5.0 Rating on 
Do you have an issue with the Mercedes door lock or unlock system? Does it sometimes function and at other times fail to respond? If you are struggling with intermittent or non-functioning door locks in your Mercedes, you may be facing a vacuum door lock issue. While this may seem a bit complex, this is actually a fairly simple system and once you know how it is constructed, it is much easier to repair. Here are some ways to diagnose door lock issues and how to get them repaired properly.
A Guide to Mercedes Vacuum Door Locks
Mercedes-Benz cars, particularly the earlier models, use a vacuum-based locking system for the central locking mechanism. Unlike most systems that are fully electrical, this one uses air pressure (or the lack of it) to either lock or unlock your doors. The vacuum pump generates vacuum and directs it through a tubing and solenoids that control each door or the trunk. When everything is as it should be, this system is efficient and dependable. However, when there is an issue, for example, a leakage in the actuator, the entire system is impacted.
Diagnosing the Problem
- Inspecting for Leaks: A little hole in one of the vacuum lines can be a big issue. These lines are usually behind the panels or under the carpet and it may require a lot of effort, and sometimes smoke, to determine where exactly the leak is coming from.
- Checking Every Door Control: Every door in the car has a small mechanism that controls the lock and unlocks it using vacuum pressure. In the long run, they may wear out or the seals within the actuators may develop leaks. If the actuator is out of order, it means the pressure for the whole system will be affected.
How the Vacuum Door Lock Problem Gets Fixed
To repair a vacuum door lock system in a Mercedes, one needs to identify the problem first. The first thing that a mechanic has to do is to check for any vacuum leaks using equipment that has been specially designed for the purpose. From there, the pump, the lines and the actuators are checked to determine which part has to be repaired or replaced.
Once the defective part is located, the repair is often possible without having to replace the whole system. If the pump is weak, then a new one is fitted. But if it is a bad actuator, then only that particular door’s component is changed. When a vacuum line leaks, new vacuum hoses are put in place to ensure that correct pressure is maintained.
Can You Fix It Yourself?
There are certain simple things that can be done at home such as checking the fuse or listening for unusual sounds. However, most vacuum system repairs involve removing door panels, tracking hoses and testing parts that are often hard to access. For that reason, many Mercedes owners prefer to take their cars to a specialist.
Visit Us For A Professional Mercedes Vacuum Door Lock Repair in West Palm Beach
When it comes to something as specific as Mercedes vacuum door locks, you need a repair shop that understands the system. MotorHaus in West Palm Beach, FL is a dealership alternative service center that deals in European cars like Mercedes. Our staff understands where to look for vacuum lock problems and can easily identify if the problem is from the pump, actuators, hoses or from the control unit. We do not use guesswork in our approach; we are very meticulous and we will run a thorough inspection on the vacuum system to locate the leak (if any) and ensure that the locks work effectively as intended.
Whether you own a brand new Mercedes or an old classic, our technicians are capable of restoring your car’s locking system to its former glory. If your Mercedes is not locking as it used to, then it is high time that you seek the services of people who understand the system. Call us now or stop at our workshop to schedule your appointment and have your Mercedes inspected by professional mechanics who understand the language of German automobiles.
