Hello,

I am a first time E300 TD ('98) owner and new member at this board. Very pleased to see so many Diesel enthusiasts on this board.

Recently, the AC in my car has started giving problems. It cools for 2-3 minutes and then gradually starts blowing hot air (stops cooling).

Any suggestions, where to look for problems or how to troubleshoot ??
Thanks in Advance!

I had a similar problem in my '82 300D. The a/c would work fine for a few minutes, then the compressor would cut off causing the fan to blow ambient air. The problem turned out to be a malfunctioning low temperature cutout switch. The switch was intended to prevent the system from freezing, but it was tripping at a much-too-high temp. (The '98 may or may not have such a switch.)

Its got to have set some codes. I'd start there.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Like the tech said, check the codes. It could be as simple as a belt or clutch slipping. If they slip they may get hot, that may be a clue.

Here's an AC question, the place we got my car from, a dealer in PA, when he got the car his shop recharged it with R134a when the system was still running (and working!) on R12, so he messed it up, on the way home the compressor seized and now it doesn't work (it was stalling the engine at idle if you let the compressor try to engage, so I removed the belt and the cord for the clutch)....I am curious as to what I'd have to do exactly to get it working again, obviously a compressor, but would I have to replace anything else? the clutch is probably toast too, but otherwise I don't know what would need replacing. I'd prefer to have it running on R12 once repaired, if possible....I suppose 134a is ok but I hear it doesn't run as cold. My dad's 83 has a functional R12 system and it gets real cold, but now it needs a recharge, its only getting cool right now. Any suggestions? I'd like to have AC.....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I have some advice concerning R134a. Don't even think about it!!!
As far as the compressor/clutch goes, new (or overhauled) compressors generally come with the clutch.