PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - E320 A/C Compressor Grind / Belt Squeal W210 HELP!!!

gmercoleza · #10 07-22-2005, 12:08 AM

The car was left with me earlier, and today after work I moved it into my garage. Just for kicks I hit the a/c button again (don't ask me why as I don't even know). Anyway, the a/c appeared to run for a few seconds. I *thought* I could hear the compressor kick on and it appeared that the clutch engaged and everything was spinning, albeit not very smoothly (at least "something" was going on under the hood). Then I heard the "grind" sound again and I quickly shut it off. Again, don't ask me why, but I did that a second time just for confirmation, then shut it off for good. When I got out of the car, there was a strong smell resembling burnt brake pads. Could this indicate that the clutch is not "grabbing" and is slipping after being engaged for a few seconds? I guess I'm hopeful that it's the clutch and not the actual compressor. I plan to loosen the belt tomorrow after work and attempt to spin both the outer clutch pulley and the center hub in order to determine resistance.

Oh, and by the way, I don't think the compressor would have stopped had I not turned the a/c off from the control panel. I thought there was a sensor that detected compressor speed differential and disengaged the clutch if any slippage or lockup was detected? This system didn't appear to behave that way. Is that further sign of some problem?

On a side note, I noticed that the headlights and dome light, etc. all have a very obvious "flicker" to them, almost as if they are going from bright to dim to bright to dim, etc. all in some sort of rapid cyclical fashion. It was very noticeable since it was night time and I had the car running in my garage with the lights pointing forward to the wall. Can I assume the alternator is not properly rectifying the voltage so that it is sending partial alternating current through the system? If so, could this have something to do with the possible a/c clutch problem i.e. the a/c clutch isn't getting the proper voltage so it won't hold for very long? That would be great if a new alternator or voltage regulator would solve the problem.

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks in advance for your help!