Hi folks:

Our 1999 C230 Kompressor (W202) has very limited heat directed to the footwells. We do not have the automatic climate control but have the manual version (knobs for fan speed and air flow direction plus the driver and passenger temp wheels). This is only a problem in colder temperatures and especially on the highway. There is no problem with heat output elsewhere in the car. I tried to balance the air flows by partially closing the other vents in the hope of forcing more air to the footwells. Didn't work.

I've searched several websites (this seemed to be a common issue with W203 C230's) and it appears that the heated air may not be properly directed by the various ducts and flapper valves. From my experience above this makes sense. Therefore, I would like to test our heating system and then gain access to the heating system to repair or replace whatever is not right (vacuum pods, stepper motor, valve linkage, or ??), My Bentley manual has zero information on this.

I would really appreciate any advice in properly diagnosing and fixing this problem especially any links or downloads that I can utilize. I don't have access to a factory repair manual like I have for our W124 300E. Obviously, it is not a problem now but I would like to get ready.

Is there anything that I may have overlooked?

Thanks in advance!

Paul

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1989 300E
1999 C230 Kompressor
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD

Also owned:
1964 Chevrolet Impala (first car)
1972 Fiat 124 Sport Spider (first sports car)
1976 VW Scirocco (first new car)
1970 Pontiac Parisienne (epitome of bland)
1980 VW Scirocco (last new car)
1953 GMC 6x6 (amazingly well engineered)
1967 Austin Healey 3000
1987 F150 4x4
1978 F150
1987 VW Jetta
1992 Toyota Previa AWD
2003 Toyota Sienna
2001 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD
1949 John Deere Model M