W124 230TE Drivers door lock help

[rvmac]

Just bought a W124 230TE and just joined the forum.

The drivers door lock will not open when I first try to get into the car, and I gain entry by using the passenger door lock to activate the central locking.After driving the car for about an hour,I will try the door lock and it has freed itself and then will work fine. Today is the second consective day this has happend. Is this fault one I could rectify? Thanks.

 

[wscheffer]

Welcome to the forum!

Can you use the drivers side door when you use your key in the passenger door for the first time. If not the most likely it is the actuator that is at fault.

If you can gain access through the drivers side door after activating central locking though you passenger side door then more than likely it is the outer door lock assembly that is at fault.

 

[rvmac]

Thanks William,

I can gain entry to the drivers side door after activating the central locking on the passengers side - so I guess it could be the outer lock assembly - is this assembly difficult to obtain ? And, is it easy to fit?

Thanks again in advance,

Glynne.

 

[television]

This could just be dirty contacts on the drivers lock on the inside.

 

[wscheffer]

As Malcolm says it could be just dirty contacts, and before ordering any parts it is always good practice to clean the contacts first and examine the parts to know exactly where the fault lies.

If this fails to work for you and you find that you do need the outer door lock assembly. The assembly is a keyed item and must be ordered through the dealer.

The dealer will order this off the VIN and it will come pre-keyed no need for a lock smith, but a little pricey. You will also have to let the dealer know if the car is equipped with MB's alarm system.

Changing the outer lock assembly:

1. Push out the closing cap located near the outer door skin.

2. After cap is removed unscrew the screw to loosen the handle

3. Knock the door handle forward with the ball of you thumb.

4. After the door handle is forward insert your key and turn it 50 degrees to the rear and remove the door handle.

5. On new handle adjust the front fastening screw to the thickness of the doors sheet metal

6. Insert the door handle at front fastening point

7. Insert door handle at the rear while turning your key 50 degrees to the rear again. And insert the turning rod into the turning nut located on the lock

Hope this helps

 

[rvmac]

Thanks to you both - It has been working as it should for the last two days, however, if it does start to play up I will do the cleaning of the dirty contacts/ outer lock proceedure.

Most helpful,

Glynne.