I just bought my 1980 280se, and have a long list of (hopefully) minor repairs.
One that is relatively high on this list, now that it's in drivable condition is this:

One of my rear door locks doesn't work.
i cant push the lock in at all.
does anybody have any guesses/fixes?

to correct forum..


Door LOCK issues, link thread.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/158363-door-lock-issues-link-thread.html#post1214456

Its a vacuum leak, you need to get your Mitty vac out and start hunting it down. You probably have to pull the door panal to get to the actuator.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

A vacuum leak would keep him from being able to manually lock the door?

On my SD, the power lock system is erratic at best, but I can always use my fingers, other than trying to lock an open driver's door.

I'd be looking at something binding up in the lock linkage, personally, but I could well be off track.

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-Josh
Testing the cheap Mercedes axiom, one bolt at a time...

Oh didn't read it close enough, its probably the actuator.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

i think i figured it out.
i have a multi-faceted problem (the whole car is, but that's besides the point...)
the rear door lock just needed some lubricant.
the trunk lock...i think i mentioned i can't lock it (luckily, it's unlocked already...) can't be locked, hopefully (please, car gods, please!) because i have only one key, which could be the valet key. i don't know this for sure, but i'm going to buy a new set of keys soon, i should find out then.

but. now to the point.

i am quite sure my vacuum system doesn't work.
actually, 100% sure, because i have to lock/unlock everything manually.
i hear other people talking about "hearing it cycle"
nothing. i don't hear anything when i lock from any door. does that mean the whole system is dead? taken out maybe? in other words, the real question, where do i start looking if it seems i don't have a vacuum system, or that it's completely disabled?

Read the link in post #2, it has all the data you should need to repair the system..

It would help for members to know what state you are in.
A local person may offer hands-on help..