sbrach

So the front passenger door lock stopped working electrically a couple weeks ago on my wife's 2011 GL550. No problem, I think to myself, probably just an solenoid or something. Cue the google search and shock at the need to purchase the entire door lock assembly for roughly $600.

Well before I dropped that much I decided to open up the door to see if I could find anything else it could be.

So I dig in, remove the door panel, remove the door handle, remove the regulator, and eventually get to here.




Destroying a few plastic rivets allows you to remove the door lock actuator assembly.



After releasing plenty of plastic and metal tabs and a staked metal post you can actually get this apart and get the motor out. I found a dirty armature and brushes inside a chinese motor.







A dremel with a brass wire brush and some alcohol and it cleaned up nicely.


Putting it back together will require some ingenuity as far as the plastic rivets go but if you got this far that should be the least of your worries.

Hope this helps someone.

OUZO Power

Did you have to cut or dremel anything to get to the motor? Or was it a matter of just pulling things apart that are snapped together?


I'm having the same problem. My driver side lock is dead on my ML550.

Captincvmn

So sbrach, how is the door skin attached? I have to do surgery on my passenger rear door ('07) and I'm hesitant to start ripping and tugging. I see no hidden screws to start at. My lock has the chatters when it is locked electrically from the unlocked position. When it's manually locked and then receives the lock signal/voltage it pulses and stays down. I'm thinking it's weak?

OUZO Power

THERE IS NO WAY you can open the existing lick mechanism without breaking the casing and releasing all the spring loaded parts.

Captincvmn

i don't want to split the actuator I just want to get the door skin off.

OUZO Power

Many examples on YouTube.

Captincvmn

Looks like the secret screws are behind that chrome strip, that's what I'm missing. I also love his little Mercedes bib overalls. I wonder why they're not all greasy? I guess he is the door guy.

ducatiearl

if you break the ribbon wires in the inner panel it is $75 -yaa i did it -and i found the actuator for $300 online