JohnnyRock

...and I can't get that damn "EC" button turned off. I ran diagnostic codes with the "REST" button, but I need to review further to see if anything is out of whack.

Shouldn't I be able to turn the EC button off just by pressing it and thereby engaging my AC compressor?

Help! It's going to be in the upper-90's here!

KJI3jflarryfe93

you might have a leak and need to check the hoses with a traceable fluid that's why your EC is blocked, refill with R134 cooling

DRBC43AMG

Indeed, check that you have gas in the system. In most cases they will inject a traceable dye to check for leaks together with lubricating oil for the compressor.

JohnnyRock

Cheers, gents! This is what I thought needed to be done. I'm thinking of trying one of those, "DIY" kits, isn't this the inlet valve I should be using?

DRBC43AMG

Probably cheaper to have a specialist look at it and replacing the gas you need the weight and not volume.

JohnnyRock

OK, had the system checked by my local, trusted shop. The refrigerant was rather low, .19 lbs and the system holds at least 1lb. more. However, after re-setting the system, they could not get the compressor to power up. In other words, the damn 'EC' light is still on!

Need to take the car to an import specialist since my normal mechanic does not have the necessary equipment to check the compressor issue. He also told me I have a 'medium'-sized leak at the compressor.

Should I source a compressor at a junk yard if one is available?

99CEEFOURTHREE

Well it's the compressor.Buy a new one which is not that expensive.Unfortunately the dash basically has to come out...IT'S A NIGHTMARE JOB..Its a 3k job.

KJI3jflarryfe93

compressor is in the enginebay?
yes or no?
leak must be from a cracked hose or bad o-ring?

Sulaco

The evaporator is in dash and requires dash removal. Compressor is in engine bay at front bottom of engine.

Sulaco

And a leak there doesn't always mean you need a new one. Could be the hose or o ring connected to the compressor at that spot has failed.

KJI3jflarryfe93

dude got the words wrong

is it common that evap goes bad on w202

99CEEFOURTHREE

I stand corrected, dash removal for evaporator.Let us know how you make out.

JohnnyRock

I'm really hoping Kowalski and Sulaco are correct. I'd rather not replace a compressor and just deal with a couple of 0-rings. But I have to see why the unit will not receive power or power on, something's not right with the compressor.

I'll certainly update everyone when I get it fixed.

KJI3jflarryfe93

try the cheapest solutions first, get it on star to see codes if compressor is dead?
it's cheaper to replace some orings or a hose than a compressor.

if there's a leak, doesn't mean your compressor is bad.
look for used newer style compressor from junkyards if you have to replace?

Sulaco

Unit will not turn if pressure is below a certain point. That's a feature to prevent compressor failure from turning with nothing to compress. Only way to test it is to supply a direct 12v to its power source on the clutch to see if it engages. Also refilling the system at the low side port with some fresh r134 will cause it to engage once it reaches minimum required pressure.

JohnnyRock

Sulaco, is my low side port pictured in the photo I posted above??

My mechanic said they did add fresh R134 and the compressor would still not engage. Also, they detected a "medium-sized" leak at the compressor, but they didn't say if it's a simple matter of replacing the o-rings?

cm60k

Is the Expansion valve & condenser valve & gas tank ok...?,

did you check the electronic components..?,

(Air temp. sensor - Tank temp. sensor - Gas tank sensor - Evaporator sensor - Blower regulator)

ZAYED,,