S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

Locked OUT 98 W140 S420

Old Mar 2, 2023 | 04:39 PM
  #1  
TysonEtc's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
w140 s420
Locked OUT 98 W140 S420

Hello everyone hopefully someone can help. My 1998 S420 has all the doors locked I can only open the trunk manually. The vacuum pump seems to have failed. The latch on the trunk is stuck inside. I replaced the car battery and my key fob works. (lights flash as if door locking mechanism works) When I try to turn the key in the driver door nothing happens. Windows will not go down. I only have master key. Fuses are not blown, I also tried to remove and replace in hope of pump resetting. Nothing happened, Hopefully someone can help Thank you
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2023 | 02:38 PM
  #2  
Alex-587's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Oxford
W140 300SE / 1993
I have never experienced this issue before, but if you are able to fully open the trunk, I would suggest locating the sun roof release.
It is a flap, usually on the left side of the trunk. (Google "W140 emergency sunroof release" to get a guide on your exact model of vehicle.)
I have attached a picture from the manual which shows the tool. It should have come with the car, but if you don't have it anymore, you will need a 16mm tube spanner,
needs to be at least 170-200mm. You can then spin the gear which will allow you to open the sunroof.
Beware that you need to do this manually and not with a power tool as it may strip the wormgear.
You will then be able to jump through the sunroof and manually open the doors from the inside.
(This is assuming that your sunroof is able to open and not broken)

Sunroof release


You can also locate the vacuum pump to try and test it. (Note: You have to remove the fuses about 30sec - 1min to reset the system)
There are other threads on where to find/remove it. Once you have the pump located, there should be markings on it such as: ZV, RH, FKS, etc
The ZV which I assume stands for "Zentralverriegelung" in german, is used for the locking system. (Not soft-close!)
Depending on the model of the pump there will be 5-6 vacuum lines going to each of the door mechanisms or one line from the pump going to a distributor and then the doors.
If you lock/unlock the vehicle the pump should make an audible sound and pressure applied to the ZV lines.
If the motor has failed it is possible to replace it without buying a new pump assembly.

Hope this helps!
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2023 | 02:58 PM
  #3  
DEALER.'s Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
W221
Hi!

Have checked in trunk right side fuses
You need check fuse number:3
Spoiler
 
Pump for central locks is located in saloon under see video.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2023 | 02:00 AM
  #4  
shopcarpro's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Ibaraki , Japan
S600L , 500 SEC -W140 , S500-W220, S550 -W221, SL500-R129, SL450,380 etc. W107
I was in same situation and was managed to pop the L.Rr lock with a slim Jim.

You will have to study the mechanism from another car which I did since, I own few W140s.

If I remember correct , I had to push a linkage horizontally rearward to get the lock to pop up.

Need to take the window scraper rubber out frm door.

Good luck.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:40 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE