Fixing both the heater core and the AC

[Jay 535i]

I've got some kind of heater core problem because my windshield is fogging up and I'm getting coolant odour in the cabin.

My A/C also doesn't work at all, though I have no idea why.

Is there any economy of scope by fixing these two items at the same time?

[632 Regal]

did the ac ever work? have you had it charged or checked? if its not the evaporator leaking then you wouldnt need to touch it.

[Jay 535i]

did the ac ever work?.

Not in the time I've known the car, no. Presumably, it did work at some time in the past

have you had it charged or checked?

No, not yet. I'm broke at the moment, but obviously I would want to rule out the easy fixes before I start looking at hard ones.

if its not the evaporator leaking then you wouldnt need to touch it

Touch what, exactly? I really have NO idea why the A/C doesn't work. It just doesn't. The aux fan also does not work, which may or may not be related.

I'm just wondering if I'm going to have easy access to any A/C components while I have the dash apart. If not, then then I'll save the A/C for another day. After a lottery win, perhaps.

[genphreak]

Fans are activated by the AC and the thermo switch- my fan didn't work as the AC gas had dwindled away-or burned out somehow gradually. I just had it regassed and it now works fine on both speeds. No leaks!

I blamed the switch, the resistor, but it was actually that I was too lazy and cheap to regas it. The compressor can jam up due to non-use so you miight as well just get it done anyway. First step would be perhaps to check the switch's operation, then the resistor's connectivity (crumbs one has to pull apart the front of the car just to do that... ), checking it requires pulling brittle clips and connectors, why try fixing (f*#@ing) it when it ain't broke?

I'd be tempted to just regas without doing any of that as it could be fine, just not running due to the gas.

Just my 2c. Nick

[Jay 535i]

I'd be tempted to just regas without doing any of that as it could be fine, just not running due to the gas.

I guess that seems like a reasonably place to start.

My father bought the car from an independent European used car showroom, and the A/C was not working at that time. If it's just a matter of recharging the system, then I'm surprised the dealer didn't do that, as they could've asked more for the car if it'd had working A/C.

I think Bruno has the recharge equipment...

[Paul in NZ]

and once you have it fixed dont forget to run the a/c at least 10 15 minutes a month.......In the winter with the A/C on(and heat of course) It demists the whole car in seconds,even with a slight heater core leak!

[SharkmanBMW]

if it was only recharging, the dealer would surely have done it!

Even the parts that were working when you bought it will likely be f*&ked if the ac has not been running for so long.
I spent a ton redoing my ac.

[pbrennan10]

I changed the evaporator in my W140 benz, about a 3 month job.

If you're having problems with both, i'd suggest changing everything while you're in there. I think it's always a whale of a job just to get to either and they're right close together.

[genphreak]

I guess that seems like a reasonably place to start.

My father bought the car from an independent European used car showroom, and the A/C was not working at that time. If it's just a matter of recharging the system, then I'm surprised the dealer didn't do that, as they could've asked more for the car if it'd had working A/C.

I think Bruno has the recharge equipment...

Oh, I did repalce the drier as well- do they clog up? Maybe that was part of it...

[Jay 535i]

if it was only recharging, the dealer would surely have done it!

Even the parts that were working when you bought it will likely be f*&ked if the ac has not been running for so long.
I spent a ton redoing my ac.

Where do I start? Or should I just take it to an indy and hope for the best?

How ugly can this get?