SL/R230: Problem with door locks and trunk release.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3
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2005 SL 500
Problem with door locks and trunk release.
Good morning everyone,
I have a 2003 SL500 with the AMG appearance package. Recently I've been having trouble with unlocking the doors and releasing the trunk using the key fob if the car has sat more than about half an hour. Everything works fine if I have been driving the car and attempt to unlock the doors or open the trunk with the key fob within half an hour or so. When using the actual key to unlock the door I have noticed it seems to require more effort than I would expect. The trunk release often takes a number of attempts before it actually works, whether using the fob or the switch in the driver's door. It often clicks repeatedly regardless of whether it released or not.
Any help or suggestions? I have replaced the batteries in the fob with no change.
I have a 2003 SL500 with the AMG appearance package. Recently I've been having trouble with unlocking the doors and releasing the trunk using the key fob if the car has sat more than about half an hour. Everything works fine if I have been driving the car and attempt to unlock the doors or open the trunk with the key fob within half an hour or so. When using the actual key to unlock the door I have noticed it seems to require more effort than I would expect. The trunk release often takes a number of attempts before it actually works, whether using the fob or the switch in the driver's door. It often clicks repeatedly regardless of whether it released or not.
Any help or suggestions? I have replaced the batteries in the fob with no change.
Last edited by ColinMullaney; Apr 25, 2021 at 11:41 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 347
Likes: 86
2005 SL65 AMG
You might have multiple issues. The first thing that I would check would be to sit inside the car with the doors closed and the windows up and the engine off...so it should be dead quiet inside the car. Then press the lock/unlock button on the dashboard. Do you hear air hissing from either of the doors? I’m betting that you will hear hissing and that at least one if not both of your door lock actuators have air leaks.
Once the door lock actuators are OK, you need to check for air leaks at your trunk lock actuator, there is a good thread about this stickied to the top of this forum.
Then if you still have problems, you will need to pressurize each line from the PSE with a hand pump to check for leaks. I’m betting you will not find any air line leaks, and the problem is that your PSE has a problem and is not generating sufficient air pressure/vacuum.
Once the door lock actuators are OK, you need to check for air leaks at your trunk lock actuator, there is a good thread about this stickied to the top of this forum.
Then if you still have problems, you will need to pressurize each line from the PSE with a hand pump to check for leaks. I’m betting you will not find any air line leaks, and the problem is that your PSE has a problem and is not generating sufficient air pressure/vacuum.
Last edited by sivikvtec; Apr 26, 2021 at 03:28 PM.
