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I had that problem last week and I was very worry because that was horrible.
After search some web site and call the dealer I realize that's so expensive to fix ($900 NZD)
After a week I discovered we can remove fuse number 30 from cockpit box,that's doesn't any error in KM monitor just air condition fan doesn't work and noise off!
Another surprise is when I put fuse(number 30) turn back to fuse box, stepper plastic link move and break.
Now no any noise from dashboard any more. lol
Has anyone tried this? It's a 1 post user, but I wonder if it's worked. With winter in full effect, I really could care less about the A/C.
Help! Help! Help someone please, I was getting only cold air and I called myself checking all the fuses etc. then I tore the dashboard apart and guess what? All of the parts seem to be alright..But! when I turn the key on the air blows clod and NONE! of the little arms move..what could this problem be? I greatly appreciate someone help on this situation. Thank You J.R.here is the strange part of all of this...I just replaced the sending fuel unit and the fuel pump and it was working before this (and I do know one has nothing to do with the other..so would all three of the little motor boxes need to be replaced or what? Thanks Again.
Hi SCSCOMP,
I have a 1 hertz clicking that goes for about 2 minutes and it is coming from the activated charcoal filter region. I can feel a 1 hertz vibration through the filter housing. I have just spent two days replacing the links on stepper motors M2/10 and M2/11, but they weren't broken, so I put in the improved links anyway.
I would like to see your print-out of the instructions to remove the dash cover, as that is what I think I need to do next. I have vivid memories of bleeding hands and swearing a lot doing the first two stepper motors, so I hope your instructions will make things a little easier.
Originally Posted by scscomp
The PDF in this thread is really helpful getting the console and lower dash out to get to the stepper motors. The part at the very end about how to remove the upper dash to get to the remaining stepper motors didn't help me though. They instruct that you remove the wipers to get to a bolt holding the frame. I did not need to do this to access the defroster stepper motors. I only needed to remove the dash cover, not the frame. I have a print-out of the instructions of how to remove the dash cover if anyone needs it. This is for a 2001 W203 Mercedes C320.
Sir, I have the same exact issue on my 2004 C240 4Matic with the floor vents (Driver side) and the clicking for 45 seconds or so, once the key is turned to power the ignition. Most people I have talked with, have said its a good 10 Hour job. I took the lower dash panel off, and was able to reach inside the vent and actually moved the flap mannually, but of course once powered back up, the flap returns to the default position and the clicking noise returns and air doesnt flow to the floor vents once again. Judging from all the online forums, it sure sounds like the actuator linkage is cracked and is skipping as it attempts to move the valve to the set position. Is there an easier way to get this done from the floor, rather than taking the dash and console apart, since you say it takes 45 minutes or so. Also, please let me know if you have a spare linkage; if not what is the part number, so I can purchase the necessary part ahead of time.
I certainly appreciate your time and guidance.
This is for the steady clicking noise in the 2001-2004 C230, C240, and C320 that comes on when starting the car or if you notice that you are not able to get the a/c to blow on the driver's feet or if it will not turn off when adjusted to do so. It can get stuck in either position.
If someone in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area would like me to do this to their car and wouldn't mind me taking their car apart and taking pictures of this process for the other people here, please contact me.
My disclaimer is as follows:
These are just my own personal instructions from my own personal experience. If you can not follow the instructions or do not under stand them, ask questions. If someone else wants to take pictures and send them to me as they are doing this procedure, I will gladly make this alot clearer to the rest of you. Also, I am not responsible for you tearing your dash up or breaking items during the removal or installation of this procedure. If you want to pay me to do this, I will gladly take some $$ in turn for my time and knowledge.
Can this be done if the car has manual transmission? Would the stick get in the way or complicate some of the steps?
where are the pictures about how to get to the stepper motor?
First you need to determine which are broken. You need to use Mercedes Benz Star Diagnostics for this. General readers can not tell you this.
