ariesdata

Whenever I switch on my W203 MB C180K Elegance (2002), there is a clicking/knocking sound from the dashboard. The sound is present even if the engine is not running and the key is in position 2. It seems to be from a fan, and the knocks disappear once I start driving. I noticed when I switch off the car, the fan takes a few seconds to stop, and the knocking stops once the fan stops. The knocking only just started today. Does anyone else have such a problem? Any ideas what the problem could be? The car’s done approx 59000 kms if that’s any help. Here’s a link to a video I took when I started the car ... hopefully it’ll explain the problem better. www.pross.co.uk/re/DashNoise.htm

aussie e55

hi
maybe a stepper motor has failed they control flaps that open & shut on ducts that direct a/con air parts not dear but mostly hard to replace.where are u i am in brtsbane. i think there is a thread on them on this 203 forum.

ariesdata

Damn, I was afraid of that. The knocking is now more frequent ... happens while I'm driving ... really annoying. Seems like I'll have to take it into the dealership to fix this.

Thanks for your reply. I'm in Perth.

aussie e55

hi again
only heard good reports about
the star shop
herbert haug
osborne park
08 9447988
thestarshop@optusnet.com.au

aussie e55

correct phone # 08 9445 7988
last night big night watching the logies

ariesdata

Thanks aussie e55. I heard good reviews about the Star Shop too so will contact them this morning. There's another private guy who used to work for a well known dealership who's charging $600. He would only replace a part (probably the linkage) rather than the stepper motor. Will probably go with Star Shop if they are not too expensive.

I'm thinking of replacing the linkages on the other stepper motors as well during this repair job since the dash will be removed. Do you think this will prove beneficial or would it serve no purpose? Cheers.

aussie e55

i have been told there is a improved link/motor avaib. check with mb spare parts some step. motors only req. remove of glove box or lower dash panels u might b lucky i understand u can do no harm using a/con with this problem i have driving for about 6 Mts. with clicking noise & no cold air to my legs.

aussie e55

just reread your post if dash out i would replace all links otherwise just fix fault listen carefully u may b able to 1d location of faulty unit maybe use a lenth of garden hose like a stethescope remember tuning SU carbs.
regards
george

BonitaBeast

Hi. I just started experiencing this same exact noise (I saw your video) yesterday with my G. Were you able to get this resolved? What was the problem if you did resolve it?

Thanks in advance.

ariesdata

Yes, it was the stepper motor on the passengers side that was faulty. I was told this was a common problem with early W203's. The repair was a tad expensive as the dash had to come off, but no problem since the stepper motor was replaced.

BonitaBeast

Thanks. Looks like I'll be able to change just actuator/flapper and not have to replace the motor itself. Your vid helped a lot and pointed me in the correct direction. Someone posted a DIY of the replacement with the parts needed. It turns out that our cars share many of the same parts. The part numbers are the same as the ones I need.

Hilal

I've also got the same problem, I can feel the knocking sound from the top of my dashboard, is it possible just to disconnect this stupid sensor? I can't seem to find the dashboard diagram that shows where each of these sensors are located.