W221 - AC keeps turning off

[ScoobyDooLondon]

Whenever I try to turn the AC on, it goes back to "AC off" within a second.

Any idea why it's doing this, and how to resolve?

Thanks

 

[zipdip]

Well you could be well short of gas in the system,once these systems get about half full the will do this,the blower starts and then the system finds the lack of gas and switches off,suggest you get the system recharged,if the system has a leak the machine they use will say so and they should be able to fix it and refill it.

 

[ScoobyDooLondon]

Thanks. So its a safety mechanism that kicks in.

I just got my car back following an insurance incident where Mercedes replaced a lot of rear suspension parts - don't know where the AC gas is located on the vehicle, is it anywhere near the rear of the vehicle?

I want to understand if its something that the repairer could have broken or if its just coincidence.

What's the likely cost and is it a while-you-wait job or do I need to leave it overnight?

thanks again

Well you could be well short of gas in the system,once these systems get about half full the will do this,the blower starts and then the system finds the lack of gas and switches off,suggest you get the system recharged,if the system has a leak the machine they use will say so and they should be able to fix it and refill it.

 

[ScoobyDooLondon]

My local Mercedes has an offer of a free summer check so booked the car in for Sat morning.

They have an offer of £69 for re-gassing - so will take them up on their offer. Is this a good price or likely to be significantly cheaper at an indie?

As an aside, just had the car back from Mercedes for an insurance repair where the battery was disconnected - could this have affected the AC in any way?

thanks

 

[brucemillar]

I would think that the two are "unlikely" to be linked. F1 Autostores are doing an offer for £40 re-gas and test. £69 is about the normal rate from a main dealer.

 

[ScoobyDooLondon]

Thanks for the F1 Autostores, I'll look into it. Actually there's one nearby, so very handy indeed.

Is re-gassing one of those jobs that doesn't require Mercedes or an Indy to perform, or is it a specialist thing and an Indy is preferred?

 

[brucemillar]

Thanks for the F1 Autostores, I'll look into it. Actually there's one nearby, so very handy indeed.

Is re-gassing one of those jobs that doesn't require Mercedes or an Indy to perform, or is it a specialist thing and an Indy is preferred?

No real answer to this as it really depends who you ask the question to ;ˆ)

F1 have always been good with my cars and do seem to take some time & care over what they do. A specialist AC guy would arguably be the safest option but probably the most expensive. As long as they vac test the system for leaks (F1 do) and use the recommended weights and gas etc then you should have no issue. Job done in around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

 

[ScoobyDooLondon]

Took the car to F1 to get it re-gassed but it failed the leak test and they confirmed the gas was empty. They recommended I see an air-con specialist or an electrical auto-technician.

I've had the car for 3 years and never had any electrical issues. Following an insurance repair, the summer opening / convenience closing feature no longer worked and now the air con is not working.

It may be a coincidence but I'm inclined to think the air-con issue is related to a possible battery-disconnect, especially as the F1 mechanic suggested I see an electrical expert.

Anyone care to comment on the possibility of air-con failing following a battery-disconnect.

Thanks

 

[BTB 500]

If it failed the leak test there's a leak in the system This is a mechanical issue and can't be related to the battery being disconnected.

It's probably coincidental ... I just needed a new condenser in our 2007 Vito - the aircon specialist I used showed me where the aluminium had corroded through on the original one, causing a pinhole leak. Apparently it's a common problem.

 

[Benzowner]

It sound like a condenser gone, mine failed at about 9 years, they are not usually in the best location for avoiding stones and flying debris under the car.