2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER Service Repair Manual

The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components:
²A/C switch on the A/C-heater control panel
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²A/C pressure transducer
²Air temperature sensor
²CAN bus messages
The compressor clutch is de-energized under any of
the following conditions:
²Blocked compressor (thermal fuse in the pulley)
²Low pressure in the system
²Low evaporator temperature
²Hard acceleration (WOT)
²High coolant temperatures
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH AIR GAP
If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are being
used, the air gap between the clutch plate and clutch
pulley must be checked using the following proce-
dure:
(1) Using feeler gauges, measure the air gap
between the clutch plate and the clutch pulley fric-
tion surfaces.
(2) If the air gap is not between 0.5 and 0.9 mm
(0.020 and 0.035 in.), add or subtract shims until the
desired air gap is obtained.
NOTE: The shims may compress after tightening
the compressor shaft bolt. Check the air gap in four
or more places on the clutch plate to verify that theair gap is still correct. Spin the clutch pulley before
making the final air gap check.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the heater-A/C control in the
Recirculation Mode, the A/C button in the on posi-
tion, the blower motor switch in the highest speed
position, and the engine speed at 1500 to 2000 rpm.
This procedure (burnishing) will seat the opposing
friction surfaces and provide a higher compressor
clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, pulley, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the engine wire harness connector
for the compressor clutch coil from the clutch coil
wire harness connector on the top of the compressor.
(4) Disengage the retainer on the engine wire har-
ness compressor clutch coil lead from the bracket on
the top of the compressor.
(5) Remove the bolt that secures the compressor
clutch to the compressor shaft (Fig. 2). If necessary, a
band-type oil filter wrench or strap wrench can be
placed around the clutch plate to aid in bolt removal.
Fig. 1 Compressor Clutch Ð Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY
3 - PULLEY AND BEARING
4 - CLUTCH COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
Fig. 2 Compressor Shaft Bolt and Clutch Plate
1 - COMPRESSOR CLUTCH PLATE
2 - COMPRESSOR SHAFT BOLT
VACONTROLS - FRONT 24 - 9
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(6) Tap the clutch plate lightly with a plastic mal-
let to release it from the splines on the compressor
shaft. Remove the clutch plate and shim(s) from the
compressor shaft (Fig. 3).Be certain not to lose
the shim or shims.
CAUTION: Do not pry between the clutch plate and
the pulley to remove it from the compressor shaft.
Prying may damage the clutch plate.
(7) Using snap ring pliers (Special Tool C-4574 or
equivalent), remove the external snap ring that
secures the compressor clutch pulley to the front of
the compressor, then slide the pulley off of the com-
pressor (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove the screw that secures the clutch coil
wire harness connector bracket and ground clip to
the top of the compressor housing.
(9) Using snap ring pliers (Special Tool C-4574 or
equivalent), remove the external snap ring that
secures the compressor clutch coil to the front of the
compressor, then slide the clutch coil off of the com-
pressor (Fig. 5).
INSPECTION - COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL
Compressor clutch components should always be
inspected closely before they are reinstalled. The
clutch plate and clutch pulley are mated at the fac-
tory using a burnishing operation. No attempt should
be made to separately replace the compressor clutch
pulley or clutch plate. The clutch coil may be serviced
separately.
(1) Examine the friction surfaces of the clutch pul-
ley and the clutch plate for wear. The clutch pulley
and clutch plate should be replaced if there is exces-
sive wear or scoring.
Fig. 3 Clutch Plate And Shim(s)
1 - COMPRESSOR SHAFT
2 - CLUTCH PLATE
3 - CLUTCH PLATE SHIM
Fig. 4 Pulley Snap Ring
1 - SNAP RING
Fig. 5 Clutch Coil Snap Ring
1 - SNAP RING PLIERS
2 - CLUTCH COIL
3 - SNAP RING
4 - COMPRESSOR
24 - 10 CONTROLS - FRONTVA
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(2) Examine the friction surfaces of the clutch pul-
ley and the clutch plate for oil contamination. If the
friction surfaces are oily, the clutch pulley and clutch
plate should be replaced. Also inspect the shaft and
nose area of the compressor for oil. Remove the felt
packing from around the compressor shaft in the
compressor front cover. If the felt is saturated with
oil, the compressor front shaft seal is leaking and the
compressor will also have to be replaced.
