Help please E280 Central locking does not work

[tomjamie]

Hi everyone this is my 1st visit to this forum hope I can contribute to it in the future. I have a E280 1996 & the central locking has just stopped working. I bought the car 2 years ago with only 1 key, also that key does not manually lock the boot only the drivers door, so at present I cannot lock the boot at all.
A few days ago when I operated the central locking there was a creaking sound I think from the locking petrol cap. Just after that the Central locking failed plus the car was immobilized so I could not start it. I changed the batteries in the remote but still no good so I disconnected the cars main battery then reconnected it & the car started ok with flashers & interior mirror lights working ok but still the central locking does not operate.
I have checked the fuses under the bonnet & under the rear seat near the battery. they seem ok/
Now I am stuck & would appreciate any advice please, hope to hear from you soon regards tom

 

[elder]

If you have a vacuum activated locking system check to see if there are any cracked or leaking lines. If so use patch by sliding fine rubber tubing over both ends of the break.

You might also want to locate the vacuum pump and see that it is running.

I've not worked on your model but have had a similar problem with a vacuum activated Benz locking system

 

[brandwooddixon]

The pump is under the rear seat squab, right hand side(looking from the back of the car). You'll find a latch each side at the bottom which when undone will allow you to lift and pull the seat out.

Your boot lock may just be siezed through lack of use, patience and judicious use of a light oil and the key will eventually get it working again.

Note there is a third fuse box at one end of the dash, drivers side.

 

[Aussie Nick]

Are you sure the keyfob is operating. You would be well advised to test the key fob by operating it in front of the lens of a digital camera to see if it is operating. The fact you have replaced the batteries does not mean that it is transmitting a signal.

 

[tomjamie]

Hi everyone many many thanks for your excellent replies really appreciated,for some reason the Central locking has started working again today but then the petrol cap lock became impossible to open. I have since managed to open it & have applied WD 40 to the mechanism & it is fine for now at least, no more creaking from that area & central locking ok many many thanks again regards Tom.

 

[tomjamie]

Thank you for your kind reply regards Tom

 

[Cosworth]

If the petrol cap ever gets stuck, you can pull a red lever from inside the boot towards the petrol tank intake.

 

[tomjamie]

Many thanks for excellent advice think it was lack of use as you said regards tom

 

[tomjamie]

Thanks Aussie nick good luck mate regards tom

 

[tomjamie]

Thank you I did not know that regards Tom

 

[Aussie Nick]

Warning Tom. Do NOT spray WD40 Into ignition lock under any circumstances