190e climate control problem/removal
 

I have a 1986 190e. I've got some problem with my climate control. First, it only blows hot air. I can adjust the temperature wheel all I want and only get hot air. I get air coming out of the top and sides of the dash that is hot. There is air coming out of the center of the dash but it is always cold. Also, the ac compressor only comes on when I select the max ac button, but not the normal ac button. I do have vacuum coming to the module behind the glove box.

So, unless anyone has ideas on what the problem is, I thought it might be the climate control. My question is how to remove it. Is there an easy way, or does the entire dash need to come out.? Thanks so much for any advice!!

Under the hood, sort of near the battery, is the heater control valve. It's kind of buried. There is a vacuum line that runs to it. Either the line is off, or the valve is bad (most likely), or there is a control problem.

I don't understand "max AC button", as there is only 1 AC button, over on the right with the snowflake on it.

Gilly

I have a a similar problem on my 1991. But it is compounded by the AC not working right now. In other posts I also saw that one or more of the five diaphragm module in the dash may be bad. My center vents always blow out cold while the left and right will be either hot or cold depending on the temperature setting. A dealer told me that on these cars that the center vents will always blow out cold air regardless of the temperature setting, but this doesn't sound right to me. What's the real story on what temp air should blow out which vents in either winter (heat on) or summer (ac on)?

Just as background, since it does sound like parts of your systems are not functioning properly, on the W201, the center vents are for "NON HEATED" air only, which means that outside ambient air and chilled a/c comes from the center, but not any heated air, which is directed from the side vents and up/under the dash. A lot of owners without the original manual don't realize this "design" feature.

The climate control/fan speed unit can be removed without taking out the whole dash pad. You will need to remove the radio, ashtray, etc. The unit is held in place by pressure clips on the edges of the unit. When I removed mine, I just took out the entire center console.