C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

AC Blows Cold, then Warm (Thoughts?)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 10-11-2017, 07:27 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
importfan21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: South Florida
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
AC Blows Cold, then Warm (Thoughts?)

Hey folks,

Recently, I've developed an odd problem where every time I start the car, it blows cold, however, as the engine warms up, the AC blows warmer (never hot, just ambient/warm).

On a side note, I've replaced the following within the last 6k miles before I got this problem; I've also not had this problem for a solid year after these parts were replaced (so a leak is not likely): AC compressor, receiver drier, and condenser (with a full freon evac and recharge of course).

I'm thinking either 1) duo control valve (my mechanic surmises this is the culprit after he took the car for a quick spin; he installed the aforementioned AC components) or 2) expansion valve.

Thoughts? Has anyone had one of these components fail?
Old 10-12-2017, 10:44 AM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
Posts: 5,647
Received 251 Likes on 212 Posts
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Could indeed be a sticky duo-valve. Sometimes tapping (gently with a soft head hammer) the side of each cylinder may free the sludge and faulty piston. If not, you can remove and clean out the gunk inside. They a a bit expensive new, ar least in my part of the woods, so be careful
Old 10-12-2017, 06:27 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
importfan21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: South Florida
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
Originally Posted by DRBC43AMG
Could indeed be a sticky duo-valve. Sometimes tapping (gently with a soft head hammer) the side of each cylinder may free the sludge and faulty piston. If not, you can remove and clean out the gunk inside. They a a bit expensive new, ar least in my part of the woods, so be careful
I was thinking about just removing and cleaning, but I've read of some people doing that and developing a leak afterwards. They don't seem to sell that gasket/seal for it separately, so I think it's best to just buy a new unit and not worry about leaks. Even if I clean it all out, the solenoids could go bad.

I can always take apart the old one and see, after I swap the new one in. They're ~$150 USD here; not too bad given the price of other components for Mercedes.
Old 10-18-2017, 11:19 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
importfan21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: South Florida
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
Update: Replaced the duo control valve - still ambient air :/

I checked fuses and the compressor to verify correct operation. I guess I probably need a recharge (and/or a leak fixed) which I find hard to believe. Off to the dealer I guess to get a full AC inspection.
Old 10-19-2017, 05:24 AM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
Posts: 5,647
Received 251 Likes on 212 Posts
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
If your baby is loosing HEVAC gaz, my quick suggestion would be to check the stuff which will have accumuladrd between coolant radiator and condenser. I had sufficient dirt, schmuck, leaf and twigs to start a veggs garden
Old 10-20-2017, 10:20 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
importfan21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: South Florida
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
Originally Posted by DRBC43AMG
If your baby is loosing HEVAC gaz, my quick suggestion would be to check the stuff which will have accumuladrd between coolant radiator and condenser. I had sufficient dirt, schmuck, leaf and twigs to start a veggs garden
Not that, as I got in an accident the other year and got the whole front end rebuilt. It's been garaged and super pampered ever since (and only 3-4k miles since). Everything is clean.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: AC Blows Cold, then Warm (Thoughts?)



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:56 AM.