BENZITCH

1989 420sel interior drivers door handle
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Hi
At present the drivers side interior door handle on the 1989 420SEL, is not retracting back to its resting position after you open the door.
The door will open but if you do not return it to the resting position the door does not close shut all the way.

It seems that when it is fully opened(extended in a 90 dgree angle) it(interiordoor handle) just won't return unless you assist it to do so. When it hits 45 degrees or so it continues to close as normal. At that time you can feel the spring or whatever pulls the handle back to the resting position.

My Mom drives this car, and I suspect she caught something on the handle ie: a pocket book strap or something, when she was either entering or exiting the car.
She is not sure(or just not talking!).

Before opening the dooe panel up, is there anyone with some advice or a possible solution?

PS Hate to disturb stuff that has never been off since being installed 20 plus years ago.

Thanks
Bruce

BENZITCH

No One?

morris374

i know no ones seems to want to give any advise!

it sounds the like the spring that makes the handle retract is hyper extended u probably will have to take the door panel off the to c whats really going on

BENZITCH

Funny one of the best cars MB ever made, and there isn't many of us 126'ers on this forum.

PS Use a universal to get to the rear left plug.

MA Mechanic

all right take it easy i have the same car but an 87 with the same problem, i think theres a spring in there that you just have to reset back on the crome part of the handle, there are many 126'ers here and yes they are the best MB ever made, they drive like nothing else

BENZITCH

Thanks guy. I have to take it apart and see what is what.

tbjcc001

Of course you'll have to remove the panel to check & reset it correctly!

What seems to be happening is that the ROD which attaches to the locking mechanism, spring, interior handle & button is askew or binding.

1) Have you noticed any delay or noise with the window?
2) Is it possible that the panel itself is NOT completely seated in the groove where it meshes with the window glass?
3) Are you having a problem with the door lock when the key is used?
4) Is your interior door panel loose?
5) Is your door striker aligned correctly?
6) Does your door lock require cleaning or oiling?

Check the screws that secure the panel & handle to the door frame & see if they're loose or TOO tight! Check the cover around the handle to see if the retaining tabs are possibly broken. Also, there are plastic tabs which attach to the door frame & secure this ROD in its proper alignment. The sound & weather-proofing materials may have come loose beneath the panel causing this condition!

Be careful when removing the door panel because IT'S VERY COMMON TO BREAK THE SECURING TABS!!

Again, you will HAVE to remove the panel to correct the issue but you'll find the return action at the back of the door where the lock meets the striker. At the drivers door you WILL have the anti-theft barrier to deal with just take your time.............

Hope this helps! Call back if you need further 'WE ARE ALWAYS HERE"!