Wess

I recently bought an E 430. When I turn on the a/c, the compressor comes on but the condensor fans do not come on. The interior fan which is set for auto blows out cool air but not cold air. I had the veh at a friends shop and he ensured that the system was charged properly and didn't have any leaks. I think it could be a relay, sensor or controller but I have not idea where to start. Any suggestions?

usaims

There is an awesome web site that will do the diagnositics for you, provided you obtain the error codes.

First, go to this web site to get instructions on how to obtain the fault codes:
http://www.eclassbenz.com/node/27

Then, plug in the values here:
http://www.eclassbenz.com/acdiag<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

The web site will tell what is wrong with your AC.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Wess

Thanks, I'll try it.

TMAllison

Suspect you mean the Aux fans in front of the radiator.

They will come on when coolant temps reach 95c at idle, about the same time the fan clutch locks up. They howl so when they're on you'll know it.

They should not come on everytime the AC is turned on.

Unless your firend evacuated the system and then refilled it he has no way of knowing if it is correctly filled.

Wess

Yea the auxillary fans, some call them the condensor fans. The system was evacuated and replenished with a machine. Thanks for your imput!

Wess

usaims, went to the site and ran the check for codes. They were b1234, b1422 and b1424. The latter 2 have no explanation on that website. b1234 means that the sensor in the middle of your dash for sunlight isn't working properly but this doesn't affect the performance of the a/c. Thanks for your imput.

TMAllison

I think almost every W210 ever made has code B1234 fault.

B1422 Series interface (K1) connection to instrument cluster (A1)

B1424 Activated charcoal filler actuator (A32m2) open

My AUX fans only come on when its 100f and I exit the freeway into stop and go city driving. Coolant temp usually spikes and fans activate when ideling. Note the idiot gage on the dash is designed to go to 95C and hold that temp (even though real temp is rising) until coolant temp reaches 105C when it begins reporting accurating again. You can see this by observing coolant temp using the CCU screen while driving.

Wess

TM what is the fix for the 1422 and 1424 codes?

TMAllison

Got me......I just know what they are.

Guessing I'd suspect the 1422 might have been a low voltage situation where the CCu lost communication? Any batt probs in the the past?

1424 is the Recir button on? Filter been changed recently? Any vacuum pod issues witht the AC? Checked the recir vent door to see if it is stuck open?

I'd prob clear all of them and then check it again after running it with AC on a few hours and go from there.

If it won't blow cold, post your actual values. AC set tp auto and 72F, fully warmed up. The AUX fans have little to do with that right now, unless you are located in a desert and its over 100f today.

Wess

My values are:
#1 is 71

Wess

sorry #1 is 71 #2 is 64, #3 is 75, #4 is 73, #5 is 73, #6 is 197, #7 is 05 and #8 is 89. Error codes wer b1234, b1422, and b1424. I will check to see how to clear them. I am used to American Vehicles where the aux fans come on when you turn on the a/c. My fans don't come on probably due to the weather. My compressor comes on and stays on but I don't feel any cold air when I turn it to LO. Thanks!

usaims

What about the test thats goes from 01 02 03..all the way up to 41; 01-08 range were reserved exclusively for the AC system. I had an issue where my AC would turn on for about 10 minutes, and it eventually blew warn air; through range 01-08, it pin pointed that I had a bad evaporator sensor, I fixed it for $75 (did it myself); mechanic wanted $400.

Wess

How do you clear these codes like TM said to do? I didn't see them on that website.

usaims

Insert those values in the web site, and it will return an assessment of what might be wrong. I'll do it when I have time.

TMAllison

Ambient temp was lower than the CCU temp setting. No cooling was taking place.

Try again when it warms up some.

I believe you depress both auto buttons 3-5 secs to erase the codes. I'll check at home tonight if that is incorrect. FF means end of/or no codes.

Wess

I'll take it back to the shop. The self diagnosis states that pressure is low due to not enough r134. My friend/mechanic is from the old school. He may have not have put enough in. He says that he goes on pressures. I read that the pressure in this system is variable and you must have the right amount of coolant to begin with. TM if you find out how to clear the codes let me know, thanks.

TMAllison

Hold both auto buttons to clear codes while viewing the codes.

The only way to know for certain it is properly filled is to evacuate and refill. It is variable.

If its low you will usually hear a hiss or zinging sound from the center vents.

usaims

If I remember, #7 is related to freon, I believe a number between 14 and 17 means you're good; you have 05, that seems low.

Wess

Today I cleared the codes, vacummed down the system and refilled it. The 134 I used also has a leak detection chemical in it. I suspect the system has a leak under pressure and not vacumm and that's why I had this problem in the first place. The a/c works fine for now. The auxillary fans did come on too. THanks for you imputs!

usaims

If it has a leak, with the detection chemical, you'll be able to find the leak provided you have the special sun glasses that mechanics use. It takes serveral days sometimes, however. Run your AC on LOW. Run diagnostics every couple of days and look at your freon level, #7, I believe. Keep us posted.