Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Procedures






A/C System, Operating After Filling Refrigerant Circuit

Only start engine after refrigerant circuit has been assembled.

If possible start engine only with a filled refrigerant circuit.

Do not start the engine while evacuating the refrigerant circuit or when the circuit is already evacuated (the A/C compressor could be damaged).

The A/C compressor is always driven by the pulley or by the driveshaft (there is no magnetic clutch). To prevent damage when the A/C compressor is idling, it is lubricated by an internal oil circuit.

The compressor has an internal oil circuit to ensure the A/C compressor is not damaged when refrigerant circuit is empty. Prerequisite for the internal lubrication is residual refrigerant oil in A/C compressor.

The engine may only be started when the refrigerant circuit is installed correctly. For example; if the refrigerant lines are not connected to A/C compressor, when the engine is running the A/C compressor may heat up (via internal heat generation) so much that the A/C compressor will be damaged.

A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) is not activated when the refrigerant circuit is empty and the A/C compressor idles with the engine. As there is no refrigerant in the circuit the oil required to lubricate is not fed to the A/C compressor.

All removed parts are installed once again.

The refrigerant circuit is filled.

If it is necessary to start the engine with a discharged refrigerant circuit

Refrigerant circuit must be fully assembled.

There must be no vacuum in the refrigerant circuit.

At least 1/4 of the prescribed refrigerant oil must be in the A/C compressor.

Do not rev engine higher than 2500 rpm.

The engine should only run as long as is absolutely necessary.

Note the following when starting engine for first time after filling refrigerant circuit

- Start engine with the A/C compressor switched off ("Econ" operating mode set, indicator light in AC button does not light up), and wait until engine idle speed has stabilized.

- Open all instrument panel vents.

- Set the temperature preset on the A/C Control Head Climatronic Control Module (J255) to "cold" (for the driver and passenger side).

- Press the AC button to switch on the A/C compressor ("Auto" mode selected and the indicator light in the AC button is on) and let the engine and A/C compressor idle for at least 5 minutes.

Note the information regarding operating the A/C system after filling.