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Turned the AC on auto (GLE), noticed my radiator fans weren't kicking on like they normally do, then noticed that the clutch wasn't engaged. So far, this is what I have done in terms of troubleshooting:

• Set AC to auto, and front defog/defrost, full cold.
• Checked all fuses (cabin, engine bay), all fuses were good
• Swapped relays between AC, headlights, and fog lights, relays were good as well
• Jumped the terminals for the AC relay, got the clutch to engage.
• Checked the female terminals for the AC relay, got a reading on all the hot terminals (if standing at fender, would be the bottom and right side. I know left side is ground, and the top completes circuit to engage clutch)
• Drove the car hard, parked it, let it idle, and both radiator fans kicked on (fans replaced a year or so ago)
• (2 years ago) Bypassed the IACV coolant lines and disconnected the lines going to the mounts as a preventative measure when the idle started acting erratic. Never got the P0505 code or anything relating to that, so AFAIK, the ECM is fine.

I'm lost. If there isn't enough refrigerant in the system, I read that the clutch won't engage, so that's my next step to check. But, if the clutch won't engage as a fail safe, would that also prevent the fans from kicking on as well?

TIA!

Update: It was the high pressure line on the AC--the fill valve failed over time, which caused a small leak over the winter. This was evidenced by unscrewing the "H" cap, hearing what sounded like a soda bottle opening, and seeing the gasket under the cap being wet. Line replaced, everything working as it should.

 

See if you still have refrigerant by checking the pressure, or you could use UV dye to find the leak if there is one. If theres no leak then your compressor is probably toast, at least thats how it went for me.

 

Thanks man. I have a feeling it's probably a hose as they're looking pretty beat.

So if the car sees that there is no refrigerant, it won't run any of the AC programming including turning on the radiator fans, right?

 

To be completely honest I dont remember. I dont think the fans will kick on unless the compressor does, but im not certain. In any case, dont worry about it, the most direct and easiest way to move forward is to check if you have a leak. If you do, then thats your problem. If you dont, its probably your compressor since it appears you already covered your electronics.

 

Awesome, I appreciate it! Called my local shop, they said pretty much exactly what you said (and to also check the pressure switch as well).