96 C220

1996 MB C220 Question: Can anyone tell me what the silver cylinder looking device is directly behind and below the driver's side front head lamp. It sits between the headlamp and just below and in front of the ABS unit. It has several wires and tubes coming out of it going to other areas of the car. I ask this question because I have a loose wire with a plug on it hanging down. The silver cylinder thing appears to have a port that is missing something plugged into it. To sum up; what is this device and should I plug the wire and plug into it?

[MB STARS]

I think that is your air conditioning drier it has two line going to it and a temperature sensor at side.

Thanks for the reply. I had a new a/c compressor put on the car recently $2000 parts and labor. Two weeks later it was not working. The mechanic told me the control panel inside was bad and replaced at another $1500. I wonder now if this wire not being plugged in has caused these problems. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[David C Klasse]

I'd say find a new mechanic....

It sure sounds like you're being gypped!

[blackmercedes]

After reading a couple threads by this gentleman, I would agree that he should sit down and talk to his tech.

I'm not saying that they're intentionally ripping him off, but they might not be familiar with MB systems or diagnosis of these problems. It sounds like the "part's toss" method is taking place.

The AC system isn't really that complicated, when you think about it. There's the compressor, condensor, reciever/dryer, expansion valve, evaporator, and control unit combined with sensors. With some gauges and expertise, I've found that diagnosing AC problems can be done with reasonable precision.