ML320 1998 A/C Problem

[Merzatt]

Originally Posted by NLH

good luck with that one, I had the same exact problem on my '98. It was the flapper box and it cost me like $1200 to have it repaired. The part is pretty expensive and they have to take the whole dash out to get to it.

Sorry to hear that they charged you so much. I heard people paying over $1000 up to $2000 for such A/C actuator repairs. Parts are not the expensive item, it's the labor of removing the whole dash. However, as shown in the instructions posted by 43sqd, this job can be done by removing the instrument panel only, not the whole dash.

[mfarag]

Thank you 43sqd for the detailed information. I will try to test it in the weekend. I will let you know.
Thanx again.

[mlfun]

Originally Posted by Merzatt

Sorry to hear that they charged you so much. I heard people paying over $1000 up to $2000 for such A/C actuator repairs. Parts are not the expensive item, it's the labor of removing the whole dash. However, as shown in the instructions posted by 43sqd, this job can be done by removing the instrument panel only, not the whole dash.

That's great news (can be accessed thru the instrument panel). Wonder if the dealer really
knew this for the 1-2k job.

[43sqd]

Originally Posted by mlfun

That's great news (can be accessed thru the instrument panel). Wonder if the dealer really
knew this for the 1-2k job.

What do you think? They prey on the unwitting.

[ml320judy]

thanks to all of you that replied to my posting (thread), I really appreciate the information and the links, pdf files. I don't know what I would have done without your assistance. I have an appointment with my independent repair shop.

[pcy]

ml320judy, please let us know if your mechanic is able to access the part thru the instrument cluster opening. Thanks in advance.

[nhoj_yelbom]

Originally Posted by MADSLEG

I have OM for 98 ML in PDF file,let me know if you need it.

i could use a copy, i have 99 but im sure there close!!

[mfarag]

I pulled out the radio and climate control, but could not reach anything. I don't think I can reach it from the middle console.

[43sqd]

I think the smart thing to do is when the air changes from cold to hot, leave the truck running, open the hood and look down at the compressor and check to see that the compressor clutch is turning. The compressor clutch is the outer most part on the compressor. When the A/C in engaged that clutch must turn with the pulley. When the A/C in not engaged the clutch does not turn, just the pulley turns. Do you understand?