W124 TDT locking issue
 

This is strange: neither door lock nor the tailgate lock on my '87 W124 TDT will turn using the key. What would cause all three locks to become immobilized?

For the record, the central locking system works from the inside of the car (i.e., pushing down on the lock button will lock all doors).

Thoughts? Hoping there's a simple answer.

Many thanks,

Corvo Gold
87 W124 300TDT
88 W124 300CE
65 Corvair Corsa
65 Corvair Monza

Your key probably has a problem. Nothing is going to "immobilize" your locks, the key will override anything else in the system. Are you sure that the hatch and passenger side locks aren't seized up from lack of use and now the driver's door lock has finally failed? Been there, done that...

Two keys, neither of which turn any of the three locks. What you're suggesting would be a hell of a coincidence!

Anyone? What could be a common fault that would immobilize all three locks?

Many thanks,

Corvo Gold
87 W124 300TDT
88 W124 300CE
65 Corvair Corsa
65 Corvair Monza

I have two master (i.e., non-valet) keys. Neither key works in any of the three locks. Seems like a lot of coincidences for the problem to be either both keys wearing down or all three locks independently failing.

Many thanks,

Corvo Gold
87 W124 300TDT
88 W124 300CE
65 Corvair Corsa
65 Corvair Monz

As said before, there's nothing in the central locking system that will disable the locks in the car. It merely operates the lock stem with vacuum pods. The mechanical force in the automatic locks is pretty weak and is easily overridden with the key assuming something is amiss with that part of the system.

How often do you use the other locks that have now failed? If you have more than one Mercedes, it may be a good idea to verify that you're using the right key. I know it sounds dumb, but it happens even with the best of intentions.

When did a key last work in that car?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Wrong Key??
 

If the lock will not turn at all in doors/trunk. There is only 1 answer - wrong key. I cannot see any other reasons. If the key turns but does not lock or unlock the car then it is different problem.

There is more than 1 answer.

Like said above, all these locks can be seized up from dirt and lack of use. I've seen plenty of Mercedes locks that don't turn because they need repaired or replaced because of how old they are.

Really?? All locks happened at the same time. The OP should buy a lotto. Of course it could be a damaged key.

Vandalism?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Heh. I bought the car off of eBay. Wouldn't it be a kick in the pants if I received two keys that fit the ignition but not the doors. If that truly is the case, I wonder how cheap/easy that is to rectify.

Many thanks,

Corvo Gold
87 W124 300TDT
88 W124 300CE
65 Corvair Corsa
65 Corvair Monza

Take the title to any MB dealership and they'll order you a key by VIN. It was $37 including tax when I did it last year for my SDL. The ignition locks are a common thing to fail and get replaced with generic parts.

Contact the seller to see if they have another key or can explain the situation.

The only lock that you will not be able to fix easily is the wagon tailgate lock. All the other locks are common with sedans and available from the dealer.

I suspect that your ignition tumbler was replaced with either a used tumbler and the keys that go with it, or a generic tumbler and keys that go with it.

In your shoes, I'd order a replacement key from your local MB dealer (bring title and registration, in my area they like registration but others prefer the title it seems). That key will be "VIN-coded" to your car and should match all the locks. If that opens the doors and rear hatch, then you can go back and order a replacement ignition tumbler, and once installed you'll only need one key for doors and ignition.