I have a 1980 300D that generally runs well. I am having a few problems that I'm hoping this group can help me diagnose. The most urgent one is the heater issue.
- The heater works intermittently - it may or may not blow hot air. The blower always works and the air is always directed where it should be (vents or defrost). The heat also blows all hot or all cold. The thermostat does not appear to have an effect. From reading NG history it sounds like the probably is most likely with the amplifier(?) behind the glove box. Does this sound right?
- Dash lights are not working. The lights to the center console quit working several months ago, and more recently the dash lights quit working. I read today about squiring some contact cleaner into the dimmer switch and will try this tomorrow. If that doesn't help, is it most likely a wiring problem (loose wires or cracked solder joints)? Is this something somebody with modest mechanical skills could fix?
- Door locks have slowed to the point of not working consistently. Sometimes the doors will lock, but I have about a 4 second window after shutting off the car to turn the key in the door. This seems like a vacuum problem. I've read that this can cause other problems (trans, failure to shut off engine) but I'm not experiencing either of these. Is this most likely a leaking in a hose or a door lock? If so, it is reasonable to try and fix myself?
- A/C quit working last year. It worked fine right up to the point that it started making a horrible noise when I turned on the A/C or the defroster. I assumed it was a bad compressor or a clutch to drive the compressor. The mechanic said that he didn't even want to look, as it was likely a 00+ problem to fix. Could possibly fix it more inexpensively by installing used/rebuild compressor and then get it charged with freon? Is it likely a bigger problem than that?
Thanks for any help.
Rip (email address has been modified to minimize spam)