ok - so big whoop a/c was getting stale/warm so the low pressure hose was collapsing on itself when really hot - now it's seriously ICE COLD

I used to run the A/C at 72, now I run it at 76 because it's so damned cold!

anyhoo... during my fix, I mentioned to the SA that the A/C control unit would occasionally go a bit wonky - for example, that morning I took it in for service - both sides were automatically set to 57F and blasting FULL speed upon startup

he said they updated the firmware in the A/C control unit -

so is that a real thing?

 

There's actually quite a few TSBs on the A/C system alone. More than 5 from a quick glace. I also noticed one where they did require updating settings/software due various reasons.

 

 

so was it a recall? or ???

cause it wasn't exactly a cheap fix...

 

Interesting. So for those with complaints of the W211 being a poor performer as far as HVAC, this could be the legitimate cause more than people chalking it up to design?

My A/C isn't bad but i know it can be better. I did just recover and recharge my system to spec a couple months ago with no major difference. I'm going to let my car run at A/C max for a while and start checking the suction hose.

 

Wow, this would explain a lot. Are dealers obligated to perform these TSBs if we ask them?

My mode selector quit working, too. The flap that closes off the vent in the footwell does not close. I had to stuff a rag in it to restore full flow to the upper vents.

 

Yes they will conduct any TSB if you pay them. A TSB is simply a 'fix' that the dealer issued for defects which they knew/know about.

 

I'd like to see more of the file on that TSB

 

well, irregardless of TSB or not - the A/C is ****ing freezing now

 

Hey Todd - Would you do me a favor and set the temperature to 70 * and measure the output temperature ? I'd be curious to see how cold your system gets.

My A/C system is good but not ice cold and I have been concerned about adding a KC to the mix.

 

What did they charge you Toad?

My 2006 is ice cold. The '04 is lackluster.

I thought maybe it was due to the 4 zone system vs. the 2 zone, but I need to get mine checked out.

 

Cij have you done a total evac of vacuum for 45 minutes to 30 inches and then refill freon?

The summer here in s. fl has been brutal with high 90s and extreme humidity and my ac was just horrible, I had the system flushed then vacuumed and refilled and my ac is a lot better although if the car has been in the sun all day it coould take time to cool but once cool its good, I also measured the output temp with a laser therm on the vent it was eventually 51* and I'm sure. If I would have kept the laser longer it could have gone down another degree or two, the outside temp was 97* that day so I can't really complain. I gotta say American cars have a kick *** cooling system so trying to get that out of our cars will not be possible lol

Want to add that I didn't change my dryer and maybe if I would have it would be even colder.

 

it was ~$650 - about 1/2 of it was refrigerant

surely I could have done a better job on parts pricing, but I just had another $3.2k of warranty work done as well... so I didn't flinch as much

 

LUCKY *******! Do you happen to have the part numbers for that hose? $300 for r134???

 

+1

 

I've got an a/c charging system and the cans of R134a are about $12. I'd like to change this hose out just to see what happens.

 

I think mine is having this issue with the collapsed hose. I evacuated and vacuumed for like 45 min to make sure no leaks were in the system. Unfortunately once we went to recharge the system I was able to squeeze in like 1lb of freon only. I think the specs say 2.3lbs or something. Car will be on the lift this weekend and will post pics if I do see something wrong.

 

2118300815 - $129 from dealer. I believe this is the hose in question, is this the one you replaced todd?

 

it was like $280 for the R134 and leak fluid... the warranty company won't cover hoses, but they'll cover compressors, etc...

 

i'll have to check the parts list when I get home

 

What are you guys connecting to the system with? I went to put a gauge on and the quick connect on the car was bigger than the one on my hose.

 

Thats the high pressure side connect most likely. They are different sizes to make sure you dont try to fill the high pressure side

 

Do any of you own an A/C vacuum pump ? I am considering this one : http://www.amazon.com/FJC-KIT6-Vacuu...DateDescending

Thoughts ?

 

the line replaced was # 211-830-08-15 and yes $129

also replaced:

(1x) sealing ring #013-997-44-45 $2.90
(1x) dehydrator #211-835-00-47 $107
(2x) seal ring, vlrub #140-997-06-45 $5.00

I checked my air vents with a laser temp meter - after about 10 minutes, the temps ranged from 32-37F (not kidding) - previously they were in the 50s

it's hella cold now

 

I'm thinking the dryer(dehydrator) as they call it made the difference.