E Class S213 AC woes - dealer says it’s working
Discussion
I’ve a 68 plate E class estate (S213) and a few weeks ago the AC just stopped working.
Fast forward today and I dropped it off at MB to get this fixed. “Software update” they said, so I went to collect it.
It’s a nice day - about 21 degrees. The AC was not blowing cold anything like it (in my opinion) should. I know how it should feel. The AC was clearly doing something, but at best it was blowing cool air.
I argued the toss with the service manager who tried all sorts of film-flam with me (“bar psi of pressure”. Do what?), stick a thermometer down the vent hole - six or seven degrees. I’d sort of expect that if it’s working badly - plus you’ve a venturi effect.
The exposed pipes under the bonnet were not cold and dripping with condensation, they were actually quite warm, with a bit of cold where the unions joined the metal pipes to rubber hose. This was nothing he said. I know exactly how cold these pipes should be when the engine is running an the ac on.
I gave up trying to reason with him - I *know* it’s hardly working. Indeed in the 35 mile drive home I had the climate control set to 17C and the car was not cool, and the fans were running pretty hard to try and get the interior temperature down. The pipe under the bonnet after 35 motorway miles and the AC set at 17C had gone slightly cold, but not condensation cold, just cool. I should have been able to get the interior down to a state where you need a coat without it straining with fans running full blast. At 25C or so it just wouldn’t have coped.
I’m not approaching this from an ignorant standpoint - I’ve fitted plenty of condensers, pressure switches and compressers in my time. I know how cold decent AC should feel. I know how my car used to feel.
Anyone any suggestions how to remedy this - as far as this chap was concerned his little thermometer was gospel along with the alleged pressure reading. Anyone else like to comment on how cold their ac is?
Normally I’d just say “f
k it” and go get it regassed at my own expense but it’s R1234yf and that’s an expensive do.
Oh - another thing - exactly a year ago it was in with the same thing - but had a seal replaced and refilled.
Fast forward today and I dropped it off at MB to get this fixed. “Software update” they said, so I went to collect it.
It’s a nice day - about 21 degrees. The AC was not blowing cold anything like it (in my opinion) should. I know how it should feel. The AC was clearly doing something, but at best it was blowing cool air.
I argued the toss with the service manager who tried all sorts of film-flam with me (“bar psi of pressure”. Do what?), stick a thermometer down the vent hole - six or seven degrees. I’d sort of expect that if it’s working badly - plus you’ve a venturi effect.
The exposed pipes under the bonnet were not cold and dripping with condensation, they were actually quite warm, with a bit of cold where the unions joined the metal pipes to rubber hose. This was nothing he said. I know exactly how cold these pipes should be when the engine is running an the ac on.
I gave up trying to reason with him - I *know* it’s hardly working. Indeed in the 35 mile drive home I had the climate control set to 17C and the car was not cool, and the fans were running pretty hard to try and get the interior temperature down. The pipe under the bonnet after 35 motorway miles and the AC set at 17C had gone slightly cold, but not condensation cold, just cool. I should have been able to get the interior down to a state where you need a coat without it straining with fans running full blast. At 25C or so it just wouldn’t have coped.
I’m not approaching this from an ignorant standpoint - I’ve fitted plenty of condensers, pressure switches and compressers in my time. I know how cold decent AC should feel. I know how my car used to feel.
Anyone any suggestions how to remedy this - as far as this chap was concerned his little thermometer was gospel along with the alleged pressure reading. Anyone else like to comment on how cold their ac is?
Normally I’d just say “f
k it” and go get it regassed at my own expense but it’s R1234yf and that’s an expensive do. Oh - another thing - exactly a year ago it was in with the same thing - but had a seal replaced and refilled.
Edited by Dog Star on Thursday 8th July 21:43
I too am having aircon difficulties.
Two years ago my local main dealer did a pressure test, but could not find the leak so did a re-gas.
Before it failed, occasional whistle sounds were heard, which presumably might be the gas leaking.
Not long after the re-gas more whistles were audible and eventually it failed again.
When the dealer was asked again about the matter, I was told something about they are now under instruction with older cars, to follow some lengthy process which is costly. They suggested an aircon specialist would be best for me.
I have now had it gassed again, so just hoping it works through the summer.
I wondered if your mention of 'it’s R1234yf' is anything to do with new cars having something different from the dealers mention of older cars ?
Software was never mentioned in my case.
Went to my dealer recently on another matter. Noticed far fewer sale cars on display than usual, and the Service Manager told me no sevice loan cars at the moment. Just wondered what might be happening.
R1234yf isn't as good as the old R134, if you have two identical cars, one with the ne gas the other with the old gas the older gas will feel clder.
I would have thought the best place to start was to extract the gas and see what comes out. If the level is correct then move on to something else. Have you been able to compare it to another E Class ?
I would have thought the best place to start was to extract the gas and see what comes out. If the level is correct then move on to something else. Have you been able to compare it to another E Class ?
stevemcs said:
R1234yf isn't as good as the old R134, if you have two identical cars, one with the ne gas the other with the old gas the older gas will feel clder.
I would have thought the best place to start was to extract the gas and see what comes out. If the level is correct then move on to something else. Have you been able to compare it to another E Class ?
The brother in law has an identical aged and spec saloon, next door has an older E250 cabrio and a 69 plate GLE. I’m going to check the lot. I would have thought the best place to start was to extract the gas and see what comes out. If the level is correct then move on to something else. Have you been able to compare it to another E Class ?
It’s working, but it’s nothing like as good as it was before.
I have the AMG E43 Estate version of your car. My air con is cold. If set to 17c, I have to reach for a jumper. So, I would say you do have an issue. Also, 7c at the vents is not adequate and should be about 4-5c when at its coldest setting.
In terms of what to do about it, suggest contacting an automotive ac specialist, as main dealer is clearly bored with your complaint, or don’t actually know how to remedy it.
In terms of what to do about it, suggest contacting an automotive ac specialist, as main dealer is clearly bored with your complaint, or don’t actually know how to remedy it.
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