W202 Aircon not cold

[Jukka]

I've got a 97 pre-facelift W202 and the air-con is just not cold, it gets cool but not as cold as it used to. Also I'm sure when I used to switch it from re-circulate to fresh air the noise / speed of the fans used to drop but doesn't seem to anymore.

Any suggestions? Pollen Filter? Regas?

Thanks

 

[Will]

Hi Jukka,

Is the air conditioning actually working at all!

Does the compressor cut in when you turn the air conditioning on (ie, when the EC switch is NOT illuminated)
The system will protect itself and not run the compressor if the system pressure is low.

If the system is 'low' on gas it is best to have it checked properly for leaks rather than just getting it 'regassed'.

Unfortunately there are a lot of cowboy aircon guys out there who are just after making a quick buck by 'regassing' the system, without looking for faults first.

Will

 

[Jukka]

How do I tell if the compressor is on or not? Switching the EC button on/off doesnt result in any noticeable change in temp or noise.

 

[Stratman]

How do I tell if the compressor is on or not? Switching the EC button on/off doesnt result in any noticeable change in temp or noise.

With the engine running and the A/C switched off (red light ON in the EC switch), lift the bonnet and find the electromagnetic clutch. As you look at the front of the engine, follow the serpentine belt. The bottom rightmost pulley is what you are looking for. The center of the pulley should not be rotating. This means that the clutch has not engaged and hence is not driving the compressor. Now turn on the A/C (red light OFF in the EC switch). You should hear a clunk as the clutch engages, and the center of the pulley should now be rotating. If it isn't, you have a problem.

 

[dykhor]

compressor ? cooling coil ?

 

[Jukka]

All the pulleys seem to be rotating all the time regardless of AC on or not. Now that I have tried it on the driveway when I switch the AC on (EC light off) there is a noticeable change in fan speed / noise.

Any ideas?

Thanks