Hi,

Over the past week its been a cold 20 degrees pretty much everyday in Rochester, NY. Man I miss those El-Nino and global warming.

Anyway....when I insert my key to the driver's side door, nothing happens. There is some movement on the door lock knobs on the window but it doesn't go up.

When I go to the passenger side lock and unlock the doors, everything works as normal, even for the driver's side.

Once inside, when I push down on the door lock knob, only the driver's side knob goes down but I can still open the door regardless of if the knob is up or down.

If someone sitting in the passenger side position pulls up the knob or pushs it down all the door knobs go up and down also.

Anyone got ideas on whats going on here? The only thing I remember doing was adding some de-icer fluid 2 days prior.

Also last night (car sat outside for 24hrs) when I started the car it didn't start the first time but started the second time. Let the car sit for 24 hrs and but this time no problems. The battery is only 2 months old.

Thanks,
Reny

94 E320

anyone?

i know the vaccuum lines are fine since they work correctly from the other passenger door

just doesn't work correctly from the drivers side

right now its annoying.....still trying to figure out the cause

Having just installed a keyless entry system and examined the circuitry, I must say locks could be a 3 credit college course (MB Locks 101). There is a switch associated with each keylock as well as door open switches at each entry point. Locking circuitry recognizes if the driver's side door is open or closed. Passenger side operation is different than driver's side. Further, presence of a factory alarm adds additional factors. Were I troubleshooting it , I would ascertain that the vacuum pump were operating. Then ascertain that the drivers door lock switch is operating. Then check that the driver's door open switch is working. Maybe I'm not adding to the knowledge pool but I do wish you good luck and warmer weather. Incidently, reading the artical on installing a keyless entry system may be of help since it deals with these problems.

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1993 MB190e 104k

It could be frozen moisture inside the locking mechanism/inner door. I've had problems with my lock(s) several times on and off during cold snaps.

Best solution I've found is to park the car inside a garage somewhere and use a hair dryer to dry the affected area. This usually works wonders. You need to remove/evaporate the moisture trapped in there, which is likely causing the problem.

My driver's door lock wasn't working for the past few months. Nothing could fix it - tried lubing it, drying it, brought it to my mechanic who opened it up and also couldn't fix it. Then the other day I tried it just for fun and it worked perfectly...so go figure.

Good luck...

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

I would endorse the above method dry it out and add some graphite lube via the key. If it continues to play up a replacement lock mechanism matched to key may be best option and is not too expensive.

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

Does the key actually turn freely? If not, one or more pins may be binding. I'd spray silicone lube into the keyhole, than wiggle the key in there to work it in. If that doesn't work, try a hairdryer to see if it is iced up. If that works, lube it again to displace the moisture.

Best of luck.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

thank u you because i was going a little crazy

i have no problem with the key going into the keyhole, just when i turn it doesn't do anything....but if u hold it long enough it does open all the windows...go figure

now if do the hair dyer thing....where do i point it?

on the body?
open the door on, point to the exposed lock part?
open up interior panel and point frm thay angle?

once again thank you for ur ideas !

Reny

Once in the keyhole, does it turn freely?

As for the hair dryer, just put the key in the keyhole, hold the dryer 1/2 inch away from the key, and blast it for 5 minutes on high. The heat will slowly be conducted into the lock mechanism. Hair dryer is a good choice because it is not too hot, so there is no damage potential.

Best of luck.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

see i can insert the key with no problem and turn to either side with no problem

just the door doesn't lock or unlock...also the little knob doesn't go up or down

doing it from the passenger side, the door behaves perfectly...unlocking and locking....well i'm not sure it really locks but i can see the little lock nobs go up and down

one new thing i have found is that when i lock the doors from the passenger side, i can still the driver's side door but the alarm goes off

That implies the lockset itself is ok, but there is a mechanical problem downstream.

The door panel probably needs to come off for investigation.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

took to my mech (good guy)

bad news....needs a new door latch...that means a new door lock with a new set of keys

i got a quote of $ 400

somethings are pointing to get a E420 :-)