Air conditioning stopped working

[Twinwasp]

The a/c in my C250 turbodiesel (1997) was working normally. Now it has stopped working. When it worked, the button on the dashboard had some resistance when I pressed it and sometimes needed two or three presses to turn on or off. Now no resistance, but the light does go off and on. No cooling at all. Any guidance as to what it might be would help please. Many thanks.

 

[mioba]

when was the gas last replenished, Usually lasts about 7 years I find.

 

[RhodieBill]

Check to see if the Compressor is turning - if not could mean all the gas has leaked out over time. It happens...... Then either take it to a reputable A/C Tech or get one to visit to get it checked for leaks and Refil....

 

[Twinwasp]

Check to see if the Compressor is turning - if not could mean all the gas has leaked out over time. It happens...... Then either take it to a reputable A/C Tech or get one to visit to get it checked for leaks and Refil....

Thank you Bill. That's helpful and I will check if the compressor is turning and take it from there.

 

[Twinwasp]

when was the gas last replenished, Usually lasts about 7 years I find.

I don't think it's every been replenished actually. She's 24 years old now so I'll have it checked out..... Many thanks.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Maybe get the dryer canister changed at the same time.

 

[Twinwasp]

A

Maybe get the dryer canister changed at the same time.

Ah yes, thank you. Another thing to check on.......

 

[mattkh]

The a/c in my C250 turbodiesel (1997) was working normally. Now it has stopped working.

How long ago was it last working..?

 

[Twinwasp]

How long ago was it last working..?

I think it must have been fairly recently because I exercise the a/c every month or so when I take her out (I don't use her much at the moment..).

 

[mioba]

It is recommended to keep the AC on all the when using the car as it keeps parts moving and prevents seals drying out.

 

[mattkh]

I think it must have been fairly recently because I exercise the a/c every month or so when I take her out (I don't use her much at the moment..).

In that case it must be something gradually diminishing and has now reached a critical level.

 

[mioba]

Erm yes. Like the coolant. First port as mentioned is a refill which will have dye.

Refills can only be done after holding vacuum for environmental purposes. Takes a good hour.

 

[Twinwasp]

In that case it must be something gradually diminishing and has now reached a critical level.

Thank you - more useful info.....

 

[Twinwasp]

Erm yes. Like the coolant. First port as mentioned is a refill which will have dye.

Refills can only be done after holding vacuum for environmental purposes. Takes a good hour.

Thank you for this info - very useful.

 

[Twinwasp]

It is recommended to keep the AC on all the when using the car as it keeps parts moving and prevents seals drying out.

Ah - I didn't realise it was recommended to on all the time actually, but I have exercised it regularly. More food for thought for me. Thank you.

 

[RhodieBill]

Ah - I didn't realise it was recommended to on all the time actually, but I have exercised it regularly. More food for thought for me. Thank you.

It is not necessary to have it on all the time, but it is a good idea to use it at least once a week for a few minutes. The Gas has a lubricant in it that keeps the seals in good condition. With extended lack of use these can dry out resulting in leaks.
I thought it might be handy to explain why some people prefer, or recommend having it on all the time.

Also with later models that have "Automatic Climate Control" or "AUTO" on the heating controls making it more beneficial, and easier, to have it on all the time because the Climate Control keeps everything in check by controlling the A/C as well as the Heat and Airflow.
Whereas, as yours I would imagine has Heating and separate A/C which is quite different and operate as 2 different systems. These older systems with the A/C on it is going flat out more or less all the time so in winter you have to counteract this with having the heat on to offset the cold air, and in Summer keep switching off the A/C to stop your balls freezing off!

 

[Blobcat]

Ah - I didn't realise it was recommended to on all the time actually, but I have exercised it regularly. More food for thought for me. Thank you.

It dries the air so clears the windows faster in the winter. You can still set whatever temp you desire, just keep the AC on.

 

[mattkh]

It dries the air so clears the windows faster in the winter. You can still set whatever temp you desire, just keep the AC on.

Thank you.
This is what always confuses me. I associate air-conditioning with cold air, so who wants cold air in the car in winter.

 

[mattkh]

So people using a/c in the winter must be going thru lots of dryers which must be expensive to replace.

 

[Flyinspanner]

They aren’t that expensive. £20-30. It’s only desiccant inside.

it’s recommended to replace if you have a major leak, regas, or if you change the compressor.