haraldjohnson9

Mercedes SL Air Conditioning Problem

My 2005 Mercedes SL, gasoline engine, with 263850 km on the clock, has developed an AC issue. The air conditioning no longer cools, and the system doesn't seem to switch on at all. I suspect a defect in the valves, potentially a refrigerant leak somewhere. I've been diligent with AC maintenance but haven't checked the pressure switch yet. Trying to avoid temperature control problems in summer. I fear the repair cost might be around 1000€. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar. Had a similar cooling system problem with my old BMW. Turned out to be a faulty pressure switch and subsequent refrigerant leak. Did you check the AC compressor clutch engaging?

The compressor clutch... no, I haven't specifically checked that. Where exactly is it located, and what should I be looking for?

It's at the front of the AC compressor. You should see it engage when the AC is switched on. If it isn't, that's your smoking gun. But honestly, with those symptoms and a possible refrigerant leak, it's probably best to get it checked by a workshop. They can pinpoint the exact valve or component that's failed. Like finding a needle in a haystack.

Thanks for the pointer. I'll book it in. Turns out it was indeed a faulty valve and a refrigerant leak, pretty much as suspected. Workshop confirmed the diagnosis and quoted me just under 1000€ for the repair. So, as predicted.

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