Aircon not working on W203

[chrish0001]

I have a 2001 W203. The aircon is not working - I only get ambient air from the blower. Also the EC Light is on constantly.

In an another thread a similar problem is reported but relates to other models not the W203.

Has anyone had a similar problem on this car if so what's the fix please?

Thanks

 

[jberks]

If the EC light is on, despite pressing the button then the aircon has a problem and is refusing to run. It could simply be that the charge level had dropped and it needs recharging. Pop it down to an aircon specialist. I believe Halfords are also offering this service now.

 

[television]

Its worth reading this thread

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=27407

 

[chrish0001]

Thanks for your comments.

I could try just changing the temperature sensor as suggested in that other aircon thread ... but how about recharging? When the sensor is removed does the system not discharge completely?

 

[BlackC55]

Its a temp sensor not under any pressure.

 

[type49]

Pressure sensors are quite common to fail on 203s. Located at the bottom of the condensor - probably corroded.

 

[chrish0001]

Thanks,
I now have the extortionate piece of plastic (approx £50 from Mercedes in Dublin). My next question was where I should stick it but I guess the condensor should be easy enough to find.

Used to do a lot of DIY mechanics but life changed with kids etc ... so I thought best buy a good trouble free car like a mercedes (dream on)!!

Thanks again,

Chris.

 

[chrish0001]

ooops ... just realised "type49" was talking about a pressure sensor - not a temp sensor. The temp sensor I have is obviously installed somewhere else. Anyone fitted one of these before?

Chris.

 

[chrish0001]

Hi,
Still haven't gotten any further here (and I suspect the particular temp sensor I have purchased may be unrelated to the problem).

I'm inclined to bring the car to an aircon specialist (as suggested by JBerks). However, before I do, I thought it'd be worth running one last clue by this forum.

I realise there's been many posts about EC lights staying on and aircon systems needing recharging etc.

However in my case, where the EC light is stuck on not only do I not have cold air but no hot air either. Regardless of where the temp is set, the blower just pushes out ambient air.

I would have thought that if the climate control system had cut itself off due to low refrigerant, the heating function would work nonetheless?

Mornings are getting frosty ....

Any takers?

Chris.

 

[jberks]

I'm inclined to agree.
Ok - the aircon can pack in and put the light on, but the heater should behave exactly as it would if you turned it off manually.
I take it your climate is the manual variety rather than the digital readout one? The digi has a diagnostic mode but the manual one doesn't.
This is beyond my knowledge but it is starting to sound asif the control panel has developed a fault. May even be worth disconnecting the battery for 30 mins, but wait to see what others have to say first.

 

[chrish0001]

Yes - it's the manual one.