E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2003 E320 A/C Question (??)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 26, 2006 | 08:44 PM
  #1  
2001CLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA.
2001 CLK320, 2003 E320
2003 E320 A/C Question (??)

I’m confused about the A/C. For some reason when I have the “AC/OFF” button on. The A/C seems to still turn on when I start the engine.. Then after about 5-10min after start the A/C finally shuts off. Is this normal?? Shouldn’t the A/C be off constantly with the AC off button?? Or is this just the characteristics of the e-class climate control.. Any input is appreciated.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2006 | 10:08 PM
  #2  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
For some reason when I have the “AC/OFF” button on. The A/C seems to still turn on when I start the engine.
If you have 4-zone AC, check to see if the key dependent feature is on. You can turn this feature on/off via the instrument controls. In addition this feature can be set to activate the charcoal filter, automatic mode, manual mode, or selected temperature target value upon starting the engine.

Last edited by konigstiger; Mar 9, 2007 at 03:31 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 02:19 PM
  #3  
JimPurdy's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
11 ML350W2 / 17 GLC300
I have the standard 2 zone system in my W211 and it works the way you described. I remember seeing a post about this a couple of years ago that explained why it works that way.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 02:29 PM
  #4  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Correct me if I'm wrong, but... The AC Off button doesn't shut down the entire climate control system. What it does is: not permit the A/C compressor from operating when the climate control system is running. The system probably turns on & tries to cool, but when it realizes that the compressor is "out of the loop" and the system will never satisfy the thermostat setting, it goes into a very low fan speed instead.

The black button button labeled "o" in the center of the black button array shuts the ENTIRE climate control system down. Try that button if you dont want any fan activity when you start the car.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; Jul 27, 2006 at 02:56 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 02:39 PM
  #5  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
AC Off button doesn't shut down the entire climate control system.
Good call. Mistook the AC/off for O button.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 02:43 PM
  #6  
2001CLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA.
2001 CLK320, 2003 E320
The "O" button does turn off the entire climate system..however I'm confused to the fact that when I have the A/C off (on) The A/C is stilll on when I start the car and then shuts off in about 5-10 mins after driving. On my old 01'clk there was a EC which kept the A/C off and it never turned on unless I pressed it off.

I'm just new to this climate control and hope this is a normal thing. anymore input is appreaciated..
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 02:43 PM
  #7  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Barry, did you get chance to see if your navigation DVD is MB part Q6460216?
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 03:00 PM
  #8  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Car back at the shop. Heat coming out of the rear A/C vents again. I put a call in to NJ to see if there is any fix for this. I'll have the car tonight & will check the p/n & post. (Remember that the disk in the unit now is NOT the one that caused the Audio system crash last time. The one in now came from the parts dept in a wrapped DVD case when the newest Navi DVD drive was installed.)
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 05:05 PM
  #9  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
anymore input is appreaciated..
OK here you go:

(1) The A/C does have a humidity sensor and will activate the compressor if it's too humid out which activates it at morning and other start-ups even with the A/C off button set prior to starting.

(2) The switch actually puts the system into "SLEEP" mode. The system will continue running the compressor and will gradually shut down for about 10 minutes before it shuts down starting the car with the AC/OFF allowing for a more comfortable transition.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 05:23 PM
  #10  
2001CLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA.
2001 CLK320, 2003 E320
Originally Posted by konigstiger
OK here you go:

(1) The A/C does have a humidity sensor and will activate the compressor if it's too humid out which activates it at morning and other start-ups even with the A/C off button set prior to starting.

(2) The switch actually puts the system into "SLEEP" mode. The system will continue running the compressor and will gradually shut down for about 10 minutes before it shuts down starting the car with the AC/OFF allowing for a more comfortable transition.
Thanks Konigstiger! **is this info in the manual??
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 05:36 PM
  #11  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
Thanks Konigstiger! **is this info in the manual??
No.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2009 | 01:41 AM
  #12  
shorthair's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 1
From: Albany, NY
2014 C300, sport, black/black
Originally Posted by konigstiger
OK here you go:

(1) The A/C does have a humidity sensor and will activate the compressor if it's too humid out which activates it at morning and other start-ups even with the A/C off button set prior to starting.

