Air Con problem solving

[StevenN]

Hi All

I have a E220cdi W210 2002

My air con is not blowing cold.
There is some pressure in the system and the EC light swithches on and off.
The fan behind the radiator runs when the light is off.

Can someone tell me where the compressor is located and how to see if it is running?

I am hoping that it just needs a top up to get up and running.


Thanks

Steve

 

[NIPhil]

Steve,
Just take it into your local car aircon specialist. (Kwik-Fit do a re-gas for about £49).
My local specialist charged £49.99 for :
Removing the gas and oil from the system
Vacuum the system
Regas and lubrication - (They put a dye in the gas and check for leaks)
If there is a problem with your compressor or condensor they will find it.
The compressor looks like this:

HTH

 

[BlackC55]

I suspect you are low on gas and have a leak. 9/10 its the condenser.

 

[StevenN]

Hi Olly

I have pressure from both the high and low ports

No signs of corrosion from the condenser.
So hoping it's not too bad

Cheers

Steve

 

[BlackC55]

Look between the rad and th condensor

 

[StevenN]

Hi Olly

I will do that but would i still have pressure in the system if the condensor was leaking?

Ta

Steve

 

[BlackC55]

You mAy have some, depending how bad the leak is

 

[StevenN]

Assuming I may have a leaking condenser do you think my best way of finding out is to book a Kwikfit service?
I have found another Air Con bloke local who charges £35 but I bet he will not give the same guarantee about not billing if not achieving a 10% improvement.

 

[Rob77]

If you know you have a leak then the normal Kwik Fit deal will be useless to you. However, my local branch is getting a dye machine in. With that, they will be able to tell me what's leaking and quote me for fixing it. I've still to take the car in to have that done though so can't comment on the service.

 

[StevenN]

Hi Rob
I don’t know if I have a significant leak as I still have pressure on both the high and low port
My thoughts were if Kwickfit couldn’t gas it because of a leak then I would know and I wouldn’t have to pay.
If the system is just a little porous and the re gas works for a few years then ok.