CLK430Benz

Hey, guys I tackled this project over the summer and took some pictures to write up a DIY but never got around to do it. So here it is, I hope this helps.

Materials:

Sheet Styrene
Q-Tips
Glue (preferably "hobby" glue)
Isopropyl Alcohol
AC Removal Keys
Pencil
"Baby" flat head screw driver
"Baby" phillips screw driver

CLK430Benz

Step 1: Removing the A/C unit

Take the AC REMOVAL keys (which you can purchase at your local Stealership)



And insert them into the AC unit.



Make sure to push in hard enough until you hear a click and remove the wiring harness.

CLK430Benz

Step 2: Dissassembling the A/C Unit

Remove the three screws located on the bottom of the unit.



Then, remove the cover.



Finally, be VERY careful and remove the head unit plate because there is a wire attached.

CLK430Benz

Step 3: Remove the front facing head unit cover



Make sure to remove the broken plastic button that looks like this from the unit. However, this is a picture of the fixed finished part.



Then flip it over to expose the broken button if it is not the + - Fan Control Button.



As you can see there is a broken plastic piece that creates the contact to activate the button. Here, you have to cut a very thin piece of the sheet styrene with the scissors to bridge the open gap to recreate contact with the electrical board of the unit. Then take the q-tips with isopropyl alcohol clean the plastic parts so to allow the glue to stick better (make sure you do this to the broken part too). Then apply a very little bit of glue to both parts stick them together. Let it dry for about 5 minutes and it should then look like this:

CLK430Benz

Step 4: Fixing the + - Fan Control

To fix the + - Fan Control you apply the same concept mentioned above. Cut the sheet styrene to act as a crutch for the button. Make sure both plastic pieces are cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before applying the glue. Then let it dry again for 5 minutes and reinstall the part back into the head unit.

CLK430Benz

Step 5: Put Everything Back Together = DONE!

Hope this DIY helped. It was my first and if you have any questions send me a PM or an email. My climate control is working perfectly to this day.

ENJOY!

jbenz2001

Nice diy thread,did u c if it was possible to put a led bulb in it?

GusCLK55

Amazing, thank you soo much! this has been a great help and encouragement to keep my car.

Ghenghis

This had the makings of a great DIY post, so after reading it carefully I have learned how to remove the head unit and the backplate. Nothing else.

paulsclk

Hi Clk430

Great job on posting the Dyi on the AC button repair. I have a 2000 clk430 and my AC + - are not working also my drivers side Auto button. Can you repair it for me if I ship it to you. You make it l

CLK430Benz

Hey,

Sorry, I can not repair it for you because I do not have the time and I do not want to take the responsibility if something else breaks.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Best!

crownCLK

Great DIY thread!! Do u remember what thickness of Sheet Styrene you used? They come in different sizes. Looking forward to hear back from you.. Thanks in advance.

28-psi

Great DIY...made me understand how things work inside the unit. Bought the keys on ebay for a couple bucks and repaired the Auto button and fan speed button. Problem was the DIY is very vague regarding the removal of the faceplate. No way in hell that it comes off without removing every button. After messing with it on my kitchen table for hours I ended up putting it back in the car...popped off the bad buttons from the front...pulled the broken pieces out with tweezers...glued and braced them...popped them back in and forgot about it. Its been fine for 4 months. The bracing (crutch) is brilliant...but why all the extra work? And how the F did you remove the faceplate???

CLK430Benz

Thanks, sorry I didn't detail everything out. I did the DIY a few months prior to the write up. Attached is a picture of how to take off the faceplate.

CLK430Benz

Sorry, I don't remember. I do remember though that it was slightly thinner than a credit card and thicker than a business card. Hope this helps.

crownCLK

I was able to take off the faceplate also but indeed it's a lot of work and very time consuming. I will try to fix it from the front this time.

crownCLK

Ok Thanks.. I believe 0.010 inch should do.. Ordered it online. Waiting for delivery so i can fix the buttons.

whjresq

Hello, I have not been here in a while. Is there a way to see the pictures that are now missing?

Thanks.

I need to push both auto buttons to reset my ac fault codes and one does not work