AC button stuck on off '02 C230
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
AC button stuck on off '02 C230
Dealer wants $530 to repair AC button that is stuck-on "off"on my '02 C230. There must be a better way! I have about 230,000 miles on this 6 speed manual transmission model I bought new in 2002. Stockton Ca.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
When you say the button is stuck on off what do you mean.
That the button is broken?
That the aircon won't switch on when you push the button?
The first thing you have to do is make sure that the aircon system is fully pressurised with refrigerant. If pressure is low the A/C won't turn on to protect the compressor. Their is a pressure/temp switch in the lower condenser.
If the switch itself is damaged then the only way is to replace the dash controller module.
That the button is broken?
That the aircon won't switch on when you push the button?
The first thing you have to do is make sure that the aircon system is fully pressurised with refrigerant. If pressure is low the A/C won't turn on to protect the compressor. Their is a pressure/temp switch in the lower condenser.
If the switch itself is damaged then the only way is to replace the dash controller module.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
The button labeled "EC" essentially turns the compressor off and on. When the button is lit "red" the compressor is switched "off". Pushing the button turns off the red light and switches on the AC compressor. Mine stays red constantly, therefore the AC compressor cannot come on. The AC was blowing cold prior to switch failure. The dealer diagnosis:
a/c pushbutton unit
labor & programming $ 150.00
part $ 370.00
tax $ 33.30
total $ 553.30
a/c pushbutton unit
labor & programming $ 150.00
part $ 370.00
tax $ 33.30
total $ 553.30
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
OK ~ they want to replace the controller.
They could be right but what you describe is typical of low refrigerant pressure. Have that checked first. You can't diagnose anything on the HVAC system without correct refrigerant pressure.
They could be right but what you describe is typical of low refrigerant pressure. Have that checked first. You can't diagnose anything on the HVAC system without correct refrigerant pressure.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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SLK230 C200
I would agree with VVF I had the same problem, had the system checked and the refrigerant was low, beware though the people who recharge my system did not have the equipment to reset the fault codes so I still had the red light on and no A/C I had to go to another workshop to get it done. before you take it back from being recharged ensure the red light is off and that you have full cooling. It is easier check that they will reset it all before you agree to have the work carried out.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
Programming new AC control unit
I swapped out my AC control unit and replaced it with a used one. The new unit is completely dead. Does anyone know the programming procedure?
Last edited by petercrase; Jul 18, 2014 at 09:55 AM. Reason: Clarification
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
Need Star in Stockton CA
Are there any forum members in Stockton/Sacramento/Modesto CA area with a Star unit? I was quoted $90 at one local shop to program my new A/C control unit. I'm looking for a better deal! Thank you in advance! This is a 2002 C230.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
Replaced AC control unit
After my third trip to the wrecking yard I got the correct AC control unit for my 'O2 C230. Once I plugged it in the AC started working again. No programming was required, it was plug-and-play. The previous unit I tried was manufactured April 2003. My original unit was manufactured October 2001. My third replacement was also manufactured October 2001. That's the one that worked! Thanks to everyone for their help and input.
