W202 Climate Control Issues
 

I have a 1995 W202 with the first generation push button unit. Everything works fine but no air comes out of the center vent when accelerating. When this happens, I can still redirect air flow to the footwell and defrost. I replaced the vacuum control unit under the glovebox as it squeaks when the AC is off, but that did not solve the problem. Upon checking under the dash, I saw two vacuum tubes connected to the center vent flap via a "T" connector, one connected to the vacuum control unit (solenoid) and the other one routed behind the passenger's airbag. Disconnecting the the second tube (routed behind the passenger's airbag) and sealing one side of the " T" connector cured half of the problem. Center vent is no longer shutting off when accelerating, but the air flow is not as strong as it was before. I believe that the second vacuum tube should assist in openning the center flaps. Can someone tell me where the second tube is routed to ? the vacuum tank maybe ? if so, how can I access the tank ? or could it be the manifold under the hood on the passenger side that is cracked (although not evident)? Is there a check valve that I should look at ? Anyone with experience in resolving this type of issues ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Willy

Hello list ! Last night I replaced the vacuum manifold under the hood on the passenger side, and that still did not fix the problem. I am really running out of options here. My last course of action would be a "band aid fix" that is pulling off one of the footwell tube and attached it to the other end of the "T" connector that goes to the center vent pod. As mentioned above, I disconnected the seond tube and sealed the "T" connector and I do get air from the center vent although not as strong as it used to be, which makes me conclude that the vacuum pressure is not enough to fully open the flaps. Any ideas, opinions or suggestions, anyone ? Thanks !

Can someone shed some light on how to access the fresh air vent flop/pods ? It seems like that's where my vacuum leak is coming from. BTW, it's for a W202, thanks !