There is at least one guide how to get to the most stepper motors. Use google keywords "w203 stepper motor part 1/2/3" and you can find pdf series which have 3 parts.
What if I disconnect one of those clicking motors? The one which is clicking is really deep under dash, which controls flow of air to activated filters. I want just disconnect it. Do anyone have an experience of disconnecting it?
...what is the part number, so I can purchase the necessary part ahead of time. I certainly appreciate your time and guidance.
Attached is the frequently broken parts which controls airflow to your feet. See, one of them is broken. Also, servo motor and the arm, which needs replacement. There are plastic details in the motor as well, which also may get worn off.
What if I disconnect one of those clicking motors? The one which is clicking is really deep under dash, which controls flow of air to activated filters. I want just disconnect it. Do anyone have an experience of disconnecting it?
Pull the ribbon cable from it. It's a parallel cable so the rest of the motors will keep working. Disconnecting one or more motors will keep the synchro test from working though. A couple of the motors require upper dash removal to get at but with a looong screwdriver you can just get to the connector to pull it out (pull latch first).
Thanks very much for the write-up. I did this at the weekend, as a 2nd clicking had joined the long term one at the back of the dash. My culprits were A32m2 charcoal flap and M2/11 right footwell. The one right at the back A32 I could only disconnect, and the motor was bad on M2/11. I disconnected to get rid of the noise, and may replace if I go back in there.
Took about 5 hours to get the dash out and access the back stepper. The wiper assembly definitely does NOT need to come off on a RHD car, that was an hour wasted. About 10 hours in total for me.
All went together ok, I do have 2 screws left over as usual. Now the steering wont adjust up and down so I may have to go back at some stage.
But all is quiet when I start at least.
BUT!!!!!........>?????......how did he get the dash out? I can't find any pics or instructions on how to this and i am well and truly stuck!!!
HELP
And finally......the little beatch that has caused me some considerable heartache - the source of the mother of all loud snapping clacking reverberating noises at the back of the dash - the famous cog on the blue stepper....
Can't tell you how much I hate this piece of plastic!!!
O man my c240 starting clicking today. I stuck my head under the driver's side footwell and I can see the flap flapping away. Freken annoying sound. I just read the 3 page write up and it looks like a nightmare to fix. I took apart the dash once on my old jeep grand cherokee but this looks like a whole different animal. Im gonna see how long I can go on with this noise if not I'll just bite the bullet and send it to my mechanic and let him figure it out. Thats way too much work for me.
Anyone in the NY area that wants to make a few bucks by doing this for me?
Last edited by Benzomatic76; 04-15-2015 at 04:46 AM.
My stepper motors are fine and also tried another blower. Core evaporator changed 2 years ago. The AC worked last summer, but could it still need refilling? Can not test AC now since its +5 outside but the hissing sound is making me nuts. It keeps hissing no matter what temp or position the knobs are.
O man my c240 starting clicking today. I stuck my head under the driver's side footwell and I can see the flap flapping away. Freken annoying sound. I just read the 3 page write up and it looks like a nightmare to fix. I took apart the dash once on my old jeep grand cherokee but this looks like a whole different animal. Im gonna see how long I can go on with this noise if not I'll just bite the bullet and send it to my mechanic and let him figure it out. Thats way too much work for me.
Anyone in the NY area that wants to make a few bucks by doing this for me?
Originally Posted by Benzomatic76
2 questions....
1. Is it a good idea to remove the negative cable from the battery before attempting to do this job?
2. On average how long is the repair time to replace the broken linkage for the foot flaps or vents?
thanks!
If i remember correctly it is over $1,000 and IMO is worth it unless you have tons of time. I believe it took me three almost full days to get my car down to bare metal like his and back together. That said it really isn't hard just very annoying.
I left my battery connected the whole time as i wanted the radio as i was so bored that said you will get srs and airbag lights that requires star to clear.. so yes disconnect the battery as it is safer.