1982 380SL climate control system

[ewenjo]

Hi

Hate to bother you guys once again but I am sincerely trying to fix my Climate Control System. When I read the forums they tell me me it may be the "servo" or the "amplifier" .When I look into my system it appears that I do not have a "servo" or "Amplifier".I have the following components (as far as I know), the AC Climate push button control on the dashboard, a blower regulator, a temperature regulator, an aux pump, a monovalve, four vacuum solenoids, the vacuum damper controls, in cabin temperature sensor,in heater box temperature sensor.

As far as I know I do not have the "servo" or the"amplifier". It seems that I have an ACCIII system and not the ACCII system. Please help me affirm what system I have.

The system works quirkily. The fan blows when it seems to want to. Sometimes works for about an hour and other times just shuts down. I have recently change the blower regulator and it did not remedy the problem. I have removed and checked the brushes on the motor and bench ran the blower. I have electrically disconnected the aux pump. I have removed the in cabin sensor and checked that the resistance changed with temperature. I have removed the push button assembly and inspected and checked for operation.

Needless to say I am entirely frustrated at this point and am humbly asking for help.

Please any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ewenjo

[meltedpanda]

are the pushbuttons horizontal or vertical?
Try jiggling your key or moving slightly to right or left , does that turn on or turn off fan. SOmetimes the keyway circuit is the issue.
Make sure the temp interlock sensor on the engine is correct temperature range. Should be a sender just above the thermostat housing

[ewenjo]

the push buttons are horizontal, which leads me to believe it's an ACCIII system.

[meltedpanda]

or ACCI retrofitted? Interesting, did you try the key thing

[bluewater]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

are the pushbuttons horizontal or vertical?
Try jiggling your key or moving slightly to right or left , does that turn on or turn off fan. SOmetimes the keyway circuit is the issue.
Make sure the temp interlock sensor on the engine is correct temperature range. Should be a sender just above the thermostat housing

I have a 85 380SL. Today, I found that jiggling the key turns on or off fan. How can I fix this problem? Thanks in advance.

[meltedpanda]

new tumbler, you can order through MB in most cases with VIN Pretty easy R/R

[ewenjo]

Hi melted panda

I did as you instructed,i started the engine, turned on the AC and wiggled the ignition switch. The fan ran but was not able to determine if the switch had any influence. So i turned off the engine and attempted wiggle anew. NEW PROBLEM emerged, the car would not start!! The engine turns over but doesn't start. This totally new and resulted immediately after the "wiggle". Do you think there is a connection? Does it sound like a faulty ignition switch. Now I'm really baffled.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks

[meltedpanda]

sure could be, intermitant fan operation and many other "circuits" are controled through the key way, and the switch that is located behind it . it is a series of contacts. Could also be steereing lock. The tubmbler can be removed and sometimes cleaned. The contacts can be cleaned as well ( back of tumbler) \the switch replaced , and of course may not be related at all ( had to throw that disclaimer in)

here is everything you ever wanted to know about tumblers and such
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/142232-ignition-cylinder-tumbler-replacement%3B-mixed-diesel-gas.html#post1065596

[ewenjo]

hi meltedpanda

Thanks for the Shop forum site, which I am in the process of reviewing. Just a quickie... you seem to indicate that the tumbler as well as the switch may be the culprit. Does the tumbler in fact have electrical contacts... I thought it was just a security device .

[meltedpanda]

actually the switch, but the tumbler also plays a role, I am a little foggy on this , had to do my SD 6 or 7 years go for the fan reason, the tumbler fixed that situation, perhaps review of the posts will help

[bluewater]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

new tumbler, you can order through MB in most cases with VIN Pretty easy R/R

To get new tumbler, do I have to order the whole ignition lock assembly? Does MB sell just tumbler?

[meltedpanda]

tumbler only can be ordered, you will need your VIN

[RadioTek]

There are 3 basic parts to the ignition lock.

1) The leylock itself.

2) The steering wheel immobilisation bar.

3) The electric switch itself.

The switch may be the culprit in your case. There is a large electrical connector that plugs onto the back of the switch. But the switch is a (fairly) easily replacable. You have to take out the instrument cluster to get to the back of the lock, and the switch is held onto the back of the lock mechanism by 3 flathead screws. Things are pretty tight back there, but a very stubby screwdriver is your tool of choice. A dentist's mirror may help to get an idea of what is back there, if you can't do it by feeling around.

Good luck,
Scott

[ewenjo]

Hey Scott

Thanks for the info. I removed the Instrument cluster with out any issue, and proceeded to remove the ignition switch harness. I found that the key must be in position 2 to do so, as there is a rectangular retainer that must be aligned with the harness interface. I guess my dilemma is .. do I just replace the switch or is there a way to check the installed unit for function?

Thanks

John

[meltedpanda]

I believe I have a used one here in my parts boxes if you want , if you can get a PN I can look for the match