Cholleman

I've read quite a few AC threads, but couldn't find one that sounds like my problem. most deal with the stepper motor problem.

anyhow, my wife's 05 230K doesn't ever get cold when you turn on the AC. the fan blows hard, but it's just warm air. her AC unit in particular has the two manual dials to adjust for dual zone, so it's not electronic (clima-tronic i think is the name) where would i start first to try to eliminate the problem? thanks.

amanonfire

You most likely have an AC leak. The AC compressor will not turn on when there is no pressure.

Mine has had 2 leaks. First was the sub-par quality AC condenser, which I've been told was upgraded on subsequent years (mine is a 2003, yours might be fine). Second leak I haven't bothered to get repaired, I just added a can of R12 and am hoping for the best since the car isn't worth much anymore.

Cholleman

this can be "fixed" with a can of r134a, correct? if that's what it turns out to be, i'll have to try to locate the leak.

Glyn M Ruck

Read this and referenced threads. You must start with full refrigerant charge & pressure - this is likely the cause but you need pressure to diagnose further.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-pressure.html

Cholleman

thanks. so it looks like i need to verify the refrigerant charge first. will a can of regular old r134a work? the refrigerant charge ports are the same as other cars, right?

Glyn M Ruck

I would have the 134a recharged by a pro aircon place to get the right amount in the system & put dye in to diagnose for leaks.

amanonfire

Most autoparts stores have kits with cans of R134a and a pressure gauge.

Unless you're absolutely concerned with fixing it, I would go this route. I live in a climate where I only need AC 2-3 months/yr, so refilling yearly for $15 isn't that big a deal.

Buellwinkle

I had my kid's '98 SLK refilled a month ago or so and it works fine now. It too was not blowing cold. I would start there as the A/C place can inject a die when they refill it, so when it leaks, they can use UV light to find the leak, if there is any.

iJimpanzee

Sorry for HiJack, but why bother with new threads that clutter up server space?

Does AC generally get cold Immediately when you push the AC / Auto button?
I have my climate set to lowest possible generally, because if I'm going to use it... I generally want it cold. Lol.

So my AC, I don't even know if it ever blows at full speed Fully Cold as I've never left it on that long. I generally press Auto, leave it on for like... 15 seconds, then press Auto (turns off the light), then press AC (turns off this light as well), so I assume it's all off.

Then the normal fan I have running generally at 2 speed, and it blows air which is really cold (I like this).

Is this a problem?

I'm not really complaining, as it's cold at some point... but is it supposed to be super cool while the Auto/AC button is on (lit) ?

Buellwinkle

You can push the recirc button if you want max cooling. Also, putting the temp down way low just makes the fan run faster which raises the temp out of the vents. If you want to control it manually, just set the temp low, but don't use the auto mode and run the fan manually. I do that many times because I can't stand the noise of the fan running at full blast. If you are concerned about a/c temp, get a vent probe thermometer from a pep boys or autozone and see if it cold enough.

Glyn M Ruck

Temp at vent s/b +- 4 deg Celcius