How to remove PSE pump (central locking vacuum pump) - Mercedes SL (R230)

[@IfixmyBenz]

If the video was helpful, remember to give it a thumbs up ! It is possible, after removing the pump, to open it and check the pressure at the turbine outlet. I explain it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6jPd5WnrJWoopY Good DIY ! 😉

[@fredrezfield1629]

hey how is it going ? any videos on defroster? rear windshield ?

[@roblangley4862]

Thank you so much for the excellent details. I had to have my vacuum pump repaired as the motor itself was burned out. In the process of disassembly I inadvertently misplaced one of the hoses. Your closeup of the hose orientation saved me and allowed me to complete the repair. Excellent report. Thanks again.

[@IfixmyBenz]

Well done ! I'm happy for you. Thanks for your comment !

[@grahamwalker7284]

Well thank you for this.it gave me the confidence ro undertake this job. It turned out that the pressure was to low at 2.4 bar and the second article on the pump disassembly showed me how to boss the pump pressure, job done probably £4-500 saved!

[@IfixmyBenz]

👍Well done ! Thanks for your comment. Glad I could help you ! 😉

[@malcolmgay2206]

How informative with all the critical stages being shown and extreme care explained on those all too prevalent tabs. 😊

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thanks !!! 😉

[@vadmalski]

Awesome guide! No much words, only those needed. Well done man!

[@IfixmyBenz]

You're welcome ! Thank you ! 😊

[@jackhodges7773]

Great video and instructions for removing central vacuum pump.

[@fredrezfield1629]

did you have to remove yours? what was the reason ?

[@thomasbristan4121]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH ! PERFECT VIDEO AND PERFECT EXPLANATIONS ! SO CLEAR !

[@andreasbarth4676]

TOP Video! Präzise, gute Bilder, kein blabla - eine Freude! Danke!🙂

[@IfixmyBenz]

Vielen Dank ! 😉

[@tadeklipinski5789]

Great video with clear and concise instructions

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you ! 😊

[@radmansa5514]

Brilliant video, one of the best I have seen. 👍👌😎

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you !!! 🙏

[@kevinjackson6387]

Great vid very easy to follow

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you ! 😉

[@joanneharrison5745]

This is such a well made video. Bravo!

[@marknorton1999]

Very helpful video, I will be doing this later today!

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hi ! Thanks !

[@marknorton5951]

My experience is that problems with the PSE pump are extremely tricky to fix; what is absolutely crucial is to keep water out of the boot/trunk by attending to the seals and especially the drains at the base of the c pillars.

[@oobdoointerchange]

A very well made video 👍👍

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you !!! 😊

[@adamshipley5415]

These videos are awesome 👌

[@t.p.9232]

Nice to see videos professionally done and not shaking around and blurry images. Do you happen to know which ports on the pump control which functions? My seat lumbar is showing a leak and I think I will just plug the hose at the pump instead of trying to squeeze my hands into and under the seat.

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you very much for your comment. 😉 To answer your question, on the PSE pump you will find inscriptions. The inscription "MKL" corresponds to the air line feeding the lumbar cushions. The air line should be gray. However, if you have a leak in the lumbar cushion, you can simply set the lumbar cushion pressure control knob at the seat to zero until it is repaired. The pump will no longer be activated.

[@t.p.9232]

@@IfixmyBenz Thanks for the fast reply. Do you know of the all the labels for the r230 pump hoses? I found one link online that was for a sedan and it had labels for front and back doors, soft close doors, etc. My other thought was to use a Mighty Vac and hook it to each hose and put a vacuum on it to see what each hose activates. Thank again.

[@IfixmyBenz]

@@t.p.9232 Hello, I think just ignore the labels for the rear doors and soft close since your vehicle is not affected. Using a Mighty Vac is a good idea. Mercedes uses this type of device to find leaks.

