[cwest]

All locks on the car have always worked nicely but awhile ago I noticed they started to become sluggish and then for awhile they'd all work (sluggishly) with the exception of the back passengers door which I would I have to walk around the car and lock manually. Is this perhaps a tip off or could it serve as a reference for a starting point for repair? None of the power locks work now and well you know not too good for dating!

Any help, tips, ideas or suggestions appreciated.

1989 300 SE

 

[281lxm]

you could be losing vacuum and should test the valves to be sure. Also, make it one of your PM quests to remove the door skins, lubricate window sliders, regulators and the locking mechanisms. Be sure your door drains are clear and ready for the minnesota winter. (that is if you drive in the snow/salt)

search the 126 forum for vacuum door locks or similar and you will find alot.

thanks Mike, I meant to say the PODS>>>> since I am doing this, I just called them the wrong thing.

 

[mclare]

It's not the valves you want to check, it's the vacuum pods. The vacuum actuators inside the door that react from the vacuum pump in the trunk spare well.

You might have to pull some interior carpeting first. All of the door lock vacuum lines are yellow.

The vacuum pods have a thin rubber diaphragm inside, and over the years they dry out, get britte, and crack. Once they crack, they cannot hold vacuum, and therefore cannot retract or extend.

 

[ElRojo]

Also check the trunk lock actuator. I might even suggest to look at it first, as you won't need to remove a door card to get at it. You can manipulate the lock mechanism this way, and if all the doors lock via the trunk actuator, then you know it's the trunk actuator that's not doing well.