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I've got a 2004 CLK 320, and the lower horizontal vent control thumbwheel in the middle of the dash (see picture) won't move beyond a certain point. The manual is confusing. Adjusting the thumbwheel in its limited range doesn't seem to make a difference in temperature. Also there is a reference in the manual that indicates that the thumbwheel controls the flow of outside air. It seems to me that if all the thumbwheel does is control the flow of outside air, it can be bypassed with the re-circulation button. This is only an issue for me because I'd like the A/C to get colder. If the thumbwheel doesn't control temperature, I'm not going to spend any time trying to fix it.
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Originally Posted by Rudeney
Mainly, that is used to bring in some cooler fresh air when the heater is used in winter.
+1. Kinda like if it gets to warm or stuffy and you want some quick cool air. This way you don't have to mess with the set temperature or the auto system just for a few seconds of cold air. It was removed on 05+ models. I used to have it in my 04 e320. Would just end up confusing most people that would ride in my car.
oh yes, I've never yet seen a pre 2005 clk with a working blue knob, including my car. Replacing the part will cost over 800$ from the stealership (just for the part). I took apart the front cover that you see around the knobs and then noticed what the problem was. CHEAP PLASTIC as usual. Its kind of hard to explain without seeing for yourself but basically when the knob rotates there's a little metal ball on an axle connected to the knob that's supposed to get pushed in so that the knob continues to turn (basically a lock for full outside air). There is a small fragile plastic piece helps push this metal ball in so that when the knob turns the ball gets pushed in slowly, this basically gives the knob some tactile feedback so you know when its on full open. Well this small plastic piece is broken probably in every clk that doesn't have a working blue dial, just use a small screwdriver and push in the metal ball yourself and the knob will close then superglue everything you see around the knob so that when your friends that have 2005 CLKs see the knob they don't go and turn it and make you start over (I'm looking at you @xsever).
Thanks. DanielFD, that's exactly what's going on. That metal ball is tiny!. I just pushed it in and rotated the thumbwheel closed like you described. Instead of using superglue, I just put a piece of black electrical tape over the thumbwheel before I put the cover plate back on.
Hi there, my MY2004 CLK500 wheel just broke and it's so annoying to have to have cold air blowing through the front vents when I'm trying to get warm... How do you take it apart to push the metal ball in?
To answer my own question, just pry it off with a plastic tool.
New question, where is the metal ball? Do I have to unscrew the 4 screws to get to it?
Last edited by ryan83; Jan 13, 2017 at 06:41 PM.
Reason: Figured it out, but new question...
I opened everything that was easy to open and I still don't see a metal ball. I don't want to just take the rest out without prior advice because I don't want to risk breaking what isn't broken. I would really appreciate some guidance on how to get to the metal ball that needs to be pushed in. Thanks
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