[@thetraveler1472]

WOW!, one of the best instructional videos I have seen, I am a brand new subscriber! I have a 2003 SL500 and keep blowing the same fuse that you show in here. I replace the fuse and the top will operate normally but the fuse blows after the top completes opening or closing, never blows while the top is in the middle of opening or closing. After the fuse blows I cannot open the trunk without using the key in the lock nor will the top function, I receive the Partition Error. Also, the door locks do not operate with the remote but the remote is working properly as the vehicle lights blink showing it received the signal. Do you feel that it is my pump causing it as, again, it is the very same 20 amp fuse you show here. Thanks Again for your very straight forward approach! EDIT: I just watched your EXCELLENT video on how to replace the rotor and am ready to do that but first wanted to get your opinion if you feel that it is the rotor. I am just confused because the top will will open or close and then the fuse will blow shortly after, but I always replace the fuse right after starting the car and then immediately operate the top so maybe the pump operates long enough for it to operate.

[@MrMarco6900]

Great video, thanks!!

[@ianmuir3640]

I had to do that on my old Slk 230 it’s an easy job if you take your time

[@tonyb5884]

Excellent video...my s320 has all the symptoms of a faulty pump as described but the fuse hasn't blown....mystery?

[@scuderiazane4723]

Can the vehicle be driven while the pump is being repaired?

[@fernandolanderos3045]

In your video you mentioned all components that vacuum pump operates my door lock switches do not operate locks and only driver and trunk work would this pump control dash unlock and lock feature?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello, if none of the pneumatic functions work, then the pump is at fault. On the other hand, if some functions are not affected and others are, then the pump is not to blame and you should look elsewhere for the cause of the problem. In your case, it would seem to be the central locking control that's at fault. Your pump works because it opens and closes the trunk. It could also be an air leak at the door lock actuator. Good luck with your research.

[@creativewebusa]

Great Video, well explained, subscribed ! I have a question for you, i just bought a 2006 SL55 AMG and the doors wont lock when i push the key fob buttons. Could it be because the key fob needs new batteries or do you think it is the PSE Pump ? I can open the doors manually but cant lock them and the trunk opens up just fine.

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello, if the trunk opens fine, we can conclude 99% of the time that the PSE pump is working properly (an internal leak is rare). Get into your SL, close the doors and press the door lock button on the dashboard next to the hazard switch. If the doors lock, the problem is actually with your key fob. The first thing to do is change the battery...

[@burlingtonsouth]

Hi, I have 2007 Mercedes S550 but I could not locate the PSE central locking pump on the left side of the trunk. Please help. Thank you.

[@MegaRugby2]

need the part number of the module below the pse pump in trunk of a 03 mercedes sl 500?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello ! Which module do you mean ?

[@floreslucy]

Excellent video! I own a 2001 SLK320. The central locking button on the dash will not lock or unlock the car doors. The key remote will also not lock or unlock the doors or trunk. However, the key remote DOES arm & disarm the alarm, lock & unlock the center console inside the car and lock & unlock the fuel door. Does this sound like it’s a problem with the PSE pump? Thanks so much for your all your videos!

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you ! Regarding your Mercedes SLK, it's hard to say because it can come from many things... First check the lock and unlock with a second key to rule out a key problem. Remove the spare wheel in the trunk and inspect the PSE pump. Water ingress can damage the pump's circuit board. Listen to the pump. Can you hear the motor running ? There may also be an air leak somewhere, so you need to check the air pipes, connectors and actuators. Listen to see if you can hear a hiss (door and trunk actuators). Good luck with that ! 😉

[@klausjohannsen3479]

Hi, did you ever manage to fix the problem with your central locking button. I have the same problem on my SL. On the same switch is the hazard lights, and that also doesn’t work.

[@polojackson21]

Hello, hope all is well! Question, once I replace my vacuum pump on my sl550 2008, do I have to reset anything or reprogram anything? Thank u in advance

[@ParthPatel-zy4pg]

what is the purpose of labeling the hose wires if you don't disconnect them at all?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello ! Thanks for your comment ! It's just a precaution in case a hose disconnects. But you're right. We can do it differently by identifying only the gray connectors. That's what I did for the S class in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqS4eIKigdWZgZY

[@ericphillips2076]

On my 2004 SL500 my lock , top and trunk does not operate. I Replace my PSE with a rebuilt unit. When I plug it in should I hear the unit come on. The fuse behind seat are all good I have power the PSE plug.