(3) Check the clutch pulley bearing for roughness
or excessive leakage of grease. Replace the clutch
pulley and clutch plate if the bearing is faulty.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the dowel pin on the back of the clutch
field coil with the hole in the compressor front cover,
and position the clutch coil onto the compressor. Be
certain that the cluch coil wire harness leads are
properly oriented and routed so that they are not
pinched between the compressor front cover and the
clutch coil.
NOTE: A new snap ring must be used to secure the
clutch coil to the compressor. The bevel side of the
snap ring must face outward.
(2) Using snap ring pliers (Special Tool C-4574 or
equivalent), install the external snap ring that
secures the clutch coil to the front cover of the com-
pressor. The bevel side of the snap ring must be fac-
ing outward and both snap ring eyelets must be
oriented to the right or left of the clutch coil dowel
pin on the compressor. Be certain that the snap ring
is fully and properly seated in the groove.
CAUTION: If the snap ring is not fully seated in the
groove it will vibrate out, resulting in a clutch fail-
ure and severe damage to the compressor front
cover.
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
clutch coil wire harness connector bracket and
ground clip to the top of the compressor housing.
(4) Install the pulley onto the front of the compres-
sor. If necessary, place a block of wood on the friction
surface and tap gently with a hammer (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: Do not mar the friction surfaces of the
pulley.
(5) Using snap ring pliers (Special Tool C-4574 or
equivalent), install the external snap ring (bevel side
facing outward) that secures the clutch pulley to the
front cover of the compressor. Be certain that the
snap ring is properly fully and properly seated in the
groove.(6) If the original clutch plate and clutch pulley
are to be reused, reinstall the original shim(s) on the
compressor shaft against the shoulder. If a new
clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are being used,
install a trial stack of shims 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) thick
on the compressor shaft against the shoulder.
(7) Install the clutch plate onto the compressor
shaft.
(8) Install and tighten the compressor shaft bolt. If
necessary, a band-type oil filter wrench or a strap
wrench can be placed around the clutch plate to aid
in bolt tightening. Tighten the bolt to 17.5 N´m (155
in. lbs.).
NOTE: The shims may compress after tightening
the shaft bolt. Check the air gap in four or more
places to verify the air gap is still correct. Spin the
pulley before performing a final check of the air
gap.
(9) If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are
being installed, the air gap between the clutch plate
and clutch pulley must be checked (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Engage the retainer on the engine wire har-
ness compressor clutch coil take out with the bracket
on the top of the compressor.
Fig. 6 Pulley Assembly Install
1 - PULLEY ASSEMBLY
2 - WOOD BLOCK
VACONTROLS - FRONT 24 - 11
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(11) Reconnect the engine wire harness connector
for the compressor clutch coil to the coil wire harness
connector on the top of the compressor.
(12) Reinstall the serpentine accessory drive belt
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE
BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(14) If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are
being installed, the new clutch components must be
burnished (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
COIL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
The air conditioning compressor clutch coil electri-
cal circuit is controlled by the ATC control module
which is integral to the heater-A/C control. Begin
testing of a suspected compressor clutch coil problem
by performing the ATC Function Test using the
DRBIIItscan tool.
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
This ATC system uses a combination of electrical
and mechanical controls. These controls provide the
vehicle operator with a number of setting options to
help control the climate and comfort within the vehi-
cle.
The A/C-heater control panel is located on the
instrument panel inboard of the steering column and
below the radio (Fig. 7). The A/C-heater control panel
contains a rotary-type temperature control knob, a
rotary-type mode control knob, a thumbwheel-type
blower motor speed control and an air conditioning
compressor push button switch and indicator lamp.
The A/C-heater control panel also features a push
button switch and indicator lamp for the residual
engine heat utilization (REST) function, cabin heater
or the heater booster (as equipped).
The A/C-heater control panel cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
To control the interior temperature, the A/C-heater
control module uses the actual values from the tem-
perature sensors and the CAN bus and compares
them with the nominal value of the temperature con-
trol switch.The A/C-heater control panel is serviced only as
complete unit and cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire control panel unit must be
replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the A/C-
heater control to the instrument panel (Fig. 8).
