IR door lock sensor window repair ???
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 15
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From: Marietta , Ga
2014 E350, 2001 320 SLK , 1997E 420 1987 560 SL
Any way to repair or replace IR door lock sensor window ????
I have a 1997 E420. The Clear plastic window the covers up the infrared door lock sensor has gotten very cloudy. Has anyone figured out a clever way just to replace or repair the little window over the infrared sensor.
Last edited by Dent6666; Jan 25, 2015 at 11:19 PM. Reason: Clarity
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Marietta , Ga
2014 E350, 2001 320 SLK , 1997E 420 1987 560 SL
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
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97 E320
I just picked up a 97 E320 and this thing evidently had the same issue. At one point the clear cover had cracked so the PPO had pulled the broken pieces out and smeared clear silicone sealer over the sensor (yeah). This worked for a while and eventually he gave the car to his son, it worked okay for him for some time but soon after that the sensor stopped working. Then shortly after some heavy rain, all the IR sensors stopped working. After I got the car, I got the mirror and trunk sensors working by disconnecting the battery for a bit.
I suppose you could try a little headlight cleaner or polish on the lens and see what happens. My trunk sensor is also getting cloudy and I have considered the polish thing but the lens is a little loose and there is some concern of the polish seeping into the electronics. I may have to try a bit of sealer around the edges.
The PO told me he priced a new door sensor from Benz and was told $450 for the part, does this sound right to you guys?
I suppose you could try a little headlight cleaner or polish on the lens and see what happens. My trunk sensor is also getting cloudy and I have considered the polish thing but the lens is a little loose and there is some concern of the polish seeping into the electronics. I may have to try a bit of sealer around the edges.
The PO told me he priced a new door sensor from Benz and was told $450 for the part, does this sound right to you guys?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 23
1997 E300D
The drivers door sensor on my '97 is also broken out and does not function. Just aiming the remote at the rear view mirror works in my case. I would fix the sensor if I could figure out how. Most of the DIY repairs I see are for later year cars which have a key slot on the drivers side in addition to the sensor. Does anyone know how the sensor is removed on the '97?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
97 E320
The drivers door sensor on my '97 is also broken out and does not function. Just aiming the remote at the rear view mirror works in my case. I would fix the sensor if I could figure out how. Most of the DIY repairs I see are for later year cars which have a key slot on the drivers side in addition to the sensor. Does anyone know how the sensor is removed on the '97?
Yes, very easily, just had mine out. All you have to do is open the door, gently pull the rubber weatherstrip away and there is an access hole hidden behind the rubber. You must insert a long 4mm (I think) allen tool into this hole and unscrew the screw that secures this sensor piece to the outside of the door. Gently wiggle and pull the sensor loose from the door while you unscrew, the screw is captive and will remain in its holder in the door as long as you don't unscrew it too far, once the sensor is free stop unscrewing. The electrical connector that plugs into the sensor is held in place in the door, mine wanted to slide out of its holder, just slide it back in if it does.
There is no need to pull the door panel. (forehead slap)
