Mercedes AC is not working? Here is How to Troubleshoot the Problem

The air conditioning system in cars is meant for comfort and convenience. It cools the cabin to provide the passengers relief from hot weather. Imagine you have to drive a long distance and the weather is very hot but your AC in the car is not working, the driving experience at that time will be very bad, isn't it? In this article, I’m gonna tell you how troubleshoot the problem.

Mercedes AC

The AC or air conditioner releases cool air into the cabin to cool it entirely. It is an electrical system consisting of the evaporator, condenser and compressor. It uses a substance called refrigerant throughout the whole air conditioning system for the flow of heat easily. The whole system consists of many sensors and other components, but the compressor is always the main component of the whole AC system, so whenever any AC malfunctioning occurs, first the technicians always check is the compressor.

What causes AC to malfunction?

Here are the causes that can make AC to malfunction and it can be fixed by troubleshooting.

Issues in compressor

If the compressor is malfunctioning, then the AC may not work. Compressor makes the refrigerant circulate by giving pressure on it. The compressor gradually wears off due to usage. This reduces its ability to circulate the refrigerant due to which AC system begins to malfunction.

Refrigerant is leaking

Leaking of refrigerant leads to huge loss of refrigerant. If proper amount of refrigerant is not there, then it can lead to no flow of cold air. The leakage is mainly caused due to worn gaskets and valves.

Damage in the condenser

The condenser cools the refrigerant while it passes through it. But condenser is also more likely to get corroded internally due to accumulation of dirt and debris. Such damage of the condenser can lead to leakage of refrigerant.

Cooling fan control unit is faulty

The cooling fan is one of the most important parts in operating process. The cooling fan control unit monitors and controls the fan. Some loose connections and worm valves can lead to malfunctioning of the cooling fan control unit.

Fuse is blown

If the fuse is blown, you cannot operate the AC. The supply of current will be absent. You can check if the fuse is blown or not by opening the hood and check the fuse box. Basically, the low refrigerant pressure in the AC system can blow the fuse.

Trouble shooting the AC system problems

To troubleshoot the problem, you need an AC recharge kit for Mercedes and some tools for repairs.

a. First the AC is turned on, the cooling fans are set to high and the AC is set to lowest temperature. The radiator fan is then checked if it is working or not.

b. You have to check if the clutch is engaging with the compressor by identifying the compressor location.

c. There can be some problem in the refrigerant if the clutch is rapidly engaging and disengaging.

d. You have to charge the AC carefully. Overcharging is dangerous, so be sure that you are not overcharging the AC. Check the pressure too in the AC system. Any leakage from the Ac system can lead to low pressure, so better check for the leaks too.

e. Check the fuse box under the hood to see if the fuse is blown or not. If the fuse is blown, you have to get a new fuse.

f. Another way to know if the fuse is blown or not is to check if the voltage is going to the clutch or not. Then check if the clutch on the compressor is good or defective.

Conclusion

It is not simple at all to diagnose the AC system. So better take the help of a trusted car technician. Basically, the compressor problem mostly arises due to its stuck compressor clutch. If the clutch is stuck to off position, the compressor would not work. The mechanic can repair the clutch to make the compressor work again. Other defective components like cooling fan and the condenser are to be checked and then replaced.

A & M auto serives are a full service automotive repair and maintenance facility serving the Charlotte, Pineville, Matthews, and Ballantyne areas with many years of consistent, high quality, friendly service.