So we have an 86 sl560 that as door lock problems. Both door locks have been removed. All the other door mechanisms on the drivers side have also been removed. We were having problems with the lock cylinders I guess but the person who worked on it before me was fired and I have nothing to go by, so I'm putting a puzzle back together at this point.

I'm trying to get the passenger side door handle back in. The stick that turns with the key/lock cylinder and manipulates the locking of the door turns just fine on its own. As soon as I put it in, the key doesnt want to turn one way and tends to get stuck the other way. Sometimes it'll lock the door, sometimes not.. But then it wont unlock it again, it just stops. Either way the key gets stuck because it will not return to straight up and down. It's very odd because I have an extra one of those sticks laying around and when i use that (without a lock cylinder attached to it) it locks and unlocks the mechanism just fine.

I've been trying to figure out some kind of orientation I may be missing. Is there a secret to this? I've looked in the manual and found nothing of help. Does the door have to be unlocked or locked when you insert the cylinder stick? Do I need to turn the key a certain way when I put it in? I can't figure this out and I'm just wasting time sitting around fiddling with it. Very frustrating.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum Lydia - I'm attaching a link to our site's DIY tech articles on the R107 platform to help you with the door lock issues that you're having. If you scroll down to the 'Body & Interior' section, we have a few articles pertaining to the door locks. I hope you find them helpful in your troubleshooting.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R107 (1972-1989) Technical Articles – Pelican Parts