A Mercedes is a premium luxury car that a lot of people aspire to acquire. The brand is well-known globally for its reliability, high-performance standards, and the ability to showcase flawless aesthetics. Hence, it is vital to maintain it in top shape once purchased. Even if the car develops a minor fault, you’ll want it fixed as soon as possible. One such car trouble is vacuum door lock failure.
Understanding the Vacuum Door Lock
Mercedes-Benz invented and patented the vacuum door lock system. This is a vacuum-based lock mechanism that utilizes pressure in locking all the doors simultaneously. It has been employed as an anti-theft system on older Mercedes models.
As a result, the vacuum door lock mechanism serves two functions. First, it provides a quick and straightforward method for locking all doors at once. Second, it pressurizes the doors to prevent them from being unlocked unless the master lock plunger is released. The system was long considered relatively fail-safe because it contains no electrical components. It is possible, though, that the system will fail mechanically. Regrettably, mechanical failure is prevalent due to the constant strain placed on this system.
Possible Causes of Vacuum Door Lock Failure
The vacuum door lock mechanism might fail for a variety of reasons. The system is a mechanical system with many components, and like every mechanical system, it is prone to experiencing mechanical failure. Regrettably, a mechanical failure in this situation might leave your doors unsecured, allowing anyone to gain access to your car or even steal it. Here are just a handful of the reasons for its failure:
Aged Lock System
There is a high tendency that you will start experiencing difficulties with the lock system as it ages. Most of the components are made of plastic, which gets brittle and dry when old and eventually wears out. This suggests that every component, be it the pump, actuator, or vacuum line, is prone to experiencing problems that may degenerate into a total failure of the vacuum door lock system.
Leaking Actuator
Every door lock in your Mercedes is operated by an actuator. The actuator is the component that aids in controlling the mechanisms of the vacuum door lock system. If the actuators fail, one or more of the doors in your Mercedes would be unable to be locked or unlocked. These actuators might, on some occasions, be fixed, but it is best and often quicker to have them replaced.
A Faulty Vacuum Pump
The vacuum pump is located underneath the front passenger area of your Mercedes. It is engineered to move the air that regulates the vacuum door lock system. If the vacuum pump fails, it will have a direct impact on the system’s capability to either lock or unlock the doors in your car. Nevertheless, Mercedes specialists can readily find and diagnose it.
How Can You Identify Vacuum Door Lock Failure?
The fact that you are informed of this car trouble that can plague your Mercedes does not mean that you will know how to diagnose it or that you will be able to tell its warning signs. It is unlikely for all the doors in your Mercedes to fail at once, so they may stop working systematically. That is to say, there is a high tendency for the door on the passenger’s side to fail before the door on the driver’s side.
If you find it difficult to lock or unlock one of your car’s doors, it is a clear indication that the vacuum door system has started failing, which could be a result of an old or aging lock system. The best approach to handling this situation is to take the car to a reputable auto repair service center before the vacuum door system experiences a total failure.
We Can Fix It
If you wish to have your vacuum door lock system fixed, 
you can visit us at Bavarium Autoworks for premium auto repair services for your Mercedes. We have a team of seasoned ASE-certified professionals to help offer the services you might require.
We have served Mercedes drivers throughout the Cupertino, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Mountain View areas in California. Call or visit our shop if your vehicle needs service or if you would like more information about our maintenance programs.