(4) Pull the A/C-heater control away from the
instrument panel far enough to access the connec-
tions on the back of the control.
(5) Mark and disconnect the two control cables
from the A/C-heater control.
Fig. 7 A/C-Heater Control Panel
24 - 12 CONTROLS - FRONTVA
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(6) Disconnect the two wiring harness connectors
from the A/C-heater control.
(7) If A/C-heater control is to be replaced, remove
the two mounting brackets from the A/C-heater con-
trol.
INSTALLATION
(1) If removed, install the two mounting brackets
to the A/C-heater control.
(2) Connect the two wire harness connectors into
the back of the A/C-heater control.
(3) Connect the two control cables to the A/C-
heater control.
NOTE: Install the control cable of bottom adjust-
ment lever to the front adjustment wheel of theA/C-
heater control.
(4) Position the A/C-heater control into the instru-
ment panel.
(5) Install the two A/C-heater control retaining
screws. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the center bezel onto the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION
The A/C pressure transducer is installed on the liq-
uid line fitting located at the top of the receiver/drier.
A rubber O-ring seals the connection between the
transducer and the fitting. Three terminals within a
molded plastic connector receptacle on the top of the
transducer connect it to the vehicle electrical system
through a wire lead and connector.
The A/C pressure transducer cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The A/C pressure transducer monitors the pres-
sures in the high side of the refrigerant system
through its connection to a fitting on the liquid line.
The transducer will change its internal resistance in
response to the pressures it monitors. The ATC con-
trol module provides a five volt reference signal and
monitors the output voltage of the transducer on the
transducer return circuit to determine refrigerant
pressure. The ATC module is preprogrammed to
respond to this and other sensor inputs by controlling
the operation of the air conditioning compressor
clutch and the auxiliary radiator cooling fan to help
optimize air conditioning system performance and to
protect the system components from damage. The
A/C pressure transducer input to the ATC module
also prevents the A/C compressor clutch from engag-
ing when the ambient temperature is below 0.556É C
(33É F) due to the pressure/temperature relationship
of the refrigerant. The A/C pressure transducer is
diagnosed by performing the ATC Function Test
using the DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diagnos-
tic Procedures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is tested using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures. Before testing the A/C pressure transducer, be
certain that the transducer wire harness connections
are clean of corrosion and properly connected. For
the air conditioning system to operate, an A/C pres-
sure transducer voltage reading between 0.7 and 4.56
volts is required. Voltage outside this range indicate
a low or high refrigerant system pressure condition
to the ATC control module. The control module is
programmed to respond to a low or high refrigerant
system pressure by suppressing operation of the com-
pressor. Refer to the A/C Pressure Transducer Volt-
age chart for the possible condition indicated by the
transducer voltage readings.
Fig. 8 A/C-Heater Control
1 - A/C-HEATER CONTROL
2 - CONTROL CABLE
3 - CONTROL CABLE
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
6 - MOUNTING BRACKET (2)
7 - SCREW (2)
VACONTROLS - FRONT 24 - 13
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)

A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
Voltage Possible Cause
0.0 1. No transducer supply voltage from ATC control module.
2. Shorted transducer circuit.
3. Faulty transducer.
0.150 to 0.450 1. Ambient temperature below 10É C (50É F).
2. Low refrigerant system pressure.
0.451 to 4.519 1. Normal refrigerant system pressure.
4.520 to 4.850 1. High refrigerant system pressure.
5.0 1. Open transducer circuit.
2. Faulty transducer.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
A/C pressure transducer (Fig. 9).
(4) Using an open end wrench, remove the A/C
pressure transducer from the fitting on the liquid
line.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal from the A/C pressure
transducer and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the A/C pressure trans-
ducer.
(2) Using an open end wrench, install and tighten
the A/C pressure transducer into the fitting on the
liquid line. Tighten the transducer to 12 N´m (106 in.
lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the wire harness connector to the
transducer.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
AIR OUTLET TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The air outlet temperature sensor is a two-wire
temperature sensing element that detects the tem-
perature of the air coming out of the heater housing
unit. The sensor is attached to heater housing unit
directly behind the ATC heater-A/C control panel.
