mercedes benz climate control buttons don't work

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

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.

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 much cheaper than replacing it with a new one.

Applicable Models

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