Hey all

I was hoping to acquire information about what part j need to replace to get my center vents to work again. I know it should be obvious but looking at the forums I wind up getting sidetracked information. Any tips would be appreciated. When the a.c comes on the center vents stay closed. I've remedied this by jamming them open last summer. However if like to correctly fix the problem. Fixing this nay also fix the engine shut off delay I have (only 1 to 2 seconds)

Thanks in advance!

Dan

Hey Dan - I've attached a link to one of our site's DIY tech articles - the article is meant for maintenance, but I think it can also serve as a guide to fix your vent issue. If you have anymore questions, feel free to post a Comment just below the article and we'll do our best to give you more details. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Mercedes-Benz W124 Instrument Cluster Removal | 1986-1995 E-Class | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article


-Dmitry

While you are working in the area, remove the vacuum solenoid block behind the passenger air bag and resolder the connections of the solenoids to the circuit board. Might save you some grief in the future as the connections crack. The 95 should be held together with screws so it is an easy task to disassemble.

While you have the vacuum lines disconnected it is a good chance to hook a hand vacuum pump up to the individual lines to see if they hold vacuum.

Thank you, Dimitry. and Thank you, Rick!

I know how to remove the instrument cluster and airbag, so no issue there, I actually already went in there last summer and manually moved the air vent diverter from the defrost vents to the front vents (so the cold air would be more effective)

a vacuum pump is an excellent idea.. I've used those to fix the central locking system on w123 cars.. lets you find the leak.. I hadn't even thought about using that with the HVAC system.. I've never had to work on a mercedes climate control system yet.. so it's new to me.. but I know there is some sort of vaccuum pod people say goes out. and its out on mine. |

Each vacuum line on the solenoid valve block goes to a vacuum pod except the one on the end which is your supply. Some of the pods have 2 diaphragms, a short stroke and a long stroke. If you can't pump any one up and hold pressure then you have a ripped diaphragm.

If I understand correctly, the whole dash need to come out to access the air box. The vacuum pod which controls the center vent is inside the air box. It is a lot of time consuming work. I would just jam the flap open as a quick fix unless you have a lot of time on your hand. Good luck.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

And if you do end up removing the dash, it would be wise to change all the pods (it is 22 years old).

Haha, Thank you all for your responses.. If i have to take the dash apart, i'll definitely replace them all.

meanwhile.. I do have it rigged where i have the flap jammed open with some clothes pins., you can't see from outside, but if you look inside the vent you'd see it. also, I manually adjust the position of the air from defrost (windshield) to the front vents.. right now its more open to the windshield for "california winter" but i am going to move it back to the front vents soon for summer