100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

richard_keller1

Sprinter AC compressor shuts off intermittently

My 2001 Mercedes Sprinter with a gasoline engine has an A/C issue. The compressor shuts off intermittently, and the air conditioning stops cooling. There's an undervoltage error stored. Refrigerant levels are normal, and the belt tensioner looks okay. Could this be the compressor, a faulty AC relay, or relay switch?

4 comment(s)

laraswift1

I had a similar problem with my Sprinter. Check the AC relay before tearing into the compressor. Sometimes a simple relay switch failure can cause the compressor to shut down intermittently. Also, inspect the wiring, especially the ground connections, as a bad ground can cause weird electrical problems. Have you checked the voltage at the A/C compressor when it shuts down?

richard_keller1 (Author)

Thanks, I will check the AC relay and relay switch. Where can I find the AC relay, and how can I test it effectively? Could a failing belt tensioner still cause these symptoms, even if it looks visually okay?

laraswift1

The AC relay should be in the main fuse box, usually under the hood or near the driver's side. The diagram on the fuse box cover should identify it. To test it, you can swap it with another relay of the same type or use a multimeter to check for continuity. Regarding the belt tensioner, it's less likely if it looks okay, but if it's weak, it could cause the belt to slip intermittently, affecting the A/C compressor. Considering the error code, focus on the electrical side first. I took mine to a workshop, and they sorted it out quickly.

richard_keller1 (Author)

I appreciate the information. I focused on the electrical components, and the undervoltage issue was the problem. After replacing a faulty relay switch and fixing some corroded wiring, the A/C compressor now works correctly. The total repair cost was 240€.

Join the discussion now: