My 98 W210 wagon has a "ghost in the machine" in that the door locks and interior lights go on and off at random times while driving.

Basically, for no reason (doors all closed), the power locks will lock and unlock and the interior light will come on & off several times a trip. It's as if a door is being opened and closed while driving.

This has been happening intermitantly for a few months, but has recently become worse.

Already did a search and no luck. Anyone else have ghosts or know what might be going on?

Aloha.

I have seen a few door entry switches fail and cause this. Which one? You have a 25% chance!

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Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Thanks for your dedicated attention to this board Donnie,

I will test the switches and report back.

I have tested all the door switches and they appear fine, although the nature of intermitant problems means there could still be a problem with a switch.

Also, the lights do not come on and off when the car is parked, as one would assume they would if it was a switch problem. If the switch is bad, it should be bad with the car off or on, and that is not the case.

Are these on a dedicated circuit design or a "bus" type configuration?

Thanks again.

Many times the problem isn't a BAD switch, but a switch that isn't being depressed far enough. Try closing the doors to the first dentent & then slowly pushing against the door to see just when the light will go out from EACH of the doors!

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M.B. DOC, you were correct! The drivers door was not aligned flush enough with the body. Just slightly though.

I repositioned the door post inward by a small amount and that has stopped the ghost. Body flex must have been just enough to open and close the switch.

Thank you both, for the help.