Repair And Fix it

Air conditioning was one of the great inventions of the 20th century that most of us take for granted. For granted, that is, until we encounter a hot summer day without electricity or with a malfunctioning vehicle AC system. The Mercedes Benz 2003 E320 air conditioning system, like all vehicle air conditioning systems, has three main components---a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. Its a quick task to locate the condenser.

Instructions

1

Locate the hood release under the dash close to the drivers side door. It is a small level that in located above the emergency brake pedal and below the emergency brake release lever. You may have to feel under the dash for the hood release lever.

2

Pull the hood release lever towards you. You will hear a noise and observe the hood rise slightly when the hood unlocks.

3

Proceed to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood slightly. A grey or black tab will protrude out through the grill. Pull on the tab and open the hood by lifting it.

4

Look down to area at the front of the vehicle behind the location of the grill prior to opening the hood. You are now looking at the radiator and the condenser. The condenser is in front of the radiator.

An air conditioner (AC) condenser has similar functions to that of a radiator. A condenser does to refrigerant what a radiator does to coolant. The condenser and radiator even look similar although the condenser is a bit smaller. Having information on an AC condensers functions can be beneficial to vehicle owners.

Primary Function

The AC compressor changes refrigerant into a pressurized gas form then feeds it into the top of the condenser. The condensers job is to cool the gas and condense it back into liquid refrigerant form for use throughout the AC system.

Debris Collection

AC condensers have another important function as well. Compressors let out debris during the course of their operation. Condensers catch this excess trash coming from the compressor. Because of a condensers low position within an auto AC system, oil is naturally collected by it as well.

Tips

Condensers can get dirty from the trash they collect over time. Replacement is an option even though its not the cheapest. A tip for this issue would be flushing the condenser which can remove debris from the condenser without the need of having to replace it altogether.