I'm new to this group, and I have a problem with the automatic climate control in my 1985 190E. Sorry if this has been covered before, but I tried a search to see if someone else had the problem and there seems to be almost as many climate control problems as there are posts, so I gave up after the fifth of 49 pages.

Anyway, the problem is that the A/C works fine on full, but does not work on automatic (snowflake button). I was told it was the climate control unit, so I replaced it, as well as the a/c relay for good measure. Still no automatic a/c.

One of the posts I read said something about the vacuum to a mixing door, i.e., if it's bad, the door won't close and the snowflake button won't work the a/c. While that post was for a different year and model, if this is the case in the 190E, can anyone tell me where this vacuum line and mixing door are? Or if there are other possible culprits, I would appreciate any ideas.

Thanks in advance.

Braun Degenshein
1974 Jensen-Healey
1983 BMW 320i (for sale)
1985 190E 2.3
1998 Dodge Durango (for sale)
2002 Honda Odyssey w/ DVD (just had twins)

You have the right info. In the snowflake position A/C isn't added to the equation untill all heat is over. It tells that by an electrical signal from mode door poteniometer. The pushbutton controller waits for a certain voltage (there are at least two versions at two different voltages). Thus the problem can be that the door doesn't make it closed or that the potentiometer is bad or out of adjustment.

You will need a vacuum schematic to trace the vacuum leak if such is the case. The CD covers this fairly well.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Steve,
Thanks for the reply. Where/how do I get the CD? Also, where's the door?
Thanks again,
Braun

The door is inaccessable. The potentiometer and vacuum element can be seen from the removed glovebox opening. It also can be had by removing the center ducts. The pieces are right below the air duct to center duct.

The CD is available from Fastlane or they are always being sold on ebay.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician