190E A/C Broke, belt squeals then stops!
 

I did an exhaustive search and could find this exact problem in the forum (at least searching for 190e stuff). I have a 92 190E 2.6 and the A/C just stopped working, and just blows hot air.

When the car is started, immediately there is a belt squeal, a drop in RPM, then the engine goes back to idle. I tightened the v-belt and now, instead of a drop in RPM, the engine will stall without extra gas when started. The A/C still does nothing. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Your AC compressor is siezed. If there is a separate belt, just remove it until you have a chance to get the compressor replaced. If not, you will have to get the clutch freed up so that it can allow the engine to rotate, at least, if not get the compressor replaced.

Most if the cars with a single serpentine belt have a speed sensor in the compressor that shuts it off if it slows down too much. This works unless the clutch is also locked up, which sometimes happens.

Peter

That's kind of what I figured. What causes this anyway? I've only had the car 2 weeks!

Thanks,

Old age, running with low freon and no oil, bad luck. Basically the lubrication failed, and since the compressor is mostly aluminum, the galls and locks up.

Some rebuilt compressors are dirty from the factory, and trash very quickly.

Leaks can do you in too -- 134a in the presence of water and heat decomposes into hydrofluoric aicd!

The clutch can also go bad, as in your case, since with the climate control on economy the compressor should be off, but doesn't release.

Ten years old, lots of miles, not too much of a shock. Big pain, though.

Peter