My 1986 420SEL has no air coming from the front vents. So I went to the local mech that knows our cars. He checked it and said the climate control needed replacing. I went and bought one from Adsit Co. online (big mistake, not a good experience). Long story short it was not the problem and Adsit Co. doesn't take returns/exchanges! I checked the vacuum lines, they're ok. Pulled the glove box and moved the lever manually and the air flow only came out of the front vents by the windows. Any suggestions?

I recently had the same type
 

of problem. Found the linkage between the actuator and the vent door was gone. The actuator was moving but it was not opening up the center vents door.
Jim
'85 300D

What type of linkage (cable, vacuum line?) and where was it located?

it is the mechanical linkage
 

that connects the damper actuator to the damper door. I am not sure of all of the proper terms for these items. I had to access mine by removing the vents and once they are removed you can see it in there.
Jim

Same Problem!
 

Also had same problem w/ S500 cpe. Had no air from vents except when RECIRCULATE was pushed.

Accidently found the problem. Decided to change charcoal prefilter, and after removing the plenum (behind the engine compartment), found that the linkage was not connected. Had to remove the plenum and take off the top (about six-eight screws).

The 'arm' from the actuator clips around a drive rod that opens/closes the vent door. It snaps shut around the drive rod but it was 'open'.

Maybe your problem is similar.


[Edited by JimF on 05-11-2001 at 12:35 PM]

thanks - looks like I've got something to do Saturday. Nice looking car Jim.