when i press the airconditioner or dehumidifier buttons of my 190e2.6, with the fan turned on, the airconditioner compressor does not engage (the vented air remains warm and there is no additional load on the engine, as seen from the vacuum gage while at idle).

i've checked the fuses and everything seems to be fine.

i understand that there is a thermostat in the evaporator that is also in the compressor electrical loop. How do i check this, or is it best done by a mechanic?

are there other things that i should check, before i bring the car in?

thanks.

I would bet that you are out of refrigerant or your belt is slipping. You will have to take this repair to a tech if you don't have the diagnostic equipment.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

benzmac,

if i am out of refrigerant, will i have ruined my compressor, as i have been testing it for a while? The refrigerant is mixed with lubricating oil, right? When i turn it on, i do not hear any additional noise from the engine bay, listening closely.

anyway, i will take it up with the service advisor when i turn in my car for its scheduled service in 2weeks.

thanks.

There is a nifty little switch that prevents the compressor from engaging if you are low on freon...thereby saving you from ruining it. (nifty little idea)

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03/83 300D 184k
07/73 280 160k
-88 other 153k

[This message has been edited by Larry Delor (edited 07-11-2000).]

You may wish to arrange for a line of credit before you take the car in to have the AC worked on - see my post "Cold AC but No Money"

Good luck.

Chuck

i hope the prognosis is not that bad, but if it is, then i will just tough it out with the few months of summer here in canada. The only problem will be to demist the windshield when it rains, but maybe the heater can do the job ...

i would then use the money for 400e brakes and/or a SportLine suspension, which will then be easier to justify to myself ...

The prognosis came in today. The service rep recommended replacement of the compressor. As expected, the price is in the "GET OUTTA HERE!" category. "... For a while there, that sounded like TWO-THOUSAND-TWO-HUNDRED-DOLLARS ... "

in short, i decided to not have it replaced, as we only have 3months of warm weather here in canada. It's just that i do most of my long-distance driving in the summer ...

i would rather spend the money to improve the handling and braking ...

It is just a recommemdation as you said. It is nice to have verything new. But is it necessary? What is actually wrong with the system? Is the compressor leaking or making unusual noise? Don't give up until you know what is going on. It may be just a sample fix as Donnie stated.

David

[This message has been edited by be459 (edited 07-27-2000).]