'98 E320 A/C stopped blowing cold air
 

My '98 E320 A/C is no longer blowing cold air. Lately it has not been as cold as I would expect (though it is summer in Texas), but today it is not cold at all. Blower is working just fine.

I've never had a cooling problem before, so I don't know much about the refridgeration system. Is this a DIY project for this model? If I had a decent service manual I'd try and troubleshoot it, but I'm not sure where to start otherwise. Should I just take to a pro and pull out my wallet?

Sounds like a freon leak - and now it's so low the compressor won't cycle

Read this: http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic40142.html

Pay close attention to actual value #5 evap temp sensor. If it is over 120 get a new one.

Steve, great article! Now that I know what to search for, I'm finding plenty of info on evap temp sensors, but...

I checked the actual values with the engine off and cooled for approx. 8 hours. I'm not sure if my temp readings indicate a bad evap temp sensor or not becuase it is a really hot day. Here are the numbers. My car displays degrees F, so I assume the actual values use the same units.

1 98
2 93
3 105
4 102
5 123
6 116
7 08
8 98
9 27
10 4.8
11 3.8
12 4.3

Does this point to an evap temp sensor?

Looks awful high to me. Its higher than the heater core numbers by near 20 deg. I can't say whether it will keep the compressor from coming on. If the problem is the evap sensor the thing will usually turn on the compressor first time in the day for a short period.

Based on your difference I would replace it anyway. It messes with control even when not bad enough for total compressor shut down. Look at the pressure values to see if there is refrigerant and if it is registered too high (another problem noted in service bulletins)