SL/R129: New owner PSE/central locking questions
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 62
From: Bethesda, MD
2000 SL500
New owner PSE/central locking questions
Hi all,
did some searching but wanted to verify my thoughts…
I can’t lock, unlock, or pop trunk with key (no noise from pump) but the lights flash as if it’s trying to lock and unlock.
when I manually insert the key, when I hold the key to lock or unlock position the other door doesn’t unlock and the windows don’t open (unlock) or close (lock)
when I push the lock/unlock from inside the car I hear the pump running (first time for about a minute second time just for a few seconds) but the doors don’t lock or unlock (neither one)
the trunk pops when I push the trunk open button from inside the car right away
this leads me to believe I have a leak but is it likely a leak for both doors? Why doesn’t the pump kick on when I try to use the key fob at all?
Why doesn’t unlock and holding the key while inserted roll down the windows and unlock the passenger door?
Any thoughts would be appreciated
did some searching but wanted to verify my thoughts…
I can’t lock, unlock, or pop trunk with key (no noise from pump) but the lights flash as if it’s trying to lock and unlock.
when I manually insert the key, when I hold the key to lock or unlock position the other door doesn’t unlock and the windows don’t open (unlock) or close (lock)
when I push the lock/unlock from inside the car I hear the pump running (first time for about a minute second time just for a few seconds) but the doors don’t lock or unlock (neither one)
the trunk pops when I push the trunk open button from inside the car right away
this leads me to believe I have a leak but is it likely a leak for both doors? Why doesn’t the pump kick on when I try to use the key fob at all?
Why doesn’t unlock and holding the key while inserted roll down the windows and unlock the passenger door?
Any thoughts would be appreciated
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 701
Likes: 207
From: Lutz, FL
1997 MB SL600
Check to see if the lock vacuum pods don't leak.
Open the trunk and access the PSE, look for faulty vacuum connections.
The PSE also assists the other vacuum devices in the car and supplements the valve block in the engine compartment. My line to the front VB from the PSE was compromised and I had to replace the line. About 5 years ago, I had to replace the PSE itself.
It's a really cool system, but you do need to start understanding it so you can fix it. Could be leaking anywhere.
Open the trunk and access the PSE, look for faulty vacuum connections.
The PSE also assists the other vacuum devices in the car and supplements the valve block in the engine compartment. My line to the front VB from the PSE was compromised and I had to replace the line. About 5 years ago, I had to replace the PSE itself.
It's a really cool system, but you do need to start understanding it so you can fix it. Could be leaking anywhere.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 62
From: Bethesda, MD
2000 SL500
Check to see if the lock vacuum pods don't leak.
Open the trunk and access the PSE, look for faulty vacuum connections.
The PSE also assists the other vacuum devices in the car and supplements the valve block in the engine compartment. My line to the front VB from the PSE was compromised and I had to replace the line. About 5 years ago, I had to replace the PSE itself.
It's a really cool system, but you do need to start understanding it so you can fix it. Could be leaking anywhere.
Open the trunk and access the PSE, look for faulty vacuum connections.
The PSE also assists the other vacuum devices in the car and supplements the valve block in the engine compartment. My line to the front VB from the PSE was compromised and I had to replace the line. About 5 years ago, I had to replace the PSE itself.
It's a really cool system, but you do need to start understanding it so you can fix it. Could be leaking anywhere.
any idea why the key doesn’t engage the pump at all and it only works with the buttons inside the vehicle?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 701
Likes: 207
From: Lutz, FL
1997 MB SL600
It sounds like you have a leak.
As I mentioned, have you checked the front-to-back vacuum line (clear) from the PSE to the vacuum block?
I just cycled my door locks from inside and outside the car and the PSE didn't cycle as the PSE had a large enough reserve of vacuum.
As I mentioned, have you checked the front-to-back vacuum line (clear) from the PSE to the vacuum block?
I just cycled my door locks from inside and outside the car and the PSE didn't cycle as the PSE had a large enough reserve of vacuum.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 701
Likes: 207
From: Lutz, FL
1997 MB SL600
Yes the door lock actuators, sun glasses compartment lock, map pockets locks, rear storage area compartment locks, console lock, (starting to get the picture) the vacuum pods for the HVAC system, trunk lock, etc.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 62
From: Bethesda, MD
2000 SL500
I did check the clear line from front to back and it is connected on both ends.
I opened up the pump and made sure everything is connected inside.
pump comes on a couple of times a minute for only a second or two when car is on, I disconnected fuse#5 in the trunk so it doesn’t blow
i opened up driver door panel to make sure the line wasn’t disconnected and it is definitely connected
trunk opens when I push the button on center console inside car
when I push unlock button from inside car I see the lock moving slightly on the drivers side. No movement on passenger side
pulled some codes with 38pin connector see attached
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