How to Replace Door Check Strap Module
 

Mercedes 1986 420SEL

Help Please; Door stuck in open position, (kinda hard to drive this way)Need help in replacing door check strap module. How to remove door panel and access the module.
Next where to purchase the part?

I'm pretty sure all you need to do is remove the pin holding it to the door jam (may have a clip holding the bottom of the pin), and the two large screws or bolts that hold it in the door, also from the door jam area.

That being said, I haven't done it on my car yet, so I may be off track on this.

Here is how you do a 140, should be similar. Your friendly MB dealer should have it, and maybe Peach
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W140DoorCheck

And if your car is like my 87 W124 the plastic is very very fragile. I think you have to remove inner door panel to get at 3rd screw. The part # maybe 126 720 00 16.

Hi Josh,
Before I called AAA for a "Lift" I removed the pin from the module and the 2 bolts holding the housing (from the outside) Nothing was going to budge the strap and the door is open and extended completely..... FROZEN, something inside this unit is broken.
Arriving home after the AAA delivery: I didn't know a Door Check Strap Module from the wheels,... (joke) Only internet research told me what this %^&*( was, "A Door Check Strap Module.
Seems this unit is the same on all 4 doors, research indicates there is one more bolt holding the unit in place, inside the door panel. This is in addition to the pin and 2 bolts I've already removed.
By hook and crook, I have it down to the panel loose except at the hinge side of the panel (at the module end) According to notes from the internet, it should now lift up and off.
I'm not sure how to proceed? I must have access to the interior of the door in order to access the defective Door Check Strap Module.
I've considered a hacksaw in order to at least close the door once the strap is eliminated!
Kan't drive down the road with the drivers door extended and without another AAA "Lift" I can't drive it to seek help.

Suggestions anyone?

Thanks team,
If I could get the inside panel off, I could get at the Door Check Strap module, I've got it that far and I'm stuck.
I will order the module from Peaches on Monday, that is not a problem.

Any suggestions for the last step of removing the door panel?
I've got it to something on the hinge side of the panel still hanging on. The left side had an "L" type clip simply holding the side, lifting upward released same.
The right side, (hinge side) is moving upward 1/2 inch or so. What is holding the right side of the panel?

Thread here:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/155585-94-w124-door-panel-removal-door-check-replacement-map-pocket-fix-diy.html

shows how to do this.

Sounds like you are almost done. Once you remove the offending strap you can drive again until the new piece arrives.

The third bolt is easily accessed.

Note of caution though: I just did 2 of these on our W124 and the replacement strap had a slightly larger bolt spread. By this I mean, lets say the distance between the two exposed bolts is 75mm. The new strap had a spread of 75.5mm. The bolts would NOT go in.

Solution:
I used a die grinder with a 5mm (roughly) metal bit to fit into the hole. I ovaled the holes another .5mm (+/-) and it was good.
you could also use a drill bit angled up and down to make the same oval.

Just be prepared. Dont let the inaccurate bolt spread ruin your day.

Removal of the door panel is the most difficult part of this job. Once all offending pieces are removed, it simply lifts up, but mine was hanging on for dear life ! I thought about giving up after the first couple 15 minute fights with it.

Note: dont forget the trim at the door catch and the trim around/over the door release handle and the seat switch.

handle must have release cable popped up and then slide it forward to remove.

Seat switch, carefully pop all the button off (be ready to catch them, the first one went flying for me). Note that there may be a retaining ring around the center pin of the seat switch. You must remove this prior to removing the trim. I just did this last night so its fresh. :)


Advice for reinstall:
with the panel loose from the car, take little bits of painters tape and place them on the finish side of the panel to mark where each of the "J" clips are located. This will help re installation of the panel.

best of luck.
have a beverage of choice on hand, hold all calls, take a deep breathe, and dont be in a hurry.

Tools needed:
plastic trim tools (if available) (cheap from harbor freight).
small pick or screw driver with some tape on it to reduce scratches.
Phillips screw driver (#2).
10MM socket (Short extension and ratchet also needed, 1/4" drive is best).
drift/punch
hammer
Short stool or 5 gal bucket (to sit on).
small box for hardware and little bits.
Beer to soothe nerves.
Camera to document your success.

Good luck.

YAHOO !! Not the internet browser either,...

By Jove I'v gott It!

Thank you team, I've got the panel off and the defective part in my hand. Now for a replacement part.

Thank yo

feels good doesnt it?

Let us know how it goes back together.