seat problem

[bernard mcalea]

my 230ce failed its mot because the seat would not lock closed.anyone know anything about the setup for the seats?

 

[paulcallender]

Yep....

Which year 230CE is it?

I'll describe the system in my 1975 (W114) 280CE, you will probably be able to figure if your's is sufficiently different. The seats have a vacuum solenoid on the underside, which connects to rods and latches the seat in the upright position. The vacuum pipes (blue, I think) come from the engine (inlet manifold), go through a bunch of Y adapters and I think there is a non-return valve in there as well.... then onto another Y adapter and a door switch (its a combination vacuum and electrical switch, same one that's there to turn the interior light on).

Basically, what happens is, with the engine running and the doors closed, the vacuum 'pulls' the latch and latches the seat up. Open the door and vacuum 'leaks' from the door switch, thus supplying no vacuum to the seat and letting it unlatch. Similarly if the engine is off, there is no vacuum and the seats can tip forward.

I had this problem, I couldn't see an easy way round, so I had to purchase (at around £80 each!) new vacuum devices (solenoids) for the underside of the seat. If it stops raining this weekend, I'll be able to fit them too!!!

 

[joe bloggs]

Sounds about right, except your car will most likely have a solenoid vac valve (under rear cushion, can't remember which side) and not the older door / vac switch, probably a vac leak somewhere.

 

[bernard mcalea]

seats

thxs for your help.my car is 1988.i wud think it is prob the same system