300E AC stopped blowing cold air
 

:rolleyes: Can anyone help?
My car about one month ago stopped blowing cold air. The next time I started it, that day, it was working perfect and did so for the last month.

Yesterday, I started it, turned on the AC and there was no cold air coming out. And this time it didn't "fix" itself. I can hear the AC unit turn on, but no cold air,

Help?

thanks.

Is the clutch engaging?

i don 't think so. not sure what you mean.

If the a/c clutch does not engage, the compressor cannot push refrigerant thru to the condensor, etc. etc., etc.

Turn off the car. pop the hood, Stand in front of the engine bay area. From this point, look towards the right side(drivers side) for the radiator hose on top of the radiator(right side of radiator in this case). Below that is a serpentine belt - single belt that drives all of your principle accessories..ie..power steering pump, a/c compressor, alternator, etc.

Not far below the radiator hose just mentioned is a cylindrical shaped cannister. This is your power steering reservoir. There's a pulley in front of it and the serpentine belt drives that pulley.

Beneath this pulley(further down) is your a/c compressor. The serpentine belt turns downward to drive it.

The a/c clutch is 3.5-4 inches in dia.(outer part). round shape and it's at the front of the a/c compressor.

Start the car, leave a/c off. Shine a flash light down in the direction of the a/c compressor. You'll see the serpentine belt free-wheeling the a/c pulley- a/c is off and that round shaped piece(clutch) at the front of the compressor will not be moving.

Now turn on the a/c. The round shaped piece(clutch) at the front of the a/c compressor "should" engage the compressor and also turn with it. If it's not turnning, then you should have a qualified tech. examine the system.

no, the clutch doesn't seem to be engaging. is this expensive to fix?

It could be as simple as a refrigerant charge, or it could require replacement of many expensive parts.

No one can diagnosis this over the WEB. Take it to an MB tech and have him diagnose the system. That part will cost 1-2 hrs. labor. Afterwards, you'll know the severity of the problem.