a great weekend!

My door is doing the same thing, opening when locked. Where is the lever located for access. I had my door panel off and outside door pull off this weekend and couldn't see any access for lever to straighten.
Thanks, Tom

__________________
'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.

Tom, you will have to pull the locking mechanism out and there is the lever that the key turns that moves the lock up and un lockin lever. Mine was bent just enough that when the key was turned it missed the lever, all the other doors locked but not the driver side.
You may have some other problem but that was mine.
Have fun.
Den

__________________
Den
1993 MB 300D 2.5
2001 VW Jetta TDI 5 spd.
2001 new bug TDI 5 spd.
Motorcycles