noreaga0221

I have one stepper still making noise. Its the m2/16 one. I found it but up against the dash frame and impossible to service in that location.

I started removing the frame but that doesn't seem the correct way to go. Tomorrow I'll look into removing the hvac core but i still might not be able to do that.

So far I have the steering wheel dropped,the cluster is removed and everything else that easier comes off is removed.

noreaga0221

Well I now can say I have.

TruTaing

Take pictures of how its done. It could offer help to those in the future who could use some reference

noreaga0221

Didn't have my digital. I got a couple cell phone cam pictures. The key is that the frame is bolted to the firewall and the bolt is only accessible from the engine bay. The wipers need to be removed.

fanito

+1

DarthBudice

I replaced the linkage for the footwell flap (M2/15?) on mine.

M2/16 is the defroster actuator? Ouch - I do not envy you in any way.
It looks like an extremely time-consuming tedious R/R job.

SeaCoupe

Where are you located? I'd want to help just for the experience.

Ed

C230 Sport Coup

What you need. See pics on page 2.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...g-hissing.html

mleskovar

I have a bad right defrost stepper motor (M2/9) and the only answer I've found so far to replace it is to remove the upper dash! I just disconnected it. I rarely use defrost and the left side works well enough to clear the right side. If you don't want to remove the upper dash put the vent in the open position and unplug the motor (I used mirrors and a long screwdriver to get to the plug).

noreaga0221

Philly, thanks lol.


I am worried, I ended up with 3 steppers having problems. 1 had broken linkage and the other two were jammed. I only had to unbolt them and reseat them. Not exactly the fix I wanted to see but I couldn't find anything broken.

I resynced and that function stopped on its own meaning all was well.

Previously the dash vents and windshield defroster did not work. The airflow was stuck on feet 100% on the time. Not safe for winter travel. Now they all work as expected. The center console doesn't like up perfectly with dash anymore but its a small price to pay vs. having the dealer do it.

No special tools were needed except I used an air ratchet which sped things up a lot.

So continuing from the initial instructions, you start removing the bolts holding the steering wheel to the frame. Take out the instrument cluster with a belt coat hanger, remove shell inside there. Continue removing bolts holding frame to the body.

Once steering wheel is dropped, you can remove the glove box. Remove side vents. Unbolt the pass. side airbag but dont unplug it. The top dash cover is held on by screws all the way around the bottom and then just two on top. Don't worry about the center vent. The last two on top and under plastic pieces near the edges of the vent.

Lift that out, then by now the frame should be loose. The last bolt holds it to the firewall.

Get out, pop the hood and raise the hood to the higher position. Use that air ratchet to remove the wipers. Then 4 torx screws holding the plastic liner in. Take that out and then continue unbolting the wiper system. You might want to take a picture of it at this point so you install it in the same position.

With that out, there is a 10mm screw with a very larger washer below it. Remove that and the frame should be loose now. You now have access to the steppers. Also I was looking in the wrong spot. The larger center box that the easily accessible steppers are on in the AC. The other two steppers are attached here also but up and to the left.

LILBENZ230

That's so involved for just a stepper thing. Do 2005+ cars have these as common issues?

mleskovar

Now I really know I don't want to do it !! :-) What do you mean by jammed? Were they making a loud 'snapping' noise....louder than the broken linkage ticking noise? If so, it may happen again. That loud snapping noise is the internal safety clutch of the stepper motor. Thanks for the write up for the upper dash!

Glyn M Ruck

The arms were beefed up on later production - I posted pics somewhere. If a stepper motor fails you have the same problem - It's a nightmare especially on the 320 which has 10 - yes 10! stepper motors. Thank heaven my car only has 6 and SA picked up the problem early & I have the new arms

LILBENZ230

Good to hear they beefed them up for later production. How many does my 2005 C230 have?

noreaga0221

It was the internal clutch noise.

mleskovar

Let us know if the noise returns. I hope not.

Glyn M Ruck

6 - I believe. Found old & new pic of arms

LILBENZ230

Thanks Glyn. I was wondering what those looked like. You're the man!

krisv420

im going to go nuts if i don't rip out the passanger side one asap.. some how it broke grrr... im going to try to see if i can unplug it real fast..

mleskovar

The easiest/quickest way would be to unplug the stepper motor ribbon cable from behind the climate control unit. Once the top center console trim piece is off just unscrew the unit and pull out....easy, the cables have to come with it. It's the smaller of the two cables. Set the flaps where you want them to be first.

james90755

My 2003 C320, need to replace M2/8. After reading this, I am just going to set it open and unplug the stepper. Not worth it.

Thanks for everyones descriptions. They have been a big help.