230ce coup

[bricklayer]

the central locking has stopped working , i have checket the fuses they seem ok.

the car is an 230ce pillarles coup two door and 1985 in year.

how does the central locking work and any help on fixing

many thanks

 

[C220GJS]

You say you have checked your fuses, but the type of fuse fitted to your car is notorious for losing contact due to corrosion. The only way to be sure is to remove the fuses then clean the contacts and holders,this simple procedure has cured many an obscure electrical problem in the past.
But as far as I can see your central locking is powered by engine vacuum so your problem may be a leak in the system, see here ; http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...215717.401&CT=F&cat=223&SID=80&SGR=045&SGN=02
Geo.

 

[bricklayer]

many thanks for the prompt reply, as i say i looked at them at in the fuesbox but will take them out and cleen them i cant see a referanc to the central locking with the fues,as to see which one it is.

i onley have the handbook but it may be worth cleaing them all.

many thanks again

 

[jberks]

I was not aware of any electrical involvement in a 123. Later models such as the 124 had electrical vacuum pumps to operate the system but from memory, the 123 has a vacuum reserve and once depleted, that's it until the engine is fired up. If you have a leak, it simply won't work.

I'm going on the fact that in 1980 I played with my Dad's week old W123. Whilst mucking about, I locked and unlocked the doors a few times in succession and then it just stopped working. I thought I'd broken it and was very relived to see the buttons come up when he started the engine.
Anyway I don't think fuses will help in this instance.

 

[Silver Arrow]

I remember that my old '84 123 had vacuum central locking.
Check first for a leak. Most likely there is a hose perished somewhere.

 

[C220GJS]

Please read the second paragraph of my post.I was only making a general observation about the fuses.
Geo.

 

[stever]

The most common failure is the vacuum diaphragm in the passenger door - the rubber perishes with age. Fortunately replacement is fairly straightforward and the parts are still available. Are the other vacuum items working? E.g the seatback locks.

 

[bricklayer]

idont know what other items work with the vacuum what are the seatback locks

 

[jberks]

Headlight adjuster is a good one.

 

[bricklayer]

the headlight adjuster works ok if thats off the same line.
when i get some free time i will take the pasenger door off and have a look.

many thanks for all the replys.

happy christmas and new year to you all

 

[stever]

There are two vacuum diaphragms under each front seat that holds the seat back in position and stops it tipping forward. It only works with the engine running and both doors closed. Check it, as it's an MOT failure if it doesn't work.

 

[turnipsock]

the headlight adjuster works ok if thats off the same line.
when i get some free time i will take the pasenger door off and have a look.

many thanks for all the replys.

happy christmas and new year to you all

I wouldn't go to the length of removing the door, the lining will be enough.

I think that MB must have had probs with this system and changed it for the 124 so that it had it's own pump.

The 123 system depends on there being few leaks. If the car was sitting for a while then the central locking would probably not work. Does it work if you try it straight after switching off the engine?