Eloectrical Problem with 1986 190E 2.3
 

I have a curious problem that occurred with my 190E. First off the Fan Blower speed switch was jammed; so I replaced that with a new one from your parts department. Fan speed works as advertized now. However, if the Defrost button is pressed or either the airconditioning or max airconditioning button is depressed the motor will stall (with any fan speed selected).
If I increase RPM and attempt to turn on the air conditioning or the defroster, the RPM immediately drops and the engine stalls.
I am going friggin crazy here. I changed the .2 ohm resistor block and the A/C relay both to no avail. I need some help here.
By the way if the Defroster or A/C is left alone and any other combinations of fan speed or directional air or temp is selected all is normal. Need Help ASAP. Thanks.

A/C Problem
 

I would check the compressor itself - is it locked-up. It shouldn't matter though, that's what the relay is there for to turn off the compressor if it's locked-up.:rolleyes:

Try unplugging the compressor and see what happens, if the clutch is drawing too much amperage? Although this scenario should blow a fuse or the relay. :confused:

The only other thing that comes to mind would be pretty far fetched, POSSIBLY... the RPM signal being grounded/shorted when the compressor is engaged? This would definitely shut the engine down. But like I said that would be very strange indeed. :(

Try what I've suggested and let us know what you find.

Electrical problem additional comment
 

I'll try what you suggest but then why when the Defroster button is depressed (max defrost/fan speed and no A/C turned on) is it still stalling?

Defrost also causing stall
 

When the defrost is engaged, the A/C compressor is engaged. The A/C is used in the defrost mode to help take the humidity out of the air.;)

Eloectrical Problem with 1986 190E 2.3
 

Thanks. I disconnected the electrical connector on the compressor and actuated the A/C, Max A/C and Defrost buttons and the engine idled on perfectly. Reconnected and tried again.....engine stalled. Seems I got a bad compressor clutch.
Do you agree? Curious that a relay or fuse doesnt blow preventing the engine from stalling. If this occurred at high speed my first concern would be loss of power steering. Please advise.
Regards,
DD

don't condem the clutch just yet
 

There is still a possibility that the compressor is locked up, and you have a belt that is good and tight with a lot of traction. Have you tried to turn the compressor by hand? Reach down the front of the engine (with the motor off of course;) ) and try to turn the part of the compressor clutch that is farthest forward, best to do this after the car has been sitting for several hours and is cool.

Test this theory and let us know what you find.

Eloectrical Problem with 1986 190E 2.3
 

Thanks. I tested your theory. The compressor will not move by hand. I beleive it would take a strap wrench to turn it (if at all).
Please Advise,
DD

Bad news
 

It sounds like your A/C compressor is locked-up/ seized:(

This will require a trip to your favorite MB tech to repair, and the expense of around $1000.00+. You will need to replace the compressor, receiver drier, and expansion valve, and flush the system to remove metal contamination. Mercedes recommends replacing the "manifold/muffler" hose assembly in the case of a compressor failure, which can be an expensive part. I always recommend using OE remaned compressors.

Then you will have to decide which refrigerant you will go back with, 134a or r12? I won't get into a debate on which is the way to go on this issue, but my opinion is for 134a retrofit for the difference in expense and future availability of product, JMO:p

Hope you are still breathing, sorry to have brought you to a bad conclusion on your problem, but at least you know.

Until next time!

Eloectrical Problem with 1986 190E 2.3
 

Thanks for the confirmation, but you know what Doc, I think I'll live without A/c for a while. Matter of fact next serpentine belt change I'll bypass the compressor all together.
Regards,
DD