How to Deal With Vacuum Door Lock Failure in a Mercedes

Posted on | 6 May 2020 By Anita Gaal

If you have a Mercedes, one issue you may come across is vacuum door lock failure. When you experience a problem with your Mercedes, you can’t take them to any garage. Your Mercedes requires specific care. At Euro Automotive we specialize in European vehicles, so let’s take a look at vacuum door lock failures and discuss signs of breakdown.

The Function of the Vacuum Door Lock

The vacuum door lock is a feature that was originally designed by Mercedes. Instead of turning gears inside a lock, an actuator forces air through tubes. The technology is vacuum-based and is able to lock all the doors at once.

This type of lock serves 2 purposes. It is a simple way to lock all the doors simultaneously and is also a protective feature that keeps the doors locked until the master lock is disengaged. This makes it less likely for thieves to gain access to your car.

This system has no electrical components. However, after time, it is not uncommon to experience mechanical failure.

Symptoms of a Failing Vacuum Door Lock

Failure of your vacuum door lock will probably not happen all at once. Instead, you may begin to experience symptoms. The door locks will begin to fail separately. One door may have trouble locking or unlocking, then another one. If you begin to have an issue with one door, it’s probably an indication of vacuum door lock failure. Call us to schedule an appointment to have the issue fixed before it becomes a major problem.

Common symptoms to look out for:

• doors lock erratically
• issues unlocking doors
• noises coming from inside the door

Reasons for Vacuum Door Lock Failure

The vacuum door lock system is made up of many components. Any of them could fail, which will leave your car unlocked and vulnerable to thieves. Below are a few reasons you may experience door lock failure in your Mercedes.

Faulty Actuators

Each door has its own actuator. If one fails and begins to leak, you will have problems locking and unlocking the door. In some cases, the actuator can be fixed, but it is often quicker and cheaper to replace the part.

Pump Failure

The vacuum pump controls the air that triggers the locks. When it fails, you will not be able to lock or unlock the doors.

Age

All components will experience wear, and fail over time. Many components in the vacuum door lock system are made from plastic. The plastic often dries out and becomes brittle. The components crack and break apart, which leads to failure. The door lock airlines also wear out and begin to leak. This leads to a lack of air pressure which can make it impossible to lock the doors.

Bad Wiring

The vacuum pump is often located under the passenger seat. When the seat is moved, it can cause the wires to become loose or disconnected. The wires can also corrode due to moisture and become unattached from vibration.

Diagnosing the Failure

Vacuum door lock failure is common in older vehicles. Any of the components in the system can fail. When one does, you will have issues locking and unlocking your doors. Most components are easy to replace. But it isn’t possible to tell which has failed without proper diagnostics.

At Euro Automotive, our expert mechanics specialize in luxury European cars. Whether you are looking for routine maintenance or are experiencing vacuum door lock failure, we can help. You do not have to take your Mercedes to a dealership for service. We can take care of all your service needs quicker and cheaper.

Call Us Today

You should lock your Mercedes every time you leave your vehicle unattended. Most burglaries are a crime of opportunity. It isn’t unheard of to have a window smashed to gain access, but it is a lot less likely. Thieves don’t want to be seen or heard.

Here at Euro Automotive, we are experts in European auto and repair services. Call us today to schedule your appointment. You can reach us on (214) 956-7744 or visit us at 3421 W. Northwest Hwy. We proudly serve the areas of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX.