I have a 2004 CLK500 and very recently the driver side vents switch between panel and floor over and over again for about the first 5 minutes of the car starting. It makes a fairly loud clicking noise each time it switches. After about 5 minutes the clicking stops and the switching stops. I haven't been able to figure out what this is. I was thinking perhaps vacuum leak or some sort of electrical issues. I just got this car and am not too familiar with its issues as I was with my old C280. This is my top priority right now.

If anyone knows how to get the sunroof to automatically close that would help too. It gets stuck in the middle and I already did the reset procedure and checked to make sure nothing is stuck in it. Tried the battery disconnect trick too.

As usual any help is much appreciated!!

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2004 CLK500
2000 S500

The clicking noise you hear is being caused by a broken stepper motor/linkage arm. A scan for fault codes with an SDS will identify exactly which stepper motor is causing the problem.

Try lubing the sliders on the sunroof. When they dry out the roof panel slows down, and the pinch-protection feature activates, causing the sliding roof to stop, and then back up a few inches. In some cases the front dome light, also known as the Overhead Control Panel, must be replaced. This is where the sunroof position information is stored.

Thanks for the quick reply. Is this a costly repair and could I scan for fault codes myself to repair myself? As I said before I am a bit of a newbie and all I have is a ODBII scanner. How would I scan for the SDS code? Any information is much appreciated!

Also I am a little tight on funds right now so is there a way to reset the A/C and see if that fixes it or set the climate control settings to something that will prevent it for the time being? Do I risk any damage to the car by allowing this to continue?

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2004 CLK500
2000 S500

SDS stands for "Star Diagnostic System". It's the computer used by MB dealers, and well equipped indies. Your OBD scanner won't work on the climate control system. As far as causing further damage, I doubt it.