QuestionQUESTION: I have 1999 C230 Compressor with 74 k on odometer. Airconditioner compressor, drier and valve were recently replaced (supposedly leaky compressor). Now it seems system holds the coolant but compressor often would not start so the windows will get totally foggy. This is happening even at above zero temperatures and I think Long Island mechanics have no clues to the problem.
ANSWER: Question Edward. At what temperature do you want A/C?
If it is cold already. The compressor will not come on? The Evaporator temperature sensor regulates that. If it is below 50 outside the compressor will not come on. You will need to allow outside air in. Now if it is warm temperature them there is a problem.
If the compressor does come on at times them we can eliminate the wire unless they did not plug it in completely or they pulled it and weaken it. But I doubt it. Usually the evaporator temp sensor goes bad and tells the control unit that it is already cold inside so there is no need for the compressor to come on.
So if you explain to me witch of the 2 scenarios you have I will guide you through it.
Let me know.
Ralph
Miami Auto Help Inc
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Ralph, thanks a lot for the answer. The problem I would say 40 farrenheit and below. Manual tells the compressor should run continusly above 1 degree C (~34 F). It tells me nothing of expected behavior at lower temperatures, it also does not explain why it behaves erratically when it is cold but not freezing. Thic can be just C230 feature (one more example of german creativity or sign of being nearly 10 years old). I would not mind to change temp. sensor but it is so well hidden ... Related question - when I am trying to divert all air to the front glass - the air flow gets weak - can it signal one more reason to get under the dash?
I bought the car a year ago, like it but AC story makes me thing that my next car will be of a different make ..
Thanks again
Edward
Answer Ok Edward. The temperature sensor is pretty easy to get to. I will explain. But let me skip to the other problem that you just mentioned , Ventilation , Question is the flow decrease upon acceleration? If yes. The door as move by vacuum elements. I would have to have you check some things out first. I not them You will have to go behind the dash.
If you remove the three screws under the driver side underpanel and the small screw holding the hood release mechanism and then pull the hood release lever towards you slightly and take the cable off of it. Them there is a white or black plastic nut in the area of the gas pedal . Unscrew that nut and the panel will drop if it is still attached make sure that all screws are out when it drops the OBD computer connector on the inside of the panel pulls out by pulling the release to your left (towards the outside of the car. Now remove that panel and when you look in the center of the console you will see the evaporator case. reach in there with your left hand and you will feel a wire above the vacuum lines . The sensor is attached to it. With a gentle downward tug he sensor will come out of the hole in the evaporator case. The sensor has a curved portion so that you will have to take it out going downward and before you pull it completely out see the hole that is came out of so that you can reinstall it. the connector just pulls out. Connect it prior to reinstalling back in the hole. It makes it easier.
Let Me Know if you need further assistance and about the ventilation problem
Ralph
Miami Auto Help Inc
