AC issues, need advice.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 410
Likes: 121
From: Kelowna, BC
08 GL320 CDI
AC issues, need advice.
My wifes GL started getting warmer last year. It was fall so we waited until spring to fix it. Got the system looked at a couple weeks ago. The local shop said the Schrader valve was leaking. They replaced it, refilled the AC system and said it was good, no leaks and blowing cold.
A few days ago I get around to trying the AC, still doesn't work. It's slightly cooler, but not cold. So back to the shop I go. Here is their report on the Benz.
Hooked up AC machine to monitor pressures during testing. Hooked up scan tool to monitor ac data. With the vehicle running and AC commanded on. The line pressure would change from 60psi low to 80psi high to 55 psi low and 120 psi high and then very shortly return to 60psi low and 100 psi high. The changes remained the same when using the scan tool to manually force the AC on and off. The change in pressure indicate the compressor is being commanded on. However there is likely an internal issue within the AC compressor that is causing low pressure. Recommend replacing AC compressor (and other serpentine belt components, belt, idlers, tensioners)
Please note that if there is metal inside the compressor it would need a new condenser, receiver dryer and a flush.
I remember reading a while back about a hose that could collapse and cause issues. Anyone have any insight? Seems a little excessive, metal in everything, needed to replace the entire system? They want $1000 for the compressor alone. 3 hrs labour to R&R
A few days ago I get around to trying the AC, still doesn't work. It's slightly cooler, but not cold. So back to the shop I go. Here is their report on the Benz.
Hooked up AC machine to monitor pressures during testing. Hooked up scan tool to monitor ac data. With the vehicle running and AC commanded on. The line pressure would change from 60psi low to 80psi high to 55 psi low and 120 psi high and then very shortly return to 60psi low and 100 psi high. The changes remained the same when using the scan tool to manually force the AC on and off. The change in pressure indicate the compressor is being commanded on. However there is likely an internal issue within the AC compressor that is causing low pressure. Recommend replacing AC compressor (and other serpentine belt components, belt, idlers, tensioners)
Please note that if there is metal inside the compressor it would need a new condenser, receiver dryer and a flush.
I remember reading a while back about a hose that could collapse and cause issues. Anyone have any insight? Seems a little excessive, metal in everything, needed to replace the entire system? They want $1000 for the compressor alone. 3 hrs labour to R&R
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 703
Likes: 129
From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
AC
Compressors for your car cost approx $300-400
check with FCP Euro and RockAuto
I would highly recommend making a few calls to some local auto repair shops .. not dealers. Get a few price quotes… new compressor, dryer and pulling down the system looking for leaks and a good draw down pulling out moisture etc. The V-6’s usually have much more room up front to work BUT I don’t have any experience working on a diesel???? ok good luck
check with FCP Euro and RockAuto
I would highly recommend making a few calls to some local auto repair shops .. not dealers. Get a few price quotes… new compressor, dryer and pulling down the system looking for leaks and a good draw down pulling out moisture etc. The V-6’s usually have much more room up front to work BUT I don’t have any experience working on a diesel???? ok good luck
Last edited by vesiadog; May 15, 2024 at 11:53 PM. Reason: wording
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 63
From: Denver
2005 ML500, 2011 E350 4M, 2012 GL550
My symptoms were similar last year in July, blows cold about a minute or 2 then slowly fades and getting warmer, I could hear the compressor was kicking. Next time I start it was the same story, blows cold for a minute then gets warmer.
My indy shop charged me $1200 for compressor and dryer and some other odds n ends, not related to AC.
I could order the parts and do the labor myself but it was 2 days before our annual 1500 miles trip and I did not have any time to wait for the parts and do the job so I told them go ahead and do it.
My indy shop charged me $1200 for compressor and dryer and some other odds n ends, not related to AC.
I could order the parts and do the labor myself but it was 2 days before our annual 1500 miles trip and I did not have any time to wait for the parts and do the job so I told them go ahead and do it.
