AC not cooling

[Drmacf]

Hi Guys,
After a long time, finally some sunshine. Switched on the Ac, the light blinks on and off and then goes off. The ac blows air but definitely doesn't cool.
Checked online, it seems that I need to get it checked by an as technician? Some on you tube also mention I could diy fill in the refrigerant fluid?

Mine's a C class,K kompressor 180, 2008 model
Any advise would be appreciated

KR

Mel

 

[Blobcat]

Best not to diy as you’ve most likely a leak and just putting fresh refrigerant in will just send it into the atmosphere which is a bad thing.
Get it pressure tested - quite often you can get a Groupon on Woucher deal.

 

[Drmacf]

Just to clarify, the AC doesn't blow hot air. It just doesn't cool the car as before

 

[Blobcat]

Just to clarify, the AC doesn't blow hot air. It just doesn't cool the car as before

The light going off denotes low gas - condenser leaking is common. Low gas means no cooling so you’re just getting ambient air, which in this weather is warm…

 

[rifiki]

When you do get it fixed use it all the time, summer and winter
Use it or loose it.

 

[daibevan]

ATS are doing 30 % off if you get a groupon voucher.
They do a pressure test first and only fill if you're holding pressure.
If not they give you a refund and recommend where you can get a fix.
I'm going in on Thursday. Wish me luck.

 

[Drmacf]

Hi,
Thanks for all the replies. I got a free check with Halfords tomorrow, so will hope for the best.
The car is 16 years old and I can't remember doing a refill, unless it was done by the garage. Seen a few videos on you tube and hope to do the refill diy

As usual, just a few queries
Where is this low port? I have taken some pics, would be great to locate it
Secondly, the car is a 2008 Mercedes benz C class, 180 Kompressor. What type of refrigerant is compatible with it.

Please do advise

Mel

 

[EmilysDad]

Hi,
Thanks for all the replies. I got a free check with Halfords tomorrow, so will hope for the best.
The car is 16 years old and I can't remember doing a refill, unless it was done by the garage. Seen a few videos on you tube and hope to do the refill diy

As usual, just a few queries
Where is this low port? I have taken some pics, would be great to locate it
Secondly, the car is a 2008 Mercedes benz C class, 180 Kompressor. What type of refrigerant is compatible with it.

Please do advise

Mel

I'd suggest that by the time you've bought the gauges & the gas, it's cheaper to pay someone else to do a re-gas on your car. A re-fill gas canister used to be fairly cheap, but no more.

 

[rifiki]

The AC on my 05 CLK has never had re-gas or repairs.
Am going to have AC check soon as I think the performance has dropped off a bit.

 

[daibevan]

I had to refill mine last year after 8 years with no issues in my ownership. I don't know about previously. If this next lot lasts a year like last time then next year I'll have to decide whether to get to the bottom of it or have another regas. Bearing in mind that she'll be 19 then, but still as good as gold.

 

[Drmacf]

Thanks, everyone
Hoping would get away with a refill, as it may lubricate the seals too and plug the leak?

Anyone know, how much is a leak repair, the total works would costs

Strangely, I used it thought winter and it worked fine. Heating wasnt a problem. Although in hindsight, I used the front/windscreen heater and that used to do the trick. As 90% of the time I drive alone.

Is this front heater separate from the ac?

 

[w204benz]

Seen a few videos on you tube and hope to do the refill diy

I don't think that's a good idea - you don't know how much gas is left in the system, and I'm fairly sure overfilling can cause damage.
The only way I'm aware of to get the right quantity is to vacuum the system and put a known amount back in.

Anyone know, how much is a leak repair, the total works would costs

That's going to depend on where it's leaking from. I've had to replace a high pressure hose, which was reasonably cheap - I'd imagine a leaky condenser would cost a fair bit more.

 

[brandwooddixon]

Hoping would get away with a refill, as it may lubricate the seals too and plug the leak?

When a unit is refilled by a specialist the "gas" includes a lubricant that will keep the seals supple when the air conditioning is in use.

Anyone know, how much is a leak repair, the total works would costs

This will depend on where the leak is - although the condenser is the most common reason its not the only one.

Strangely, I used it thought winter and it worked fine. Heating wasnt a problem. Although in hindsight, I used the front/windscreen heater and that used to do the trick. As 90% of the time I drive alone.

Is this front heater separate from the ac?

The air conditioning unit is separate to the heater in that it cools the air being supplied to the cabin, the heater unit heats the air.

By far the easiest and cheapest solution is to pay for a specialist to check the system. They will test for leaks before refilling and can even add a UV dye to the refrigerant so that the location of future leaks are easily detected.

 

[Drmacf]

Seen a R134a gas refill on amazon for 21 quid as well as one on Halfords for 72 quid. Why the difference?

I am hoping to borrow an orion machine, which checks everything, including leaks and pressure. So once that is done, could buy the gas and reflll? If there are significant leaks or issues, back to the garage

 

[Blobcat]

Seen a R134a gas refill on amazon for 21 quid as well as one on Halfords for 72 quid. Why the difference?

I am hoping to borrow an orion machine, which checks everything, including leaks and pressure. So once that is done, could buy the gas and reflll? If there are significant leaks or issues, back to the garage

You've zero idea what you're getting from the jungle river website.. could be straight air... zero quality control and many fakes

 

[EmilysDad]

Seen a R134a gas refill .... Halfords for 72 quid. Why the difference?

.....

Save yourself £13 & know (or at least be more certain ) that you have the correct weight of gas & volume of oil in the system

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[Richard Moakes]

Most of the refrigerant gas sold on a well known marketplace isn’t R134a or R1234yf, it’s usually propane and your system isn’t designed to use that gas.

It’s nearly always the condenser radiator that fails, you will also need a new receiver dryer and lots of new o-rings.

Just done this on both my C216 and W164, getting the condenser out and in again is quite labour intensive, so it’s never cheap.

 

[Drmacf]

Thanks, will buy from Halfords..sounds safer
While driving home tonight, turned the ac on to 27, as it was a bit chilly. It blew hot air, but when turned down to 18, just ambient temp.
So based on this, the ac is working, right? It's the refrigerant that is the culprit, either leaked or empty.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Your climate controls are working, just no cooling from the air conditioning element.

 

[Drmacf]

Orion Motor Tech AC Vacuum Pump and Gauge Set, 1/3 hp 4 cfm Vacuum Pump Manifold Gauge Kit with Leak Detector 4 Hoses & Accessories for R134a R22 R410a, A/C Vacuum Pump Kit for Auto HVAC Systems​

Anyone used this before?
This and will buy Halfords, 72 quid got a can of R134a

Sorry, was thinking of scrapping the car but holding on to it for sentimental value. Cannot risk spending 400 quid for ac repairs, just done 350 quid on brake disc repairs and next month is the insurance. It's guzzling away cash
So would test it with this orion, it seems like a good kit and covers all angles? leaks, oil, seals and vacuum? Will watch you tube videos and see
Once that is done, then fill it up.

Can't seem to find that sticker, under the bonnet. This its peeled off a long time ago. Wrote to MB's head office, asking for specifications, such as psi etc
Hope they reply and then I should be good to go