SL/R129: Can't get into my car
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
R129
Can't get into my car
Hey. I'm here, cap in hand again, looking for some help.
I have a 1994 R129, which admittedly, sits on my drive, undriven for most of the year.
I went to drive it a couple of days ago, and noticed that the central locking wasn't working.
I tried to get into the car, manually, using the key, but the key lock just moves from left to right, with no 'bite'.
I can, however, get into the boot. I figured that the battery may be dead. So I took it out, and charged the battery to 100%, put it back in the car, but still the same issue.
My question here, at least in the first instance, is how the hell can I get into the car? I'm really hoping there's an inexpensive way that doesn;t involve smashing the window
I'm eternally grateful for any help
Thanks
I have a 1994 R129, which admittedly, sits on my drive, undriven for most of the year.
I went to drive it a couple of days ago, and noticed that the central locking wasn't working.
I tried to get into the car, manually, using the key, but the key lock just moves from left to right, with no 'bite'.
I can, however, get into the boot. I figured that the battery may be dead. So I took it out, and charged the battery to 100%, put it back in the car, but still the same issue.
My question here, at least in the first instance, is how the hell can I get into the car? I'm really hoping there's an inexpensive way that doesn;t involve smashing the window
I'm eternally grateful for any help
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Colorado Springs, CO
1997 SL320, 1972 TR6, and 1981 Euro 230CE
Have you tried replacing the key fob battery?
Actually, now that I think about it...if the car sits for long periods of time and there is even the slightest leak in the vacuum operated central locking system, there will be no vacuum available to operate the central locking system. When you operate the key fob does the light on the lock change from green to red and back?
The vacuum storage canister is located in the boot as I recall so I suppose you could manually charge it with a Mighty-Vac unit. Breaking the window would be foolish, calling a locksmith to come out, or having the vehicle towed would be far less expensive than replacing any glass.
Actually, now that I think about it...if the car sits for long periods of time and there is even the slightest leak in the vacuum operated central locking system, there will be no vacuum available to operate the central locking system. When you operate the key fob does the light on the lock change from green to red and back?
The vacuum storage canister is located in the boot as I recall so I suppose you could manually charge it with a Mighty-Vac unit. Breaking the window would be foolish, calling a locksmith to come out, or having the vehicle towed would be far less expensive than replacing any glass.
Last edited by Eiderdown; Feb 1, 2025 at 04:23 PM. Reason: Clarification
