560 SL Center Vents not working

[PCM84]

This appears to be a not uncommon problem. My 88's AC and heating both work, but only come out the side vents and the defroster vents.

Is there anything short of a complete dash disassembly that might remedy this problem?

Is the dash disassembly a nightmare -- is there a reference someone might recommend... or would you suggest heading straight to the nearest MB mechanic.


Thanks

[Gilly]

Hi and welcome to Mercedesshop.com.
This may be normal. The center vents are for cooling air only. I would recommend trying this:
Run the system at max heating for a considerable time, get the interior uncomfortably warm. If you are in a hot climate, this should be easy, if not it may take awhile. Then turn the system over to cooling, max cooling if you want. The system should provide cool air from the center vents. If you operate the system in the "normal" (white area on the temp wheel) and the interior temp is comfortable, you will only occasionally get some air out of the center vent, and it will be cool air. no heated air comes through the center vent on this car.
Gilly