Just found the Forum and it looks great. Hope someone can advise me on the climate control for my '84 380 SEL, which until recently has workd fine. Now, no matter how hot the day, warm/hot air blows from the centre dash vents (so I close them), even with the temp-wheel set to MIN. Cold air comes from the vents at either end of the dash (although the demister vents above them blow hot unless shut off), but it struggels to cool the car at all. Coincidentally, I had the A/C gas pressure checked just a few hours before it began playing up, and all were normal. Any ideas??? It's getting kind of hot in here...

I am assuming it is a Euro model, since it is a 84' 380SEL? (I am thinking that the US version of the 380 was only in "SE" and "SL" models for 84'-85'. 380SEL for 83' and back? I am asking this because I am wondering if it still has the button controls or the turn knobs? I may be wrong and they all have buttons by 84'?

It could be that module in the unit gone bad.

Good question about AC version as you are right, a 380SEL would not be a US car and as such could have manual or climate control AC controls.

In either case the problem is the heater valve (mono or duo valve) is closing. The first step is to see if it is powered and control side grounded. The system closes the valve by grounding the control side with the other side always hot (with the key on). Lack of power or lack of ground allows the valve to go full open. Once one finds what is missing comes the next step.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Hi Guys. Thanks for the input. It's actually an Australian car (I'm in Sydney) and has climate control. I'll check things out and see if it's grounding and get back to you. Might take a couple of days.... but please don't go away!!

Excellent. We will be standing by. Good luck!

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)