When your Mercedes-Benz check engine light comes on, it’s a sign that your car has an issue. One of the potential problems could be an air conditioner that’s not working properly.
Resetting your Mercedes air conditioning is easy. You simply push down the defrost and air circulation buttons at the same time. But if you do this and the A/C still fails to function properly, then you may have to perform other diagnoses tests.
The A/C is very crucial, especially during summer when the cabin is very hot and can be unbearable. When your air conditioning keeps blowing hot air, you should perform a rest. Normally, this is a simple diagnosis that you can do on your own. But if it fails to work, you should visit a professional mechanic.
A simple reset
Most people normally rush to the mechanic when the check engine light shows that the A/C has a problem. At times, it can be a temporary fault that you can restore by making a reset on your car’s dashboard. Here is the procedure for resetting your Mercedes A/C or climate control:
Step 1:
To perform a Mercedes-Benz climate control reset, you will start by inserting the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to position “2.” This is the farthest the cylinder will go before starting the engine.
Step 2:
Next, locate the recirculated and defrost air buttons on your car’s dashboard. The defrost button on a Mercedes typically features three lines going through it, while the recirculated button consists of a picture of a car with a curved line in it.
After identifying these two buttons, press and hold the recirculated and defrost air buttons at the same time. You should hold these two buttons between 5 to 10 seconds, or until the LED lights on both buttons begin to flash.
Step 3:
Wait for at least 45 seconds to a minute for the LED lights to cease flashing. After they have stopped flashing turn your car off. Wait for another 1 minute to crank up the engine. You’re good to go and can now test the air conditioning in your car.
If the issue is resolved, you can continue enjoying your ride. But if not, you should take your car to a professional mechanic for a further checkup since the climate control system could have more serious issues than you anticipated.
Other possible reasons why the A/C is not working properly
Bad damper
If your A/C is blowing hot air, then you should inspect the car’s damper. The damper is responsible for the air path that goes into the cabin. If the damper is damaged, then your air conditioning won’t function correctly. Take your car to a mechanic to verify this problem using an advanced diagnostic scan tool.
A blocked or clogged condenser
The work of the condenser is to re-cool hot refrigerant the moment it’s compressed. So, if the condenser is blocked by some sort of debris or dirt on the road, then it won’t cool the refrigerant as needed. As a result, your vehicle’s system will continue to work with overheated refrigerant.
Leaking refrigerant
This is one of the biggest reasons why your A/C may fail to work. A refrigerant leak can come from anywhere, but they are common at A/C unit hose connections. Take your car to a repair shop so that they can seal the leak and stop it from affecting how your A/C functions.
Bad compressor
The compressor is one of the vital parts of an A/C system. It keeps the A/C working at all times, as it’s the reason why the refrigerant circulates through the system. The compressor goes bad due to lack of use. So, you should be using your air conditioning to avoid parts like the compressor from spoiling.
Other options
Other possible reasons for a failing air conditioner are a broken condenser, electrical problems, and bad cooling fans. Set aside at least $300 if you’re visiting a mechanic because of a bad A/C on your Mercedes car.
FAQ about car air conditioning
What are some of the common air conditioning problems?
Having a working A/C is crucial for a cool environment inside the car. A faulty A/C may cause one of the following problems:
- A/C blowing warm air
- A/C blowing hot air
- A/C compressor not engaging
- Compressors turning on/off rapidly
- Lack of pressure or low refrigerant levels in the A/C system
How does the air conditioner work?
The air conditioner works by changing a refrigerant from gas to liquid through a compressor. As it passes through the condenser, fresh air flows via the condenser. This gets rid of the heat formed due to the change from high-pressure changing it from a gas to a liquid.
Next, it moves through an expansion valve where it reverts to a gas. And as it enters the evaporator, fresh air blowing via the evaporator displaces the heat, and cool air is blown into the car. That’s how the air inside the cabin is cooled and the process continues every time you turn on the A/C.
Does turning the A/C on consume a lot of fuel?
It what speeds you’re driving your car. If you’re driving your Benz at highway speeds and have closed windows, less fuel will be used. But if you leave your windows open, they will elevate aerodynamic drag, making the car engine work harder and burn more fuel.
Why is my Mercedes-Benz A/C running but not cooling the cabin?
If your conditioner is working fine but not lowering the temperature inside the car, then you may have to recharge your refrigerant. Aside from recharging the refrigerant, your A/C system may have a refrigerant leak, preventing the A/C from working optimally. Another issue may be fan motor failure.
Save time and money by fixing it yourself
Resetting your Mercedes-Benz air conditioning shouldn’t be a problem. With this step-by-step guide on resetting your Mercedes A/C, you can save some cash that you could have spent at the mechanic. If the reset doesn’t restore your car’s A/C, then you should see a professional mechanic.
Overall, this is an easy fix that you should handle with a lot of ease. The average cost of repairing your vehicle’s A/C is around $230. When you fix the issue by yourself, you will end up saving in excess of $170, depending on what you have to buy.
