tongster

The front driver door will not lock/unlock electronically, meaning key fob, exterior handle touch (Keyless Go), interior buttons, or the autolock while driving will not actuate the driver door bullet plunger. All of the other door plungers will actuate (lock/unlock) as expected with any of the aforementioned methods, just not happening with the driver door. Pulling on the interior handle will raise the bullet plunger up and unlock successfully so the manual mechanism part works. Tried to used the key that's attached to the remote to manually lock/unlock the door and it was too difficult to turn and I didn't want to break the key inside the keyhole.

A Mercedes service dealer mentioned that the likely part that needs changing is the door latch mechanism.

Anyone have a test method to determine this type of issue?

Thanks in advance for the help!

carlosrg

This is a common issue on most cars.. the actuator controlling the auto door unlock. It maybe just a broken spring.. I know this probably taboo but another forum goes into this issue in detail.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w164...pair-kits.html

Here is a video on replacing the spring

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...VjEt_ExuFKBx7g

tongster

Thanks for the suggestion Carlosrg. I've had the broken spring issue on my ML320 where the plunger goes frantically up and down (aka machine gun) and this issue with my GL450 doesn't do anything close to that. The plunger simply doesn't move unless manually actuated or using the interior door handle with plunger is down. Going to open the door panel this weekend and any other suggestions is much appreciated.

tongster

There's no sound coming from the door motor when pushing the buttons. I've taken the door panel apart and removed the internal panel that holds the latch. I'm told by the dealer that the latch is the part that typically needs to be replaced. Anyone else have had this problem resolved? The spring for the plunger/latch is still in perfect condition.

kaaz

Were you able to find out what's wrong? I'm having the same issue. I've searched the forums and google and can't find anything.

kaaz

Just for an update, I opened up the door and replaced the actuator. Problem solved. So I guess these cars don't have the bouncy lock problem but the actuator can suddenly fail with no warning.

sbrach

Sorry to bump an old thread but did you have to replace the entire mechanism for ~$500 or were you able to just replace the actuator?

Thanks

kaaz

The actuator comes as the entire thing unfortunately. I got a used unit and replaced it for $200 if I remember correctly. Mercedes parts are ridiculously over priced for the garbage quality they are. I would suggest you shop around online or even get quotes from NAPA auto parts, Autozone, etc. Don't pay $500 for some garbage that will likely fail down the line again.

sbrach

Thanks for the reply. I couldn't find one other than OEM so I decided to take it apart and see if I could repair the actuator itself. Turns out it was just dirty brushes on a chinese DC motor. I made a thread.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...epair-0-a.html