(2) The switch actually puts the system into "SLEEP" mode. The system will continue running the compressor and will gradually shut down for about 10 minutes before it shuts down starting the car with the AC/OFF allowing for a more comfortable transition.
Resurrection of an old thread...

I have an 07 E350 with dual zone climate control. It too starts the A/C compressor every time I start car regardless of the A/C button. It has been Santa Ana weather here (ie: like 5% humidity) and the sucker still runs every time I start the car regardless of outside temp. Has the operation been changed in the later models? If not, should I bring it in?
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2009 | 01:56 PM
  #13  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by shorthair
Resurrection of an old thread...

I have an 07 E350 with dual zone climate control. It too starts the A/C compressor every time I start car regardless of the A/C button. It has been Santa Ana weather here (ie: like 5% humidity) and the sucker still runs every time I start the car regardless of outside temp. Has the operation been changed in the later models? If not, should I bring it in?
Two zone climate system (code 580) the humidity sensor was deleted as of 7/05 production.

If within VIN range A845370 to B100720 and X189946 to X223159 one can mention DTB P-B-83.00/102 MAY07, claiming reduced air- flow/cooling after long drives dealer will install humidity sensor (part #2118300572) and evacuate/charge the system under warranty.
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 12:45 AM
  #14  
shorthair's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 1
From: Albany, NY
2014 C300, sport, black/black
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Two zone climate system (code 580) the humidity sensor was deleted as of 7/05 production.

If within VIN range A845370 to B100720 and X189946 to X223159 one can mention DTB P-B-83.00/102 MAY07, claiming reduced air- flow/cooling after long drives dealer will install humidity sensor (part #2118300572) and evacuate/charge the system under warranty.
Thanks for the answer. So, are you are saying that the A/C will run for 10 minutes every time you start the car if you do not have the humidity sensor?
Reply
Old May 19, 2015 | 01:21 PM
  #15  
E320crap's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2003 E320
Hi all I looked every where but I cannot find an answer for similar issue. My question is if the AC off light is on that means AC is off, how would I recharge the AC if I have to have the AC running at maximum and the system is preventing the AC or compressor from running?
Reply
Old May 19, 2015 | 10:20 PM
  #16  
E320crap's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2003 E320
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Hey it's not rocket science,first pay someone to read the faults(why compressor will not start)---then you spend some money on parts fixing the faults---once no faults----then you spend the $7.99 for a can of cool and recharge the system. What have I missed!!
You missed the whole point completely off track. First if I'm going to spend $$$ then I will get the whole thing taking care and no need to ask questions here right? Right. Second the can is at minimum $30 where do you get it for $7.99? Now I am not trying to stat an argument here all I need is one straight answer what to do with the AC off light to recharge the system thank you.
Reply
Old May 22, 2015 | 03:03 AM
  #17  
samaritrey's Avatar
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
1. Get the car hooked up to star and see what if any codes are thrown
2. Connect car to a good quality set of ac gauges and check readings.
3. If low evacuate system properly and pull vacuum on system and leave for awhile to check for leaks.
4. If no leaks found use proper filling techniques using weight to get system up to proper levels.

To do the job you need someone licensed to deal with the refrigerant as it is illegal to dump it into the air. But once system is evacuated you can do the rest yourself if you would like.

A straight up 12oz can of Freon is like $13 locally so IDK how you get $30+ unless you are talking about those crappy DIY kits which is not the way to solve ac issues as you can easily end up overfilling your system and causing expensive issues.

Last edited by samaritrey; May 22, 2015 at 03:13 AM.
Reply
Old May 26, 2015 | 11:36 AM
  #18  
E320crap's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2003 E320
Thanks for the update. I started to do things myself about a year ago and I was hopping to do the job myself. After extensive research I learned there is no way for me to do it by myself so I got it serviced at a Mercedes shop. The car has been giving me a hint that I didn't pick up earlier like two days prior AC light on I was adjusting vents for my baby in the back when I felt cool air on one side and warm air on the other. I was also feeling not as cold as it used to be for a while so next time I will jump on it with the slightest change in the performance.
Reply

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


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:57 AM.