A/C compressor doesnt come on

[rcend]

1999 C280, 95k miles.

I have never had the AC system checked out. All throughout the summer, I had to always turn on the AC at the first few minutes of driving or otherwise the compressor will never start even if I had the target temperature as 55F and it was 100F outside. I also had to keep the temperature at an extraordinary low temperature, since the Auto control turned down the fan 10-15F before it's target. The conditioned air didnt feel very cold, at most 50-60F, as opposed to other cars I've been in.

If I wanted AC for my commute, I had to turn on the AC right after starting the car, set a target temperature of 65F to get a reasonable 75F and had to wait 15-30 minutes before this temperature was even reached.


I was very busy then but I have some vacation for Christmas to tend to this problem. I have seen refill/lubrication kits, can you do this or is it best left to a professional? I have the Star manual (DVD).

[las769]

You could have a few things wrong
1.Low on freon and if this is the problem there are some safety devices
to protect the system,the compressor will cycle quickly also your aux.
cooling fans won't come on and you will have a high head pressure
and low cold output.
And if you get cold air when you are on the highway and warmer air in around town driving. Turn you a/c on and your aux fan or fans should come on if the don't you could have a bad switch on the receiver dryer
it's most probably red in color
Next cold be the climate control unit check the other threads about this