2002 C240 Air conditioning not working?
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2002 C240
2002 C240 Air conditioning not working?
My 2002 C240 stopped blowing cold air a few months ago. No problem, I thought, so I recharged it. Then, it was only slightly colder, but within a month, the air stopped blowing altogether.
Took it to a mechanic who, for about $650 replaced the blower (said it was fried), and it started blowing cold air, but only out of the center.
Took it back, and they said it was probably that the actuators were stuck.
Later that day, I stopped getting air of any kind...hot, cold...nothing...whether the AC is on or off.
The mechanic said it is probably the control module that isn't working. New one + labor will be about $750
I like the car...it isn't my main car, but I really don't feel like spending a ton of money on AC issues if they aren't going to solve the problem.
So, my question is: What do you guys think? Is the control module the likely culprit?
Took it to a mechanic who, for about $650 replaced the blower (said it was fried), and it started blowing cold air, but only out of the center.
Took it back, and they said it was probably that the actuators were stuck.
Later that day, I stopped getting air of any kind...hot, cold...nothing...whether the AC is on or off.
The mechanic said it is probably the control module that isn't working. New one + labor will be about $750
I like the car...it isn't my main car, but I really don't feel like spending a ton of money on AC issues if they aren't going to solve the problem.
So, my question is: What do you guys think? Is the control module the likely culprit?
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 139
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From: Finland, Europe
W203 C200CDI
I would stop using your mechanic, cant believe dealer using Star is giving this kind of guesses. New blower is around $200 and it takes 10mins + screwdriver to install even for the most technically disabled.
Take your car to dealer and have them scan it with Mercedes Star Diagnostics (do not ever trust those cheap general readers and mechanics guessing what could or would be wrong). This will cost you something around $30-50 and you will for sure know what is the problem.
If it is the actuators/stepper motors, then Star will indicate which ones are broken. Also control module errors would be shown there. Now your mechanic is guessing between actuators ($1000 job to tear dash) or $750 with the module problem. It is way too big range of guesses so the scan @ dealer is not expensive but their quote for the job might be :P
Good luck
Take your car to dealer and have them scan it with Mercedes Star Diagnostics (do not ever trust those cheap general readers and mechanics guessing what could or would be wrong). This will cost you something around $30-50 and you will for sure know what is the problem.
If it is the actuators/stepper motors, then Star will indicate which ones are broken. Also control module errors would be shown there. Now your mechanic is guessing between actuators ($1000 job to tear dash) or $750 with the module problem. It is way too big range of guesses so the scan @ dealer is not expensive but their quote for the job might be :P
Good luck
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2002 C240
I think the mechanic was using a generic reader. I just pulled the blower myself to ensure that he'd actually replaced it, and he did, it is new.
It isn't even blowing, so while I will take it to a MB dealer when I can get an appointment, any idea why it wouldn't be running at all?
It isn't even blowing, so while I will take it to a MB dealer when I can get an appointment, any idea why it wouldn't be running at all?
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2003 C240
Yea check fuses, also run 12V to it to make sure the blower still functions so you know your problem is elsewhere I never had mine go out though. And yea STAR is your best bet to find exactly what it is. And yea stop using that mechanic.
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2002 C240
I did check the fuses...I think #41 and #51 are the AC fuses for a w203...don't have the chart in front of me though. Fuses were ok.
Talked to another mechanic who said it is probably the control head itself. Just curious...how difficult is it to replace one myself...I'm only slightly handy and not interested in a huge project. But if it is like a 30min-1hr deal, I will give it a go. Not sure how common it is for AC/Heat problems to be related to the control unit itself, but an aftermarket /used unit is pretty cheap, so might be worth a shot.
(I tried the 'reset' trick where you hold down the defrost and recirculation buttons and it blinks for a while...mine didn't stop blinking, so something is screwed.)
The MB dealer told me it would be $189 to go over the AC system...seems steep.
Talked to another mechanic who said it is probably the control head itself. Just curious...how difficult is it to replace one myself...I'm only slightly handy and not interested in a huge project. But if it is like a 30min-1hr deal, I will give it a go. Not sure how common it is for AC/Heat problems to be related to the control unit itself, but an aftermarket /used unit is pretty cheap, so might be worth a shot.
(I tried the 'reset' trick where you hold down the defrost and recirculation buttons and it blinks for a while...mine didn't stop blinking, so something is screwed.)
The MB dealer told me it would be $189 to go over the AC system...seems steep.
Last edited by dealerplatform; Aug 13, 2015 at 04:21 PM.
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2002 C240
UPDATE: Pulled the center dash console out and as soon as I fiddled with the two wiring harneses that attach to the control unit, the blower came on, as did the AC. It is late, so I'll decide whether to get a new unit tomorrow or just try to jerry-rig the old one (might just require some duct tape to hold the connection). ;-)
Last edited by dealerplatform; Aug 13, 2015 at 08:55 PM.
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From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
They should have a plastic locking clip that secure them in place. If they are broken, a quick and cheap solution would be to put a small dab of silicone on the outer edge of the connectors. It will hold them in place almost forever and if you ever need to unplug them again, it will easily come off without damaging anything.
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From: 3rd rock from the sun
C230 SC 2002 White 1992 Toyota Hilux 225,000 miles, 2017 Subaru STI
My auto mode stopped 2 times the last time I drove. Works fine in manual mode. Original owner of 2002 coupe. 60000 miles. Have had the stepper motor click clack on start up for years. Saving the car for my 14 year old. I no longer trust MB. Mechanical stuff is perfect. Electric and materials, not so much.
