c
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2002 CLK 430
c
I'm very mechanically inclined, but when it comes to car AC systems, I'm at a loss. I ran the diagnostics after a quick 5 minute drive...my question is, what's the fix? Is it a simple recharge or standard procedure, or do I have to open up the pocketbook again for some more serious MB work?:
1...77
2...82
3...76
4...77
5...75
6...158
7...0
8...77
9...0
10...1.5
20...0
21...6
22...0
23...0
24...14.4
40...8
41...5
42...232
43...14
Everything else seems to work just fine. All buttons, blower, heat, etc. A HUGE thanks to anyone who can lend assistance!
1...77
2...82
3...76
4...77
5...75
6...158
7...0
8...77
9...0
10...1.5
20...0
21...6
22...0
23...0
24...14.4
40...8
41...5
42...232
43...14
Everything else seems to work just fine. All buttons, blower, heat, etc. A HUGE thanks to anyone who can lend assistance!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2002 CLK 430
Damn. So from other MB owner's experience, is a leak something okay to have diagnosed/fixed at a general AC repair place, or is it a "finicky" (ie a true Mercedes Benz complicated design) system that requires a Benz-only mechanic? ie, this could be a leak, or maybe a sensor gone bad that's reporting a 0 level, etc.
Any input/suggestions for a Chicago mechanic would be greatly appreciated!!
Any input/suggestions for a Chicago mechanic would be greatly appreciated!!
Last edited by achoren; Jun 21, 2015 at 11:25 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Who can fix this? It depends on what’s leaking.
5 parts make up an auto AC system: The compressor, condenser, receiver- dryer, expansion valve, and evaporator. The leak could be from any of those subsystems or from the hoses that connect those subsystems. You can take your car to any AC place and have them check for leaks. Once they’ve found the leak, they’ll tell you what needs to be replaced and what they’ll charge. USUALLY, it’s the condenser or a hose. The condenser is the thing that looks like a radiator and sits in front of your radiator. That typically springs a leak when it can no longer take the endless rocks, pebbles and 70 MPH sand blasting that things on the front of cars have to endure. Hoses leak because they’re rubber and will eventually dry out AND they’re subject to motion as the engine rocks back and forth (especially engines with bad motor mounts). If it’s the condenser, and there’s a good chance it is, a new German condenser is about $150 at Autohaus AZ or Pelican. Knockoffs are about $100 and the dealer wants about $300. Naturally, labor is extra.
5 parts make up an auto AC system: The compressor, condenser, receiver- dryer, expansion valve, and evaporator. The leak could be from any of those subsystems or from the hoses that connect those subsystems. You can take your car to any AC place and have them check for leaks. Once they’ve found the leak, they’ll tell you what needs to be replaced and what they’ll charge. USUALLY, it’s the condenser or a hose. The condenser is the thing that looks like a radiator and sits in front of your radiator. That typically springs a leak when it can no longer take the endless rocks, pebbles and 70 MPH sand blasting that things on the front of cars have to endure. Hoses leak because they’re rubber and will eventually dry out AND they’re subject to motion as the engine rocks back and forth (especially engines with bad motor mounts). If it’s the condenser, and there’s a good chance it is, a new German condenser is about $150 at Autohaus AZ or Pelican. Knockoffs are about $100 and the dealer wants about $300. Naturally, labor is extra.
