300CE aircon problems

[bravery43]

I have just purchased a 1988 300CE, aircon was not blowing cold, so had it regassed. Strange problem now - When car is "cold", A/C switch does not come on, no A/C light, compressor not engaged. After driving about 10 minutes, or when car has been standing out in the sun and has got quite hot, aircon switches on ok, and works perfectly, and will switch on and off ok until I take it out again from "cold".

In addition to this, even though the temp wheels are set to minimum, hot air some times comes from vents (with air con off) and will not return to cool until the aircon kicks in. Has anyone else seen this problem, or know the likely cause?. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[CreosoteChris]

My 220CE does not have air-con, and I'm also a relatively new owner rather than a seasoned expert, but I'll try to contribute here.

Cabin temperature is measured by a sensor behind a very small grille next to the sunroof switch - the sensor needs a continual air-current, and that's generated by a small fan inside the dash, easily accessed by removing glove-box lining (I'm not making this up.....)

This thread I posted a couple of weeks ago may help - http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/183902-w124-coupe-cabin-heater-permanently-hot.html and lots of other info around the forum, it's common to see issues like this on W124s.....

.....at least the heater bit - but I suspect that the AC bit is related to cabin temp sensing as well


Cheers, Chris
93 220CE, auto, red / black leather, 102k, Manchester
HTH