I have a 1992 SL500 with a driver's door that does not allow use of the seat controls, or interrior lights with the door opened. With the key in position 2, it works as normal. Thinking it was the door open/close sensor, on the door jamb, I swithced it with the one from the passenger side that was working. It didn't make a difference, the drivers door still does not reccogniize the door is opened. I took the door sensor out, and jumpered both wires together, and it still doesn't work.

Any ideas where I can go from here?

.....Also, the driver's seat headrest motor runs, but sounds like grinding. THe headrest does not go up or down. Has anyone replaced the headrest motor? big job? Where can I find one used?

Thanks for any help.

__________________
Schettini
1996 S420 (45,00O)
1994 SL320 (96,000)
1992 SL500 (82,000)
1990 300E (183,000)
1993 300E (99,000) sold
1988 190D (125,000) sold

The "warning" buzzer control unit passes that info to seat computer & dome lamp.

Most likely that unit is the problem.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

The module that M.B.Doc mentioned has a diode that blows out. This thread explains the problem and shows the fix including pictures of the circuit board and the diode: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1191684-interior-light-wont-come-when-drivers.html.

Your headreast motor is fine. The problem is likely a broken gear in the mechanism. The R129 Tech DVD available from MBUSA has instructions for removing and replacing this mechanism.