AC help (flap test failed)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
1998 E320
AC help (flap test failed)
Hi all,
I know that this topic has been covered a bit, but I have not found a situation exactly like mine. The AC in my 1998 E320 hardly moves any air, changing the blower speed does not seem to make a difference.
I took the cover off of the blower housing and the blower motor changes speed with the controls, so I was thinking that this was not a regulator problem.
I tried the "flap test" following the directions on the Continental Imports page and failed miserably. My outer dash vents always blow a small amount of air even in the "all closed" position and my other vents either blow at the wrong times or do not blow at all!!!
I assume that the flaps are controlled by vacuum. Where might I find the control unit? Maybe the hoses are cracked or have come loose...
Any suggestions?
Thanks all,
Mike
I know that this topic has been covered a bit, but I have not found a situation exactly like mine. The AC in my 1998 E320 hardly moves any air, changing the blower speed does not seem to make a difference.
I took the cover off of the blower housing and the blower motor changes speed with the controls, so I was thinking that this was not a regulator problem.
I tried the "flap test" following the directions on the Continental Imports page and failed miserably. My outer dash vents always blow a small amount of air even in the "all closed" position and my other vents either blow at the wrong times or do not blow at all!!!
I assume that the flaps are controlled by vacuum. Where might I find the control unit? Maybe the hoses are cracked or have come loose...
Any suggestions?
Thanks all,
Mike
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
1998 E320
Also, I just checked the voltage to the blower motor using the pushbutton console and it went from 0.8v on the lowest setting up to 6 volts on the highest so this seems normal, right?
The evaporator temperature was 1 degree (celsius I would assume), so at least the cold air is going somewhere!
Thanks,
Mike
The evaporator temperature was 1 degree (celsius I would assume), so at least the cold air is going somewhere!
Thanks,
Mike
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park, KS
2000 e320 4matic Wagon
I had the same problem...
on my 2000 e320 wagon. It was a vacuum leak that was preventing the vents from opening/closing properly. The dealer fixed it under warranty so I can't tell you specifically where the leak was, but I've heard this is somewhat common from the repair shop I use (now that I'm out of warranty).
Pete
Pete
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 223
Likes: 66
1973 280SEL 4.5; 2021 E450S4 Wagon
I too ran the test after discovering erratic operation, which I pointed out to the dealer. In my case, the vacuum switchover block was leaking and replaced under warranty. The two side dashboard vents do not have vacuum elements, therefore they never closed down, unless you manually use the thumbwheel.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
1998 E320
Maybe someone here can help. Where might I find the vacuum swicthover block on a 1998 E320? Is it behind the glove compartment?
And if so, how do I remove the glove compartment? I removed all the screws I could find and it definitely loosened but did not slide out. I did not want to pull on it too hard, just in case.
Thanks again,
Mike
And if so, how do I remove the glove compartment? I removed all the screws I could find and it definitely loosened but did not slide out. I did not want to pull on it too hard, just in case.
Thanks again,
Mike
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park, KS
2000 e320 4matic Wagon
I don't know if this was right or not, but after removing the screws I had to give it a very firm tug. There are a couple of nubs on the bottom of the glove box that kind of hold it in there. There are two screws on top beside the light that are easy to miss. You also have to remove the light. I went ahead and paid for a 24 hour subscription to http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/ to download the dissasembly instructions, they have just about everything in there it seems.
Pete
Pete