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello Eric ! Yes, when you plug it in, you should hear the reaction of the pump...

[@matthasschneider2098]

if I would have seen this video before, i would have save a lot of money...

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thanks for your comment !

[@vencap11]

It cost tons of money to have the dealer replace it...tons of money...Will try to do it myself.

[@azizbhai]

Hello mate, I have an r171 and it has an issue with central locking where I press the buttons on both keys, they both have the little red indicating light showing its being pressed, but the car will not lock/unlock most of the time, I have to keep pressing it and at some point it will lock/unlock, would the pump be the problem in my case? Thank you Azi

[@groggiero2]

May I ask why it would pump repeatedly?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello Gio Gio ! If you hear the pump running for a few seconds and then stop for a few seconds and start again, while you were not operating any function, then, most of the time, it is a leak in the lumbar cushion or in the air pipe below the seat. The lumbar cushion is inflated by the pump. Then it deflates because of the leak. The pump detects a drop in pressure and turns on again to re-inflate it. Check to see if you can feel the lumbar cushion inflating and deflating or turn the lumbar support control to zero to see if this stops the problem. You will then be sure that it is coming from the lumbar support (cushion or pipe) !

[@glennmusto8726]

Great video. Love your accent! This is called a Vacuum pump and I understand using vacuum for locks, etc. but does it also push air out for the seat lumbar? And if so, could the pump be bad if lumbar doesn't work on either seat but all locks, trunk etc do work?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Thank you for your compliments! Yes, this is called a vacuum pump but it also creates pressurized air which is used to inflate the lumbar supports ! If your lumbar supports don’t work but everything else works (central locking, trunk, etc…), then your pump is working well. That's already good news !!! Your lumbar supports problem may be caused by an air leak in the air pipe under the seat or in a lumbar cushion itself. Try to listen if you hear a hissing sound. If you hear absolutely nothing, it means that the pump electronically stopped the line because there was a leak to prevent the pump from burning. The leak must then be searched for by disconnecting the hose at the seat lumbar control and blowing air with a bicycle pump to search for a hissing sound… Good luck !

[@glennmusto8726]

@@IfixmyBenz Thanks for the quick reply. Finally an expert! Two more questions on my 2009 SL550: 1) When the air leak is repaired (lines or bladders) will the pump sense that there is no longer a leak and start pumping again or is there some manual reset that needs to be done? 2) The lumbar in both seats is in-operable. Are there separate air supply lines from the pump to each seat or is there one line from the pump and a tee splitter? I'd like to get away with repairing only the driver side leak(s). Thanks!

[@IfixmyBenz]

@@glennmusto8726, when the leak is repaired, an electronic reactivation of the lumbar supports using STAR is theoretically necessary. If you are lucky, you can attempt a simple pump reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the pump fuse... There is one line from the pump and a tee splitter to feed both seats.

[@rikkyash2353]

Hi my car stopped locking via key fob over night? Why is this? Its a CL55 and suddenly the key doesn’t lock the car and only locks via dashboard button when you drive but nothing when you press the key button? Also this has made the stereo stop working!? All I did was replace the CD changer and this all happened! Rear headrests still work via button, aswell as the left passenger soft close feature, so how would it be the pump?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hi ! Based on the symptoms you describe, the problem is not the pump. Start by changing the battery in your key or try the spare key...

[@rikkyash2353]

I fix my Benz tried all of that, tried some fuses from the forums, still same problem. The pump can be heard doing its thing when central locking button/rear headrest buttons are pressed but it does nothing with the keys, I’ve tried both keys. The Comand/Audio player has stopped working? All I did was change the CD player 🤨 the pump doesn’t sound the same either. Pls help

[@IfixmyBenz]

@@rikkyash2353, That sounds so weird ! It's hard to tell. There is no link between the pneumatic system and the COMAND unit.

