Greetings,

I just got a '93 300E 2.8 for a song. It's in great shape (just a couple of minor fixes) except for the climate control. I get no response when pushing any of the buttons or turning the temp control. The blower come on and the compressor doesn't kick in.
1. How do I begin troubleshooting the system?
2. Where can I find a FSM?
3. Barring that, is there any service manual available?

This is my first mercedes and I could use any help at all.

Bob

 

There is a reason you got it for a song, they only made that model for 1 year, and they are problematic. My daughter bought one as her first car and it is still a nightmare. As to your climate control issue, from your post I am gathering you are referring to the AC. There should be a sensor that detects the pressure of the freon in the system and will prevent the compressor from turning on if it is low. You will need to add some, but if you have no experience let someone who does help since you can create a dangerous situation if you connect the can to the wrong port.

 

Is the temperature gauge reaching the proper operating range? If you raise the temperature on the climate control do you feel hot air coming out of the ducts? If the answers to these questions are no then you should have the thermostat checked. If you have heat but no A/C then the previous post is the solution.