SLK/R170: air conditioning problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: SC
2001 SLK 320
air conditioning problem
I'm having a problem with the a/c in my 2001 SLK 320. The a/c, while in normal operating mode, will just shut off on it's on. The blower just stops blowing air. Sometimes, after a few seconds, the blower will start again on it's on, but other times I have to turn the fan/ac switch off and then on again to restart it. I have checked for loose fuses but that doesn't appear to be the problem. This occurs 2-4 times a week, maybe more. Any ideas on what might be causing this?
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Singapore
C180K
If the AC compressor is still on (you can hear and feel it) then it could be the blower regulator thats giving you the problem. The local dealer quoted me S$300 - 400 (approx US$160 - 220) to replace.
Mine stucks at speed "1" after about 10mins of usage regardless of what speed I set. Switching off and on does not help. But then speed "1" is usually sufficient for me except on very hot days, so I didn't bother to have it replaced.
Lately, however, the blower does not operate after I stop the engine and then restart within 15mins. But after travelling for 5mins, the blower starts again...weird.
Mine stucks at speed "1" after about 10mins of usage regardless of what speed I set. Switching off and on does not help. But then speed "1" is usually sufficient for me except on very hot days, so I didn't bother to have it replaced.
Lately, however, the blower does not operate after I stop the engine and then restart within 15mins. But after travelling for 5mins, the blower starts again...weird.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: LA
SLK 320
For DGWEE
Hello DGWEE,
This is off topic for the A/C problem. Just want to say hello to a fellow Singaporean SLKer! I own a 2001 SLK320 not in Singapore (too expensive!!) but here in the US.
Do you find it enjoyable to own a convertible like the SLK in Singapore? Are there SLK events and meets/clubs in Singapore?
Enjoy!
This is off topic for the A/C problem. Just want to say hello to a fellow Singaporean SLKer! I own a 2001 SLK320 not in Singapore (too expensive!!) but here in the US.
Do you find it enjoyable to own a convertible like the SLK in Singapore? Are there SLK events and meets/clubs in Singapore?
Enjoy!
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Singapore
C180K
Hi LeCorb,
Am afraid the SLK owners are not as active as the Miata owners. I used to own a Miata and there is a Miata Owners' Club in Singapore which is quite active. No, tried searching on the net and I have yet to come across any SLK events nor clubs here.
Even though we are limited to driving top-down in the mornings and evenings (the weather is too hot in the day), I enjoy driving the car tremendously.
Yes, cars are too expensive in Singapore!!!
Am afraid the SLK owners are not as active as the Miata owners. I used to own a Miata and there is a Miata Owners' Club in Singapore which is quite active. No, tried searching on the net and I have yet to come across any SLK events nor clubs here.
Even though we are limited to driving top-down in the mornings and evenings (the weather is too hot in the day), I enjoy driving the car tremendously.
Yes, cars are too expensive in Singapore!!!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: LA
SLK 320
What is your color?...
Mine is a little boring, silver exterior and black/black interior with the Eucalyptus wood trim.
Although there are some problems here and there (I noticed that it has MUCH less electrical problems (NIL) here in the snowy northeast than in the warmer southern california), I think it is still pretty reliable mechanically. Only the trim are not so well put together. I wonder whether you had encountered electrical problems in Singapore?
Yes, I was thinking (past tense) of purchasing a hardtop convertible (more to choose from in Singapore) when I return but a day or two back home brought me back to reality. I sat in my dad's friend Elan and it was FUN along the ECP on a not too hot, breezy afternoon. That memory is my only hope!
Are you thinking of buying a new R171? I can only afford the new book ordered in from Amazon.de. Haven't got it yet.
Anyway, nice to hear from you and enjoy the car! Contact me if you are in the bay area!
Although there are some problems here and there (I noticed that it has MUCH less electrical problems (NIL) here in the snowy northeast than in the warmer southern california), I think it is still pretty reliable mechanically. Only the trim are not so well put together. I wonder whether you had encountered electrical problems in Singapore?
Yes, I was thinking (past tense) of purchasing a hardtop convertible (more to choose from in Singapore) when I return but a day or two back home brought me back to reality. I sat in my dad's friend Elan and it was FUN along the ECP on a not too hot, breezy afternoon. That memory is my only hope!
Are you thinking of buying a new R171? I can only afford the new book ordered in from Amazon.de. Haven't got it yet.
Anyway, nice to hear from you and enjoy the car! Contact me if you are in the bay area!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
It's a fairly common problem with SLKs and some other Benz models, too. It's some kind of resistor that controls the fan speed. Many times it will go violently and you'll smell an aweful burnt plastic and may even see smoke, then the fan will be stuck at one speed. I know sever SLK owners that had this problem, including myself on my former '99 SLK230.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: SC
2001 SLK 320
Thanks for the advice. So far I made it through the w/e without it shutting off. I backed off both temp controls from the full cool position. Thought maybe the system was shutting down due to freezing up.