The thermistor will change resistance as the temper-
ature changes.
The air outlet temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired, and if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced.
Fig. 9 A/C Pressure Transducer
1 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
3 - O-RING SEAL
4 - LIQUID LINE FITTING
24 - 14 CONTROLS - FRONTVA
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)

OPERATION
The air outlet temperature sensor monitors the
temperature of the air coming out of the heater hous-
ing unit. The sensor will change its internal resis-
tance in response to the temperatures it monitors.
The ATC control module is connected to the sensor
through a sensor ground circuit and a sensor signal
circuit. As the air temperature increases, the resis-
tance of the sensor decreases and the voltage moni-
tored by the module decreases. The module uses this
monitored voltage reading to an indication of the out-
let air temperature. The ATC control module makes
adjustments to maintain the requested interior tem-
perature by cycling both the A/C compressor and
solenoid heater valve on and off.
The air outlet temperature sensor is diagnosed by
performing the ATC Function Test using the DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to Body Diagnostic Procedures.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the heater-A/C control from the instru-
ment panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
air outlet temperature sensor (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove the air outlet temperature sensor from
the heater housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the air outlet temperature sensor onto
the heater housing.
(2) Connect the wire harness connector to the air
outlet temperature sensor.
(3) Install the heater-A/C control into the instru-
ment panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Ambient air temperature is connected to the
instrument cluster through a two-wire harness lead
and connector of the vehicle electrical system. The
instrument cluster sends out a message on the CAN
bus to the ATC control module. The ambient temper-
ature sensor is a variable resistor mounted to the
front licence plate bracket.
The ambient temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable
resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal
sent to it by the instrument cluster. The resistance in
the sensor changes as temperature changes. Based
upon the resistance in the sensor, the instrument
cluster sends the ATC control module a specific volt-
age on the temperature sensor signal circuit, which
is programmed to correspond to a specific tempera-
ture.
The ambient temperature sensor is diagnosed
using the DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diagnos-
tic Procedures.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front license plate bracket (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE
BRACKET - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the ambient temperature sensor from
the front fascia through the access hole in the fascia
(Fig. 11).
Fig. 10 Air Outlet Temperature Sensor
1 - HEATER HOUSING
2 - AIR OUTLET TEMPERATURE SENSOR
VACONTROLS - FRONT 24 - 15
AIR OUTLET TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

(4) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
sensor and remove the sensor from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the wire harness connector to the
ambient temperature sensor.
(2) Install the sensor onto the front fascia through
the access hole in the fascia.
(3) Install the front license plate bracket (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE BRACKET
- INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
This temperature control system uses a blower
motor resistor. The blower motor resistor is mounted
to the top of ventilation housing located in the engine
compartment. The blower motor resistor can be
accessed for service without removing any other com-
ponents.
OPERATION
The blower motor resistor block has multiple resis-
tor wires. Each resistor wire changes the resistance
in the blower motor current path to change the
blower motor speed. The blower motor switch directs
the current through the correct resistor wire to
obtain the selected speed.With the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, voltage for the motor is applied through all
of the resistor wires. Each higher speed selected with
the blower motor switch applies the blower motor
current path through fewer of the resistor wires,
increasing the blower motor speed. When the blower
motor switch is in the highest speed position, the
blower motor resistor is bypassed and the blower
motor circuit receives a direct path to battery volt-
age.
The blower motor resistor block cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
RESISTOR BLOCK
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
blower motor resistor block.
(3) Check for continuity between each of the
blower motor switch input terminals of the resistor
and the resistor output terminal. In each case there
should be continuity. If OK, repair the wire harness
circuits between the blower motor switch and the
blower motor resistor or blower motor as required. If
not OK, replace the faulty blower motor resistor.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Depress resistor block locking tab and remove
resistor block from the ventilation housing by sliding
the resistor block inboard (Fig. 12).
(3) Depress two locking tabs and unplug the wire
harness connector from the blower motor resistor
block.
(4) Remove the blower motor resistor from the
engine compartment.
Fig. 11 Ambient Temperature Sensor
1 - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - FRONT FASCIA
24 - 16 CONTROLS - FRONTVA
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)