r129 1991, ordinary keys, how they work?

[Garista]

r129.
Hello, I have an early r129, 1991 German, it has no remote locking, 2 normal old fashioned keys, it all works fine, but I was wondering if it has vacuum operated central locking or not. If it does it does not seem to work. It has a glove box, the latch on it does not lock, the only thing that does lock with the key in the central lock on the dash is the small box on the dash I use for the stereo face. All else opens and closes only with the keys, or is just openable. The car does seem to have some orangey wires going to a rubbery box just above where the battery is. My only concern is the fuel filler flap stays accessible (maybe I will just get a lockable cap). But how is it supposed to work if if it does? What might be wrong with it, if anything? Thanks.

 

[mioba]

I would be more than certain its vacuum operated on a car of that era.
It could well be the previious owner changed out the glovebox and never thought to replace the lock from the old one over.

 

[Blobcat]

Yes, vacuum operated

 

[Garista]

Ok thanks.

I think the glovebox was falling open and the light in it was draining the battery, so the light wiring etc was out, not sure why it doesn't latch closed properly, yet. It closes with velcro!

So I guess if vacuum operated when locking the driver's door, it would normally also lock the passenger door? This would also lock the fuel flap I suppose.

 

[Blobcat]

Ok thanks.

I think the glovebox was falling open and the light in it was draining the battery, so the light wiring etc was out, not sure why it doesn't latch closed properly, yet. It closes with velcro!

So I guess if vacuum operated when locking the driver's door, it would normally also lock the passenger door? This would also lock the fuel flap I suppose.

Yes, along with the boot, glovebox and centre cubby box

 

[LostKiwi]

As mentioned it's air/vacuum driven via a pump in the boot just below the fuel filler (make sure the seal on the filler is good otherwise it leaks water into the pump and destroys it).
The pump operates doors, door bins, fuel flap, boot, cubby, centre console (with sliding cover), glovebox and sunglasses compartment via three separate air circuits.
One of the circuits also connects to the vacuum manifold in the module coffin which distributes vacuum to the heater vent motors. The manifold is prone to cracking at the end that's sealed with a ball bearing. It can easily be resealed using epoxy resin.