w202 aircon

[C250TD_1999_Auto]

Hi all, I have a W202 C250TD (1999) auto that is fitted with aircon, it has the twin electric fans in front of the radiator and a viscous coupling fan behind the radiator that is on when the engine is running.

If I have the engine running and turn the thumb wheels to cold (both sides) and ensure the ec button is off (not illuminated) and therefore the aircon should be on I get air blowing fine (if it's a cold nite the air is cold, hot day the air is hot) - like its just blowing the air in from outside. At no point have the two elecy fans kicked in =- are these meant to be turning when the aircon is on?

I've checked the glass eye on the compressor (i think that what its connected to) and no bulbbles or movement can be seen? How do I know if its' working and needs a regass if the fans dont turn normally? It needs an MOT so i'm thinking about getting them to regas the aircon but wont bother if the system is spannered

I have no docs with the car so i can't check it - ive checked the fuses in the engine bay compartment and all ok, wires to fans all connected ok

any help wud be much appreciated

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I would say you have no gas in the system and it needs a recharge, the front 2 fans only come on with the increase in gas pressure when the system is operating, but do check that both fans are free to move as if these fans pack up the system won,t run as efficiently.
Common failure of the A/C system on a W202 is the condenser failling due to its position by the cars radiator, they retail at approx. £350 from MB though you can buy pattern items (possibly dubious quality) from ECP, GSF and E-bay, for between £80-£120.
You will need to go through the process of a recharge to check for a leak, as they will evaquate the system and hold it on a vacuum for a preset period of time, to check for leaks.
It might pay you to get Kwik-fit to do it as they offer a money back guarentee if its not 10% cooler by the time they finish, and if yours leaks they won,t be able to charge you as it won,t be 10% cooler.

 

[C250TD_1999_Auto]

thanks for the speedy reply

I just had my mondeo mot'd and aircon redone (half price aircon £25) so they can do the same on the merc (this needs an MOT to be done too). Aircon in the mondeo is now running at 2 degrees - sweeet - get that from the merc and i can start driving it to work again (hoorah)! (Hayfever means I need aircon to help me out)

Cheers bud