Clk Air Con Not Working!

[polosbruno]

Hi all
I have a 2004 54 CLK200 convertible and have only 2 weeks ago re-gased the air con.The problem is that it is now again blowing out warm air and very rarely cold air.Can anybody suggest a solution for this problem?
Thanks in advance.

 

[robs-mbz]

I'd put my money on the condensor leaking, about £350 plus labour plus regassing, at a dealer/independent or about £120 plus regassing plus your own time if you are handy with the spanners!

 

[nickcc101]

Just been talking to my local air con garage who has had the same problems on numerous occasions. Says that a new sealing product added to the recharge has just been introduced and has helped to stop leaks. Suggest that your air con dealer may be able to use this product.

 

[robs-mbz]

Don't bother, I tried them all! short term fix - maybe, you will still end up replacing the condenser or what ever component is leaking! The only way to save yourself a considerable "wedge" is to roll your sleeves up and fix it yourself!

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

I agree the condensor is the most common cause of leaks, its stuck out the front of the car waiting to get hit by stones and debris, to put a hole in it.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Not a DIY Job IMO the gas needs to be contained not released to atmosphere. A decent guy would have advised to add a leak detector to the refrigerant and sorted the whole thing in one go!

 

[robs-mbz]

Chances are the gas has all leaked out already! It amuses me how many members of this forum are either afraid or unwilling to get their hands dirty and declare "its not a DIY job." There are LOTS of jobs on Mercedes cars that can be confidently tackled with a modicum of common sense and a reasonable tool kit, you really can save yourself a fortune and gain an enormous amount of satisfaction out of doing your own repairs. HAVE A GO!

 

[Veridian]

Further to the above, I posted a query on here last week re the sealant product - having been quoted £400+vat for a replacement Condensor and Dryer by my local indy. Being pretty competent DIY wise and having already addressed the most common faults* on a car of my age ('98 E430), I have toyed with replacing them myself as I reckon I can buy the parets for less than £200, but am concerned as to whether Id get a gas tight seal when bolting the various components together. Has anybody tried?

The sealant product is specifically for 'small leaks in metal components of mobile A/Cs' called Airco Seal Pro from Primalec - they have a website - primalec.com

Since my R134a is seeping out over around a month or so, Ill give the product a go.. though there is a cost implication here too.. Is it worth forking out £x00 pounds on new parts or just the £30-40 each summer until I replace the car for enough gas to get me to the autumn. Looking out the window today Im inclined to go cheapskate

* - Sunroof drive 'ropes', Brake pedal switch, reversing light switch - seriously fiddly!!

 

[robs-mbz]

If you are sure that its the condenser that is leaking then it really isn't a difficult job, I replaced mine on my W210 in a couple of hours, you will need to buy new O rings for the hose connections and have it gassed up at an air con specialists or Kwikfit. It cost me £100 for the condenser http://shop.coolcaraircon.co.uk/cond...to--7996-p.asp , two quid for the O rings, (Mercedes) and £45 to have it tested and re gassed. Ive had ice cold ventilation ever since!

 

[Veridian]

Robs- Id be interested in doing that myself - As I see my condensor is even cheaper than yours according to that site! Are there any DIY tips I shoudl know or a how to do it before I unleash the spanners!? - Its suggested I change out the dryer at the same time - only £40 inc Vat.

 

[polosbruno]

Thanks all for your opinions and suggestions.
I took it to an independant specialist who found a small leak near the condensor!
He fixed it snd re-gased it and alls working fine!

As for the damage......100 Euros...not bad at all!!!!

Again,thanks all.:wink:

 

[robs-mbz]

Robs- Id be interested in doing that myself - As I see my condensor is even cheaper than yours according to that site! Are there any DIY tips I shoudl know or a how to do it before I unleash the spanners!? - Its suggested I change out the dryer at the same time - only £40 inc Vat.

I must admit, I didn't replace the drier, I wish I had now but everything seems to be working ok!
There was nothing difficult at all about replacing it on my W210, I guess most installations must be similar. Obviously the grille has to come off together with the bolt on slam panel. I didn't bother disconnecting the bonnet release cable, just drape the panel out of the way. There are a few clip on plastic panels and shrouds around the radiator that have to come off, it may take you a while to work out how they come out. The electric fan assembly has to come off the front of the condenser, it just bolts on and there is a plug and socket for the wiring. Underneath the plastic under shield has to be removed and on my car the turbo inter cooler has to come out, just 2 bolts and 2 hose clips hold it in place. You can then get access to the 2 hose connectors for the condenser. The condenser bolts to the radiator with 2 bolts at the top and it clips into place at the bottom.
As I said, fit 2 new O rings to the connectors as you fit the new condenser.

I've probably made it sound more of a job than it really is, just be methodical and remember where everything go's!

The condenser I bought looks a bit different than the standard MBZ one but it seems very well made and fitted perfectly. Its been on for a couple of months now with no problems.

One tip, the first time I took my car to kwikfit to be re gassed, the fitters couldn't find the low pressure connector, its hidden behind a clip off plastic panel to the top right of the radiator, I left it off so that they could see it when I returned, Its easy enough to re fit afterwards.

Good luck!

 

[Veridian]

Thanks for the detail Rob, I think I'll try my aerosol gizit and if it doesnt work Ill swap out the condensor and drier. luckily I was watching the Aircon guy at my Indy so I saw how he took off the panel at the front to find the - (and I could be wrong - but I thought thats the high pressure connector!- as its high pressure gas going into the condensor to be air cooled. The low pressure port being the one we can easily access under the bonnet.) HP connector - I didnt even know it was there!! - mind you, Ive had the car 2 years and only discovered last week I could open and close the windows & sunroof with the key fob!

Ive got a copy of the Merc WIS on the PC so Ill print out the relevant bits too, just in case theres something extra in the way - (isn't there always!) Anyway many thanks.. now for a dry day!

 

[robs-mbz]

I think you may be right about the high pressure connector! I was getting my wires (connectors) crossed!