04 E55 AMG: driver's door Keyless Go handle doesn't open

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kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

04 E55 AMG: driver's door Keyless Go handle doesn't open

Post by kevm14 »

The door handles on Keyless Go cars have two buttons. One locks the car and the one on the inside of the handle is to unlock the car (if you have the remote in your pocket). The issue is with the button that unlocks the car as you pull the handle.

I have had issues with this one on and off since I've had the car. I tried a trick I found on the forum that said to soak the inside of the switch with like silicone spray. But that made it act up. I was told that means my switch is dying. But after I cleaned it out with some brake cleaner, it was working pretty well. Only very occasionally would it require two hits to open. Until today. Just flat out died. Well it worked once but then it's dead.

Couldn't find anything used so I had to spring for a new handle (painted black) plus the gasket/seal to the door. This was $201.61 shipped. This is similar in function (but different in design) to something that broke on my STS a few years ago. I fixed that with some cheap microswitches. Apparently there is a similar DIY process for this. But I figured I'll just do a new handle, then I will have the old one. I can take it apart and learn how it works and hopefully not have to replace any of the others with new parts, just the internal switch.

Of course this isn't even required to get into the car. Just means you need to press unlock on the remote (which works fine). But hey, it's Keyless Go. I want it working. And I'm willing to fix it.

P/N: 211-760-11-70-9040

This may be a very easy install. Not sure if I need to take the door panel off.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 04 E55 AMG: driver's door Keyless Go handle doesn't open

Post by kevm14 »

Good news. Don't need to remove the door panel. Apparently this only takes a few minutes. Pretty cool.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 04 E55 AMG: driver's door Keyless Go handle doesn't open

Post by kevm14 »

Fixed. After stupidly trying two wrong places to stick the T-20, I found a video that said to just pull back the weather stripping and the bolt is right there. Didn't need the extra long one either (that's for the rear doors). Sigh.

But it's done. Took about 40 mins by the time I figured out what the hell I was doing. Definitely could do it in a few mins if you had done it before.
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Smudged up the just-washed door really nice, too.


And one of the things I didn't need to remove is one of those plastic grommets that covers some access hole in the door. It's mutilated and now I need a new one. Double sigh.
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But, it's done, it works, yay. Locking works (as before) and the unlocking now works again when you pull the handle button.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 04 E55 AMG: driver's door Keyless Go handle doesn't open

Post by kevm14 »

It was binding up just a little bit and not retracting every time. This annoyed me. So I just pulled the lock cylinder out, pulled the door handle out, sprayed some white lithium on some key friction points, put it back together and operated it repeatedly. It does seem better now. Not as smooth as the old one but better. Maybe it'll break in? Easy enough to lube and this did help so as long as the handle retracts and doesn't stay halfway out like some POS then I'm good.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 04 E55 AMG: driver's door Keyless Go handle doesn't open

Post by kevm14 »

After 2 tries I got the right grommet. It was A0009977286. The door hole is now properly plugged.

Price was $1.29 with tax but the dealer just said no charge. Wow, first the free fob battery and now this. This clearly offsets thousands of dollars in maintenance (well, I haven't spent that...yet).
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