"pods" "actuators" "elements"... converts vacuum pressure to mechanical force that moves the flaps that control the air flow. They're called "elements" in the catalog.

the only one you cant really reach with out major disassemble is the center vents. just wriggle you way underneath there and disconnect and test each with your mityvac. careful not to over pump them and damage them. Check all the connections and hoses while you're at it.

If those check out then you're gonna have to search on... Take the glovebox out---> the knee panels---> the center console. All of that is way easier to get out of the way that the actual "dash" itself and that will give you access to the majority of the system.

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"