Hi. I currently have a problem with my 1997 e320 mercedes. When I turn on the AC I hear a noise behind the center of the dash that sounds like a vacuum leak of some kind and the air blow warm out of all ducts. Underneath the hood it appears the AC compressor is working fine. I think there is some kind of mixing valve that allows hot air from the heater core to mix with the AC air to control the air temperature coming into the car and it must have failed, but I'm not sure. Do you guys have any ideas on what is going on and if you do how to fix it. Also, do yo have any pictures or write-ups on how to remove the dash, thanks.
Hello Mikey and welcome to the forum. Please take a moment to complete your user profile, available via the "User CP" link. Your vehicle year and model and your location are especially helpful.
There are a ton of AC threads in this forum which will help. I don't think it is because the W210 AC system is especially problematic, but rather because all AC systems are problematic as they age and our cars are no exception.
Start by looking at the sticky thread above, with AC in the title. This links to other threads that have been selected for being particularly helpful. Run the diagnostic tests, and get back to us.
like air through a collapsed straw?You need to check your a/c r134a charge.That is the sound of to little fluid to run the system at the pressure needed.Unless you have access to the proper gauges and test equipment,best left up to a shop or a diy'r like Matt L that has all the a/c gear
ohlord
don't keep running it on low r134a to keep testing it,with low cool you also have low lube and high chance of dirt getting in the system,basic science ,nature abhors a vacuum.
There still won't be a vacuum in there due to low refrigerant, so dirt won't be an issue.
However, being even slightly low on refrigerant causes a very sharp drop in oil carrying capacity and you will starve your compressor of oil. That is, take care of the problem as soon as you can.
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