DIY Mercedes Climate Control Doesn’t Work Buttons Broken 1408302685

Problem:

On several Mercedes-Benz models produced from 1996-2003, the climate control (A/C) or heater buttons may stop working or responding. For example, when you press the buttons to change the temperature up or down, the temperature doesn’t change. You press the fan buttons, but the blower fan speed doesn’t work. If you pay close attention, you may notice that the button doesn’t spring back. This is caused by a broken plastic on the back of the buttons.

Solution

This may often be misdiagnosed as a bad climate control unit and some mechanics will replace the whole climate control unit, but that is not necessary. It is possible to repair the broken buttons. No need to buy a completely new unit.

You can either buy a used Mercedes Climate Control Unit (eBay link) online to replace yours. These units don’t require any programming.

or

Use a third party service which specializes in fixing Mercedes-Benz climate control units.

Step 1

You will need to remove the climate control unit which takes less than five minutes if you have the right tools.  You will need: Mercedes-Benz Radio Climate Control Removal Tool

Step 2:

Next, order a repair service online. Check out the following services we found:

• Mercedes-Benz Climate Control Repair Service (eBay link)

Step 3:

Mail your unit to the provided address. Wait for it te be fixed and returned to you. Typically this takes about 5 to 7 days if you live in US.

Step 4: 

Install the climate control unit. Connect the wire harness on the back and press it in until you hear it lock in place. You should hear a click when the climate control unit is fully inserted. By the way, if the LCD display is too dim, make sure to change the small light bulb on the unit before you reinstall it.

The benefits of this method are that you don’t have to perform any reprogramming of the climate control unit. Repairing the climate control unit is a lot cheaper than replacing it with a new one.

Applicable Models

The climate control unit is found on the following Mercedes-Benz models.

• 1998-2003 CLK-Class W208: CLK320 CLK55 AMG CLK430
• 1996-2000 C-Class W202: C220 C250 C280 C36 C230
• 1998-2002 S-Class R129: SL500 SL600
• 1996-2003 E-Class W210: E320 E430 E55

Related Part Numbers

• 140 830 26 85
• 1408302685