You clarified that the compresser runs for a couple of seconds when the car is started. I wasn't sure about that.
In any case, I finally found one Schrader type valve on the passenger side, pressed it gently and got nothing. Then I pressed it all the way in and there is no coolant it seems.
The A/C was not used all winter so it would seem that the coolant leaked out over that span of time.
I only found one valve but that's O.K. I was able to trace the tubes from the compressor, one seems to go straight back to the firewall and across to the passenger side. The other one seems to first go through a coolant loop in the radiator before going to the firewall and across. Could be the Transmission Coolant loop but this car has so much junk on top of the tubes that I really didn't want to trace them because by then I had found no pressure in the system.
I think I will go to a regular automotive A/C shop, not to MB where I know the costs would be out of this world.
I also note that the Check Engine light is on, although I turned it off yesterday with my autoenginuity test system.
I don't know whether A/C problems would trigger that light, will check later because it is a big process to get the computer to the car and get the connector plugged in, get power to the computer, etc.
I do recall yesterday, when I reset the lights that there were a couple of lights related to traction control that I reset, after downloading the reasons they might be on. No reasons were listed. My software doesn't cover everything in MB products.
Anyhow, regardless of any other problems it's clear that we need A/C service. Just can't wait for that bill.
I'll probably contact the autoenginuity guy to see whether a lack of A/C fluid would trigger the check engine light. Sort of doubt it but if not then I have more work to do.
Thanks,
DAW
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 AT 7:04 PM