For those who have made strides with A/C, can you get me started?

I have a beautifully maintained 82 240D, that when I bought, the 22yr 2nd owner said that all the system needed was a charge. Of course, I did not believe that, but the way this car is, it may very well be the truth. I am open to the possibility, but also know it might be a project.

So where do I start? I have been searching the DIYs but am not really sure what I need, a test, a recharge, are there simple things to tell if the electrical and compression systems are working before testing the pressure etc?

Thanks for any links you can provide.

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1982 240D (4-speed)
1988 Volvo 240DL (5-speed wagon)
1999 Volvo V70
2002 Volvo XC70 (the grocery getter)

I am with Sulawesi, in that I would be interested in "what to check first when your system status is unknown".


Ok I guess the R/D is Reciever/Drier, but what is a TXV? Is that the Expansion Valve that lives in the dash?

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

Yeah, you might be right. But the chart says 170-210 hi side for that ambient, so I figured I was close enough. Will keep an eye on it now that I have gauges. I'm pretty stoked about it working, though. We'll see what happens this week when the temps reach into the lower 90s.

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1987 300DT
2002 Ford F-250 7.3 Crew Cab Short Bed

Yes, the R/D is the receiver/drier & the TXV is the expansion valve. On the '87 300Ds (124), the expansion valve is under the hood, sorta behind the windshield wiper motor. You can readily see it from the drivers side if you look under the base of the windshield near the wiper. Took my indy about an hour to swap it out. He did use some special tools to do it, though.
On 123s, the TXV is under the dash, so I am told...

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1987 300DT
2002 Ford F-250 7.3 Crew Cab Short Bed

Thanks for the reply. This is the first I have read "TXV". Previously "Expansion Valve". Thanks for the W124 specific info.

For those also reading to learn:
Location of Expansion Valve:
W123: Behind Glove box. (remove assembly to access).
W126: Behind the dash, above the drivers foot area (?) Considered a pain in the butt to access by some. Some suggest removing gauge cluster. There is a support beam/air duct in the way.
W124: In engine bay under/near wiper assembly.


Does anyone know if an A/C diagnostic DIY starting from "I have a Mercedes and the A/C doesnt work....I know nothing"...starting point (?).

My W124 has INOP A/C. I know nothing of its components conditions.
My W123 was working previously, stopped working, it got cook out, priority status lowered. During the cold season, the A/C compressor clutch started to make noise, I disconnected the wires, no more noise. This was while running the defroster on a cold day. Suggestions?
My W126 had working a/c until it blew a fuse. I replaced with a circuit breaker, it worked for a short period, now I have no power windows, AND no A/C.

So now that it is over 100*F here, our VW golf, and my Silverado get most of the driving.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

You might have better luck if you start another thread with your particular issues described in detail. This one's pretty much played out...

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1987 300DT
2002 Ford F-250 7.3 Crew Cab Short Bed