I have a 2007 GL450, and I have had ongoing A/C problems since buying it. IF it's hot outside, it can take up to 20 or 30 minutes for cool air to come out of the vents. I have owned many cars, and I have never experienced anything like this. I have mentioned this problem 3 times to the dealer over the last 2 years, and it never gets fixed. Has anyone else experienced this? It's become unbearable to the point where I think I might sell it.
Vehicle: 1999 c230 Kompressor/2004 Porsche Cayenne S
Location: Portland, OR
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I don't have an answer for you but did the dealer even attempt a fix or just tell you, we can't find the problem? It would seem they HAVE to fix this since you're likely under warranty still, no?
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The dealer fixed it last year, but it started up again shortly after. However, it didn't happen consistently and didn't happen when it was at the dealer, so they said it was fine.
I'm about to take it in for the fourth time for this problem, and if they can't fix it, I'm selling it (a shame because I really loved this car). Is this normal for Mercedes SUV's? It's my first Mercedes, and the air conditioning works well in every other car I've had.
The dealer fixed it last year, but it started up again shortly after. However, it didn't happen consistently and didn't happen when it was at the dealer, so they said it was fine.
I'm about to take it in for the fourth time for this problem, and if they can't fix it, I'm selling it (a shame because I really loved this car). Is this normal for Mercedes SUV's? It's my first Mercedes, and the air conditioning works well in every other car I've had.
Well, here's an update. I took the car in April 09 and told them the A/C wasn't working right, and they found no problem. I live in Florida, and my GL 450 is often parked outside. The air typically takes at least 10 minutes to begin blowing cool air, and it will never blow cool air if the car is not being driven (so I can't start the car and let it cool in the driveway so my family can step into a cool car). After 10 minutes in a 90 to 97 degree car, my family is sweating and miserable. Last week, the car didn't blow cool air for over 30 minutes when my husband took it. I went back to the dealership, and they again found nothing. The mechanic told me that the A/C on the 2007 GL 450 just doesn't perform well in Florida heat. He told me to maximize the performance, turn the rear a/c on from the front all the way to 60 degrees. Make sure Max Cool is on all the way to 60 degrees. I have done this, and it is still taking too long to blow cool air. I am at my wits end with this car. No one in my family wants to use it, and the dealer can't seem to fix the problem. I noticed Climate Control got a poor rating for 2007 GL450 in consumer reports, but it got a good rating for 2008. Does anyone have a 2007 GL450 with this problem or is your A/C working well? I'm just not sure what to do. Thanks.
Ask the dealer to let you try the AC on one of the GLs in their lot (same color as yours) that has been sitting in the sun -- see just how long it takes to get cool. Then get the service advisor or mechanic to get in beside with YOUR GL (after it has been sitting in the sun for an hour) and see how long IT takes to get cool. If both times are the same, then perhaps the dealer is right, if not, you have just proved to the dealer that something is amiss.
In one of your earlier posts, you said the dealer had fixed the problem at one time but it didn't stay fixed. They should have records about just what they did the first time. Get them to do again whatever they did the first time.
Their "except here in Florida" argument is BS. Mercedes designs the AC systems to work WELL in ALL parts of the world, including places a lot hotter and wetter that Florida.
Good Luck
Testing a new one on the lot is a good idea. I read that 07 GL450's had problems with climate control and improvements had been made for the 08 and 09 models. The first time the A/C was fixed, the dials were broken and no cool air would come out. I was told that this is a different problem, and that it is the result of the type of A/C system designed for the GL450.
By the way, is anyone able to get cool air out of the A/C if the car is parked? I am unable to ever get the car to cool until it is actually driving? Thanks.
Testing a new one on the lot is a good idea. I read that 07 GL450's had problems with climate control and improvements had been made for the 08 and 09 models. The first time the A/C was fixed, the dials were broken and no cool air would come out. I was told that this is a different problem, and that it is the result of the type of A/C system designed for the GL450.
By the way, is anyone able to get cool air out of the A/C if the car is parked? I am unable to ever get the car to cool until it is actually driving? Thanks.
You're definitely right on track to be upset. I bought my 07 GL450 in Houston and lived there for 2 years with it with absolutely no problems with the A/C. It worked incredibly well, and I guarantee you Houston had the same heat and humidity Florida does.
And yes, it would cool down while parked with the engine running. We also have the infrared glass, so I'm not sure if that made a difference, but I never felt the vehicle took long to cool down. I left it on "auto" and it took care of business.
Don't let up on the dealer. You can also esacalate to MBUSA, and they may step in and fight on your behalf.
With summer finally here in Nebraska, our temps have been approaching 100F+ with extremely high humidity. Despite my pewter GL320CDI being parked on newly resurfaced black asphalt for most of the day, the air conditioner only takes a few minutes to cool down the car....that's from interior and steering wheel being too not to touch.
Make sure both front and rear controls are set to 60 and display MAX COOL. But, I'm sure you already tried that and made sure all the vents were open.
Mercedes tests its vehicles in Death Valley...so Florida shouldn't be a problem, most likley its your dealer.
Some dealers just shouldn't be in business. If your AC doesn't work while sitting still, the engine fan is probably not running. The fan must turn on as soon as the AC is engaged, it is part of engine management.
Park your car in the dealer's lot and go have a coke somewhere. Then come back and ask your favorite person at the dealer to help you turn on the AC. If it doesn't start blowing ice out of the vents in 2 minutes, something is terribly wrong. You don't need to turn the temp to 60F, a normal 76F should be good enough, in auto mode.
If they won't fix it, call MBUSA. Their 800 number is in the owner's manual, or use the info button in the center console.
Get it fixed! For free.
Klaus
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This is a great driver's car, except for the comand center and lack of gauges.
The little gremlins come and go at will.
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