Related vacuum problems or just coincidences?

[jcdill]

I have an 85 Mercedes 300D. In the past few months the following problems have cropped up:

1) Vacuum leak that kept the engine from shutting off. Work-around was to disconnect the vacuum hose to the door locks.

2) Heater controls not properly registering if the vehicle is hot or cold (e.g. not turning the heat on when the car is cold).

3) Electric window switch is sporadic - works about 80% o the time but when it doesn't work then I might not be able to get the windows to go back up! When it doesn't work NONE Of the windows work. The AC isn't working right now, so it's pretty important that I can get the windows to go up and down as needed!

4) Key doesn't turn all the way (as if the steering wheel is locked) occasionally when I try to start the car. Sometimes it turns all the way on the second try. Sometimes I have to wiggle the steering wheel. (Or it may just be coincidence that it works after I wiggle the steering wheel?)

I'm wondering if there is any vacuum component to the heater controls, window switch or if it could be part of the problem with the key.

Where can I get a good diagram of the vacuum hoses so I can try to track down the vacuum leak and get my automagic door locks working again?

If there are previous threads that cover any of these problems, I'd love pointers on how to find the threads and figure out how to fix these problems in my car.

I'm also looking for a shade-tree mechanic (e.g. someone who works on cars on the side, from home) who could help me fix these problems. I'm in San Jose, CA.

Thanks!

[kerry]

Heater controls are vacuum operated. Don't ignore the ignition key problem, it can turn into a very significant problem. There are lots of threads on it. Window switches independent of vacuum. There are threads on how to clean them.
The are vacuum diagrams in the sticky threads.

[TnBob]

Remember that almost any locksmith can make a new lock match your existing key.