I just purchased a 1989 260 E with 76,000 miles.

The car is in wonderful condition, but there is something wrong with the climate control.

First of all, the air conditining does not blow cold at all. I am not, however, convinced that I have a compressor/ condensor/ leak problem. The reason why is that heat blows out of the dash vents and defogger vents CONSTANTLY---even when I press the "O" button to shut the climate control off entirely.

The only way I can avoid being blasted by hot air is to close the dash vents manually and press the button below "Auto" for low fan speed.

Where do I start? Should I check for vacuum leaks? Sould I try installing a new pushbutton control unit?

Help!! It is hot around here!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Ed

Since you are getting hot air then the water valve must be open. You really need a wiring diagram to deal with it but basically the valve is always powered and is grounded (to be closed) by the push button controller. The ground side of the circuit is where you usually find the problem but a bad fuse seven would do the same thing. It probably would shut down more than the water control though.

For diagnostic purposes I would block off the water flow by squeezing the hose or removing it and putting a plug in it. If this gets you good A/C follow it up.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

[This message has been edited by stevebfl (edited 05-26-2000).]