sbwk

Our 2009 ML350's air conditioner began to display intermittent function -- it would work great most of the time, but sometimes only warm air would come out. The problem became more frequent, to where now, there is no cooled air at all.

The fans work fine. The freon levels are fine, full pressure.

Our mechanic recommends a compressor change, and warns us that the entire system could have to be replaced.

The problem has always seemed more like an issue of electronics and the compressor being powered on.

I am wondering if the AC Compressor Solenoid could be the culprit. Has anyone had experience with this? Is there a way to test?

Thanks for any help you can provide ...

Plutoe

For me to check-----post the VIN!

sbwk

VIN Is 4JGBB56E59A511497. Thanks for your help, Plutoe.

I guess I'm also wondering about any relays. I have checked the fuses.

Plutoe

Regrettably on your model there is not a separate part number for a so called clutch--when the compressor goes, it's part number 002 230 52 11

sbwk

Thanks for that Plutoe. Knowing the clutch wasn't a separate item for this model is why I had turned my attention to the Compressor Solenoid.

Here's a link to another thread discussing the issue in a W211.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...ve-change.html

It sounds promising, I guess I was looking for any additional opinions/insights -- to replace the part is beyond my ability, and from the sound of it the labor would be similar to a compressor change, just a big (potential) savings for the parts.

sbwk

Update: The AC started working again yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks. Cool, but confounding.

tritron

Did you look for short did you try to replace your solenoid?

sbwk

We did not look for a short (don't really know how) and we have not yet replaced the solenoid. It started working again and has worked for 3-4 days now.

We did try replacing the control panel with a used one found on eBay, but it did not seem to change anything.

We have noticed that the lumbar support air pump seems to over-perform whenever the AC is working. When the AC is not working, the lumbar air pump backs off (which is preferable). I am wondering if there's a relay that applies to AC and this air pump ...

takkie

Did you change out the control valve at the end? From what i read, its the control valve or the ground connection with code 9006.