AC - Defrost Vent Fixed - Details - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mholbrook · #1 08-26-2003, 03:05 PM

This weekend, I took the time to fix the center vents on the dash. There is a vacuum actuator which lives just at the upper most part of the dash behind the two center vents. Had to remove the dash to get it out.

Two nuts at the speakers, remove speakers.
Two bolts/nuts at the bottom of the dash under the end vents.
One bolt/nut under the left side of the glove box.
I removed the glove box.
Remove light switch knob
Disconnect parking brake chain.
Remove cluster
Two screws under the centermost piece of wood on the dash. Held in place by twisted aluminum tabs through the dash.
Dash comes out from the right side of the car.

Put the rubber center vent on the dash part before you put it back in. It is easier to get the rubber on the trap door housing than visa versa.

I replaced the little plastic piece that attaches to the door with a bolt and two nuts jammed so it can move freely but the plastic piece will not come apart (as mine was also).

This is a nasty little job that takes about 4 hours to do. Especially if you have to go through the learning curve!

If you have cold air coming out of the defroster and no center vent operation (aka "Permadefrost") this is the fix. It is painful but in the end, it is worth the work. I now have a gale of cold AC blowing out of all 4 vents.

Hope this helps someone. email: mholbrook@ucsd.edu if you need any advise on this project.

Mike

Stevo · #2 08-26-2003, 11:22 PM

thanks for the good run down. I have a uncracked black dash I plan on swapping with the cracked one in my Euro 240d. Will fix the center vents with, hopfully, new pods. You didn,t need to pull the steering wheel then?

mholbrook · #3 08-27-2003, 09:56 AM

No need to pull steering wheel but you need to have the key in the ignition so the steering wheel can move. It is a very tight fit. If I had an uncracked "perfect" dash, I would consider removing the steering wheel before doing this. The main component of the vent system is the actuator which is pink and has a rod sticking out of it. Looks like a small pink potato masher grenade. I would change that even if it worked. There are two of these actuators that are alike, the other is behind the glove box for the fresh air. That one is relatively ez to get to.

Enjoy and do it on a cool day or under some shade!

Stevo · #4 08-27-2003, 10:58 AM

Mike

Thanks for the tip. from what I,ve heard is not a problem to remove the steering wheel epically if you have an impact wrench and no use taking a chance screwing up the "new" dash. just replacing the pods would make sense too if your in there anyway. I am now looking forward to the job.