My rear headrests don't fold down at all. I only get a small click back there when I press the button. I'm guessing some kind of vacuum issue? Where are the lines to check?

__________________
-Mike

1987 300D (white/blue)
199k+ miles, July 2007
OM603 with #14 head
Powered by BioWillie's B99.9 Biodiesel @ Pearson Fuels

dont know about how to diagnose this, but my rear headrests are a hit and miss thing, if i jiggle them sometimes (like i am raising them) and then press the release switch, they will fall. also, other times i have held down the switch for like two minutes and then they fell...

__________________
MIKE
1987 300D Turbo, 225K
124.133/603.960

Did you try dropping them with the engine on?

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=124133%5F15S&M=603%2E960&GA=722%2E357&CT=F&cat=15S&SID=80&SGR=150&SGN=07

.

__________________
1999 E300DT (131,800) 154,000 Black on Black SOLD

2006 CLK 500 coupe Capri Blue on Grey (zoom,zoom)
47,000mi

04 VW TDI Passat 80,000mi
(Techno)

How to eliminate oil dependency through market-driven approaches.
“We could cut oil use in half by 2025, and by 2040, oil use could be zero,”
The Sound of Diesel Speed
Ode to MB

Yes, I did. Same result.

__________________
-Mike

1987 300D (white/blue)
199k+ miles, July 2007
OM603 with #14 head
Powered by BioWillie's B99.9 Biodiesel @ Pearson Fuels

ur gonna have ta pull the back seat bottom and trouble shoot it from after the vacuum solenoid valve (the hose running from the valve to the head rests). Apply some vac and see if they fall. If they do then it is a vacuum or solenoid valve issue(check that the vavle is getting current). In that case you'll have to do a search on a rebuild or hit a bone yard. If they don't fall, you'll have to trace the line to the actuators and check it for leaks. If that anit it test each head rest indiviually. (you have to go through the trunk to access the head rests under the package shelf). There is a button on top of each actuator. Press it and the head rest will fall. (watch your fingers

__________________
1999 E300DT (131,800) 154,000 Black on Black SOLD

2006 CLK 500 coupe Capri Blue on Grey (zoom,zoom)
47,000mi

04 VW TDI Passat 80,000mi
(Techno)

How to eliminate oil dependency through market-driven approaches.
“We could cut oil use in half by 2025, and by 2040, oil use could be zero,”
The Sound of Diesel Speed
Ode to MB

I'd bet anything it's the solenoid under the back seat. It's in a bad location and any moisture that could possibly collect there will corrode it.

__________________
DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Does the solenoid click when the button is pressed / key on?

If no, wiring or switch. If yes, there's a vacuum leak. This vacuum is generated by the engine vac-pump, so the engine must be running.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

No clicks.

__________________
W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated

Check the switch next I guess.

And all of the fuses for dirty-marginal electrical contacts.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I now have a new selenoid and a new switch, i do hear a single click and thats it, i dont see headrests dropping or feel any vacuum coming or going, i even unplugged vac lines as to feel for vacuum but nada.

__________________
W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated

The vacuum comes from the running engine, through the same vacuum line that feeds the clmate-control IIRC. Are the climate control flaps operating properly?

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff