W140 A/C suddenly stopped working (compressor squealing)
 

The A/C on my '93 S-Class (400SEL) had decided it wanted to conk out here in the middle of July. I rarely use A/C, but have wanted to use it lately. I am wondering if lack of use may have been the problem?

Anyway, it was working fine, then one day it wouldn't work until after on for about 10 minutes. Now when I turn it on the compressor will make a "groaning / squawking" noise for about 3 seconds, then it will click off and then of course only hot air blows out of the vents.

Does it sound like it is low on gas (preventing the compressor from kicking on and staying on), or has the compressor conked out? I have the car for sale, but will sell easier with working A/C. I have reduced the price of the car by $500 down to $3000, which I think is more than generous, but still. I think even if it needs a new compressor, it will not be over $500, if it does, then Lord help the W140 owner.

The A/C evaporator, heater core, condenser and blower motor were replaced two years ago to the tune of $3300 to get cold A/C. Now this happens. I am not sure if the compressor has ever been replaced or not, I will need to look through the service records - which there are tons of.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a seized up compressor. Have you observed it when it is turned on? Have someone turn it on while watching the compressor, see if it even tries to turn or if the clutch/belt is just slipping....long periods of lack of use can indeed shorten their lives.

Thanks. Well it was "squawking" for a couple of seconds when first turned on... now it does not click on at all. I was hoping it being low on gas would cause this, but it sounds like the compressor has went south... of course that I am wanting to sell it. lol. Oh well, that is my luck.

It looks like you can get a used one on ebay for around $150.00 and surely not that much to install. I reduced the price on the car, maybe it will not be a deal breaker.

I tried this out ( K6JRF Auto Page) and I could not figure out that "test" on the upper part, I got the "1" and so forth on the left readout, but always random different numbers on the passenger side readout, even different everytime I tried it.

On the second test, the lower test I am only getting a "EO 43" - "E0 43 A/C system coolant temperature sensor (B10/8), open or short circuit **)" - whatever that means?

Like I said, my compressor was making a noise when first clicked on, now it will not make any sound. Car has new evaporator, heater core, condenser and blower motor. NO COLD A/C. :(