W210 Air Con

[muzzere320]

Hi All

This is my first post so please be gentle with me. I have recently acquired a 1995 E320 for use as a Motorway mile muncher and general runnig around. When doing the pre purchse checks I thought I had checked the air con but it's now clear I did not do it properly - it's not really working properly. Sometimes it semms to cool the air ok and other times it's obviously doing nothing. On these occaisions the only way to get anything other than warm/hot air is to set the temp controls at the lowest possible setting. So three questions:

1 Any ideas on the fault(s)?
2 Can anyone recommend a good indie specialist in the Bristol Area (I want to get someone who knows what they are doing to give it the once over)?
3 Can anyone recommend an air con specialist?

Cheers

Pete

 

[Parrot of Doom]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=25909

Try that thread first.

 

[muzzere320]

Thanks for that,

Looks like one for the weekend

ATB

 

[muzzere320]

Hi Again,

Just had another look at this at home and since my laptop displayed the pictures I must say this is a super post. Very clear and just about idiot proof- I'll find out how idiot proof will become apparent at the weekend

One further question - what is Anti Fling spray & where can I get some?

Thanks

 

[Blobcat]

In addition to PODs Duovalve I would also check that the compressor is running with the AC on. Have someone press the "EC" switch with the engine running and when the red LED lights the compressor should stop. It is at the front of the engine on the RHS (when you facing the car)

 

[muzzere320]

Hi Blobcat,

I'll try that, but just to be sure I'm not getting the wrong end of the stick could you clarify? I thought pressing the EC switch and the LED coming on indicated the A/C had been switched on which would surely cause the compressor to run? The Owners hand book was not with the car so I'm "In the dark"

Many thanks

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Red light on = economy mode = aircon off.

 

[dickily]

Hi
Excuse my stupidity, but does that red light on = air con off on the w124 as well?

Many thanks
Richard

 

[muzzere320]

Parrot

Thanks for that, I'll do the check as Blobcat suggested. Apologies again for my dimness but could you clarify what anti-fling spray is , it's not a term I've heard before

Thanks again

 

[muzzere320]

'Afternon all

Time seemed to vanish before my eyes this last weekend so I did not get time to look at the duo valve but did the on/off test suggested by Blobcat. The A/C pump did not respond to the switch. It was a bit strange - when I started the car it was off (light on) and the pump seemed to be stationary. I then switched it on (light off) and the pump operated, however when I turned it off again the pump continued to operate There was no detectable cooling with it running (about 2 mins)

any thoughts?

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Anti-fling spray is usually the stuff you squirt onto chains, its oil that doesn't fling off as the chain spins.

 

[muzzere320]

Thanks for that Parrot, I'll get some from the local bike shop and have a go over Easter

ATB

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Don't go mad, just a very very very tiny amount is all that may be required.

 

[muzzere320]

A big thanks to Parroy for the excellent post on the duovalve. Did the job thisafternoon using his guide and it has worked a treat, I now have two temperature controls that work

The economy button does not not seem to do much as far as I can see. The compressor is running regardless of the economy switch so I'd be glad of any advice. I suspect the systen need regassing which I'll sort out in the next weekor so.

Thanks again Parrott I definately owe you a pint if we ever meet

ATB

Pete

 

[television]

With air con and the need for re gassing, The air should be icy cold,rather than cold on the min position, if you find that it stops working when it is very hot,but OK when it warm out, that is also signs of re gassing required

 

[djb]

A

The economy button does not not seem to do much as far as I can see. The compressor is running regardless of the economy switch so I'd be glad of any advice.
Pete

for what it is worth on my 53 c200 if the air con is in eco mode at ignition turn on , ie red light showing , compressor stays off, however if you put air con on for a short while then into eco mode, the air compressor / air con continues to work until the ignition is next switched off & I suspect the coolerfins / evaporator warm to ambient. Probably the reason is ,to prevent when going into eco mode the evaporator doesnt thaw and heavily mist the windscreen.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Glad to be of help Muzzere I had to do it on mine as I was driving down the motorway and being blasted by roasting hot air - in the height of last summer's heatwave

 

[OlafMaxwell]

You should be aware the condenser radiator is a known weak point. Its under a cover behind the passenger side suspension strut.

 

[muzzere320]

Hi All,

Thanks again for all the advice. I had the new condenser fitted, system tested & regassed and it is now working fine . All for a seemingly reasonable £489.60 inc vat)

I will have to have another go at the duo valve as I still get warm air (In Ecomomy Mode) as the car warms up, even with the temp controls set to coldest setting. The drivers side is warmer than the passenger side and it's that that makes me think it's the duo valve. Otherwise its £109.60 plus Vat for a new one . If any one has fitted a new one I'd be grateful to know if there is anything special/unexpected involved

Cheers