Am I doing any damage?

[iwannabenz]

My '85 380SL's A/C is completely flat, no R12 left in it at all (hopefully just a bad seal). I am going to get it repaired soon, but in the meanwhile am I doing any damage to the climate control electronics or any other part of the climate control system by driving the vehicle? Ambient temperature is between 40 and 60 farenheit, and I have the climate control temperature wheel set to around 70f, and have the econo button pushed in, fan on automatic setting.
Thanks.

[kip Foss]

To damage your compressor you would have to run it and with your system empty your level switch won't let your compressor come on. As far as I know, and I admit that I don't know a lot about your type of AC, but, aside from your fan I don't think that there are any other moving parts in the system.

[iwannabenz]

Thanks Kip, I understand about the low pressure switch, just wanted to make sure the automatic climate control itself doesn't suffer any damage because of the fact it is probably sending a signal to turn the A/C on and as you pointed out it won't due to the lack of refrigerant.

[tjohn]

As long as you are using the Econo setting (second pushbutton from the right) the compressor will not be told to activate, so no worries on that score. As has been mentioned, the switch cuts out the compressor when (as seems to be true in your case) the refrigerant is too low. You always could remove the belt if you're really worried, but there's no need. Just chase down that leak and get your A/C back up before it gets hot.

[kip Foss]

Don't bother with the belt, just pull off the electrical connection that goes to the compressor. That will make sure that no power gets to the clutck. Or you could just leaave it alone since it won't start because of the low level switch.

[iwannabenz]

Thanks guys, I will leave it in the econo setting until repairs are complete.