Hello everyone, I just acquired a 2011 C250 with the condition that its air conditioning is inoperative. The system maintains pressure for a maximum of 2 hours until the flashing red AC button reactivates.
The condenser has been replaced, although it still fails to maintain pressure. Utilised a DIY UV refill kit from Amazon to locate the leak; however, I am unable to discern any indications inside the engine compartment utilising the UV light. Given the pace of pressure loss, one would expect significant indications of leakage.
All indications suggest the evaporator region. I am enquiring if there is a method to test for it prior to purchasing a new evaporator and dedicating a weekend to disassembling the dashboard. Salutations
Air conditioning leak in 2011 C250
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mortimerPAS
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I apologise for my inability to provide professional guidance, as I have just had my 2012 C250 for around four months; nonetheless, I am keenly observing the discussion!
You have accomplished notable DIY tasks on your AC system; did you find the condenser replacement challenging?
May I enquire about the cost?
My air conditioning seemed to function well until the recent 31°C heat revealed a flaw: the two passenger-side vents are not emitting air as cool as those on the driver’s side.
I anticipate that a simple regas will resolve the issue; it is scheduled for tomorrow, so I remain optimistic.
Wishing you the best of success in your endeavours!
You have accomplished notable DIY tasks on your AC system; did you find the condenser replacement challenging?
May I enquire about the cost?
My air conditioning seemed to function well until the recent 31°C heat revealed a flaw: the two passenger-side vents are not emitting air as cool as those on the driver’s side.
I anticipate that a simple regas will resolve the issue; it is scheduled for tomorrow, so I remain optimistic.
Wishing you the best of success in your endeavours!
Replacing the condenser included extracting the old unit and inserting the new one with some effort; nonetheless, the primary challenge lies in accessing it. The wheel arch covers and the tray underneath must be removed, along with the bumper, which requires disconnecting the parking sensors. Numerous clips and bolts are involved.
One observation that may have saved me about an hour is that the condenser must be elevated rather than lowered; attempting to force it downward would complicate the process of raising it again. All components situated above the condenser must be removed to facilitate its extraction.
I adhered to a video tutorial on the subject; it is really achievable in around half a day if one has some knowledge. I purchased my Nissens product from Autodoc for around £120.
I hope your situation is only a regas; nevertheless, if it recurs in a few weeks or months, you likely have a leak. The condenser typically incurs the greatest damage from debris during operation; nevertheless, in my situation, it is evidently more extensive.
Upon extensive investigation, it is evident that the automotive air conditioning system is not very complex. The primary components are the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, while the remainder consists mostly of piping; leaks often occur at the joints or inside the condenser.
Best of luck
One observation that may have saved me about an hour is that the condenser must be elevated rather than lowered; attempting to force it downward would complicate the process of raising it again. All components situated above the condenser must be removed to facilitate its extraction.
I adhered to a video tutorial on the subject; it is really achievable in around half a day if one has some knowledge. I purchased my Nissens product from Autodoc for around £120.
I hope your situation is only a regas; nevertheless, if it recurs in a few weeks or months, you likely have a leak. The condenser typically incurs the greatest damage from debris during operation; nevertheless, in my situation, it is evidently more extensive.
Upon extensive investigation, it is evident that the automotive air conditioning system is not very complex. The primary components are the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, while the remainder consists mostly of piping; leaks often occur at the joints or inside the condenser.
Best of luck
Thank you for the comprehensive response! I really believed my days of replacing condensers were over after completing two in recent years—one on a Toyota Celica and another on a Mk8 Honda Civic.
The task was quite simple—removing the bumper was enjoyable, although detaching the bumper off this E250 is intimidating!
Both condensers also needed to be removed, since they were affixed with lower stub-style supports that secured them when lowered—this resembles your description. I believe I own a photograph of the arrangement someplace.
I selected Nissens condensers for both vehicles and had excellent experiences. They operated wonderfully during my ownership of each car, hence I will certainly continue to choose them for future replacements if necessary.
I am now at ProTyre having the system re-gassed. Today constitutes a genuine heatwave; the temperature in the cabin registered at 32°C upon my arrival. During the journey, it took around 10 minutes for the driver's side air conditioning to emit air that was remotely cool. Initially, it was heated, thereafter evolving to a condition that was only tolerable. It is certainly not as chilly or as rapid to cool as my previous vehicles, indicating that something is evidently amiss.
The task was quite simple—removing the bumper was enjoyable, although detaching the bumper off this E250 is intimidating!
Both condensers also needed to be removed, since they were affixed with lower stub-style supports that secured them when lowered—this resembles your description. I believe I own a photograph of the arrangement someplace.
I selected Nissens condensers for both vehicles and had excellent experiences. They operated wonderfully during my ownership of each car, hence I will certainly continue to choose them for future replacements if necessary.
I am now at ProTyre having the system re-gassed. Today constitutes a genuine heatwave; the temperature in the cabin registered at 32°C upon my arrival. During the journey, it took around 10 minutes for the driver's side air conditioning to emit air that was remotely cool. Initially, it was heated, thereafter evolving to a condition that was only tolerable. It is certainly not as chilly or as rapid to cool as my previous vehicles, indicating that something is evidently amiss.