[@rikkyash2353]

I fix my Benz ok but why is it not locking anymore, nothing happens when I press the key buttons

[@daveriley6310]

Thank you for the excellent video.

[@mhmir]

Thank you for your interesting video. In my case it was inside the PSE where one air connection was broken. I have repair with plastic tub of two sizes and now gas door, glove box, passenger door, etc.... rework on my 2007 SL600. Thank you again. Marcel

[@r.l.8491]

You have a great channel!!! Do i have to unplug the battery before that?

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello, it is not necessary to disconnect the battery !

[@MegaRugby2]

my 03 sl 500 door locks and the top dont work. independent mech says it the theft module under the pse pump and hydrolic resievor on the driver side . pump works to raise and lower the roll bar.. it has both elecrical and vacume air conections on it. I cant find a part number or name of that module

[@lemike321]

How much can you expect to pay for an after market vacuum pump? and where from? can it be repaired??

[@IfixmyBenz]

Hello Mic Viz ! Count between $1000 and $1200 for a brand new pump (without labor) for an SL at your dealer. Prices may vary from country to country and are generally higher for an SL than for an S-Class. If you install a brand new pump, programming using STAR (MB equipment) is necessary after installation according to the vehicle options ! If you choose to install a used pump, you must ensure that it comes from a vehicle identical to yours if you do not want to have to reprogram it. If you reinstall YOUR pump after repair (do-it-yourself), no programming is necessary. It's just plug-and-play !

[@fredrezfield1629]

@@IfixmyBenz why did you replace it on this car?

[@IfixmyBenz]

@@fredrezfield1629 Hello ! 😉 All pneumatic functions on this car were failing. I didn't replace the pneumatic pump. I repaired it by changing the broken rotor (I made a video on how to change the rotor).

[@fredrezfield1629]

@@IfixmyBenz so mine is working because its pumping alright it;'s the door latch taht is taking a lot of time to figure things out sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't i need to use my manual key is the door latch on the left responsible for locking the door on the right too?

[@IfixmyBenz]

@@fredrezfield1629 There are two door latches. One in each door. If only the left latch doesn't work then you may have an air leak somewhere. It's when all pneumatic functions are affected that the pump must be blamed.

[@joepasquarello1273]

Narrated by Inspector Clouseau

[@IfixmyBenz]

All I need now is the magnifying glass... 🔎 !!! 😀

[@michaelhoke4784]

👍

[@ClimberColorado]

Is there anything "tricky" to know about installing the replacement pump, or is everything just exactly in reverse of removal? Just making sure before I dive in. Thank you!

[@IfixmyBenz]

Reinstalling the pump is exactly the reverse of removal. However, be aware that if you install a brand new pump, programming using STAR is necessary after installation according to the vehicle options ! If you install a used pump, you must ensure that it comes from a vehicle identical to yours if you do not want to have to reprogram it. If you reinstall YOUR pump after repair, no programming is necessary. It's just plug-and-play !

[@eyalbarmitzvah]

​@@IfixmyBenz so why not include this in the video? It would be very useful

[@IfixmyBenz]

@@eyalbarmitzvah Hello ! Absolutely. You are right. Unfortunately, you can't edit the video after you upload it... My original idea was to make a video to show how to remove the pump and a second video to show how to repair it. That's why I didn't think of specifying the necessity to program the pump in case of replacement... Thanks for your comment ! 😉

[@frankburdodrums8984]

Why bother? The trunk will still close.

[@marknorton5951]

What a mess in the floor of the trunk! You have a serious water leakage/corrosion problem!!

[@IfixmyBenz]

You are absolutely right ! 🙂 The previous owner did not take care of this SL. The water ingress problem is fixed and the interior of the trunk is now repainted...

[@frankburdodrums8984]

Best advice : Don't bother.

[@mikimiki195]

Great video thanks 👍🏻

[@reinmansmith]

Excellent clear video thank you 👍

[@IfixmyBenz]

You're welcome ! Thank you !