DIY Mercedes Climate Control Doesn’t Work Buttons Broken 1408302685

Problem:

On several Mercedes-Benz models produced from 1996 to 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. Press the fan buttons, but the speed of the blower fan doesn’t work. If you pay close attention, you may notice that the button doesn’t spring back. This is caused by 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 unit, but that is not necessary. It is possible to repair the broken buttons, and there is no need to buy a completely new unit.

To replace yours, you can buy a used Mercedes Climate Control Unit (eBay link) online. These units don’t require programming.

or

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

Step 1

If you have the right tools, you will need to remove the climate control unit, which takes less than five minutes.  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. Please wait for it to be fixed and returned to you. Typically this takes about 5 to 7 days if you live in the 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. If the LCD is too dim, change the small light bulb on the unit before you reinstall it.

This method has the benefit of not requiring the climate control unit to be reprogrammed. Repairing the unit is much cheaper than replacing it.

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

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