AC "EC" light

[Karl226]

Hello,

I have a 1996 C220. The AC was working fine, and then the EC light came on and stayed on, not allowing the AC to operate. This happened once before, and I took the car to a very reputable AC shop(recommended by MB shops). They said the system was fine and reset an AC code. They couldn't find any probs. Everything was fine for months until today when it happened again. Since I think this is an OBDII system, battery disconnection won't work, will it? Any other things to check in the AC system? Anybody ever heard of this prob before?

Thanks!

Karl

[David C Klasse]

Disconnecting the batter will work to reset the system. Give it a try if it worked before. BTW, your climate control is a separate system than OBDII.
But maybe your EC button is sticking a little?
Maybe when the EC light goes on there's a problem also? I'm not sure...

[stevebfl]

On newer models the EC led will light if the system pressure or system temp are out of range. I'm not sure when that started but it probably applies here.

You might try viewing the actual values and/or fault codes. The directions can be found in the archives or the DIY article on A/C.

[Karl226]

Thanks, folks.

I went to the AC shop and the tech checked the code via the climate control readout. The code 241 (refrigerant) came up and he checked the pressures with a guage and said there was adequate refrigerant in the system. We cleared the code (he actually gave me the manual to read!) and the system blows fine and cold! He wouldn't take any payment either. Just for the record, if you don't know, you can bring up the codes by 1) ignition on, 2) set temp to "lo," 3) hold "rest" AND "windshield defrost" simultaneously for five seconds (this is diff from the diagnostic mode which shows temp, pressure, etc, I think), 4) "dI A" should appear. 5) push auto and you will get DTC's. When all have been displayed (scrolled through), you will get "End." 6) Use "auto" to scroll to "dE L" and hold down red up and blue down arrows simultaneously. 7) You will get "---" and the code is cleared. I will keep an eye on things to make sure refrigrearant pressures stay safe. Thanks for your responses.

Cheers,

Karl

[David C Klasse]

Hmmm, interesting... I just posted a reply about 10 minutes ago and now it's gone!
Anyway, Karl, that is a great peice of information you got there. I wonder why SteveBfl never told us about this?? Anyway, I just went down to my car and I have 4 codes, as follows: 28, 60, 80, and 82.
Can anyone tell me what these codes mean, or how I can find out?